Catalina chain plates

[barrym2]

So I am reading about Catalina 34 chain plates and what a lot of good information. My question is simple really but a little information first. I understand about chain plate oxidation etc .in stainless steel. I also understand about deck rot and preventing that be resealing every few years.

So what we have is a chain plate under the deck and bolts on the top with over size washers on them.

So now the question: Why can't we replace the washers with a flat stainless plate on the top surface, covering the two holes needed to bolt the chain plate, and bigger than/ or the same size, as the under deck plate. It seems to me that this when sealed with a ton of sealant will spread the load on the deck and acting as a giant washer? I understand that one needs to seal the bolt holes etc.

In a case like this one would not seal the underneath as if they leak you want to know about it.

What are the thoughts out there...and I have read the threads on this issue with resealing and remaking the holes etc.

Thanks in advance

 

[Scotty C-M]

I assume that you have looked at the information on the Catalina 34 International Association website. There are several threads there on bedding the chainplates. Also there is a thread about a "new" style of top plate similar to what you describe. It makes for very interesting reading.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Since the fender washers cover the thru bolts, and the chainplates themselves ahve their own albeit small covers, what's the advantage of adding more metal on the top to cover nothing but the deck?

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7265.0.html

And Scotty's right, there was some discussion about an idea a C36 skipper had. I never found any merit in it.

Something this specific to C34s would also be helpful to post on the C34 forum. Nice to see you here, too.

 

[barrym2]

More on the through bolt washers

Since the fender washers cover the thru bolts, and the chainplates themselves ahve their own albeit small covers, what's the advantage of adding more metal on the top to cover nothing but the deck?

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7265.0.html

And Scotty's right, there was some discussion about an idea a C36 skipper had. I never found any merit in it.

Something this specific to C34s would also be helpful to post on the C34 forum. Nice to see you here, too.

My thinking on the plate was to not only seal but to spread the load on the deck. We have a small compression on the deck and the plate would replace the washers and eliminate the local point compression, Still it might be rot which will need to be dealt with. I don't think these plates have ever been serviced so it is well past time on a 87 boat.