I know that chain plates are not a new topic, but I don't find any reference to chain plate failure. Granted the backing plates rust a bit but has anyone witnessed stainless steel crevice corrosion to the point that the chain plates themselves must be replaced. I don't relish the thought of removing the chain plates especially from the outside. Our boat, Tarna, was Awlgripped prior to our purchasing the boat so I don't know whether the paint job was performed to hid the rust stains. Has anyone removed the covering plates from the deck to see if crevice corrosion has started at the deck level? Tarna was one of the last Challengers built so I would assume that if some of the earlier boats had not had problems, that Tarna would be a safe bet, at least for our first season with her. Thanks
Chain Plate Failure
- Thread starter bartc3
- Start date
I've removed one chain plate, replaced the backing plate and pulled the deck covers. I've not seen any problems and I don't recall anyone ever losing a chainplate. If you go into the search, there are some photos of removal of the backing plates. The backing plates serve as threads for the bolts that hold the chain plate to the fiberglass hat frames. Even if the backing plates rust out completely, the chain plate would likely stay in place (you'd probably see it creeping out of the deck) for some time and wouldn't pull out instantly(unless the bolts fell out). The hat frame is the anchor for the chainplate.
The backing plate I removed, while rusty(they're mild steel, a mistake made at Hallmatic that Alden wasn't aware of), was still doing it's job. I get some rust staining in the area of the shrouds and plan to replace more but I'm not concerned from a safety standpoint, it's annoying to see the rust. I paint the hull(roll and tip) every 3 years or so which covers the rust until next time.
The backing plate I removed, while rusty(they're mild steel, a mistake made at Hallmatic that Alden wasn't aware of), was still doing it's job. I get some rust staining in the area of the shrouds and plan to replace more but I'm not concerned from a safety standpoint, it's annoying to see the rust. I paint the hull(roll and tip) every 3 years or so which covers the rust until next time.
Thanks for the response, Tom. When you removed the chain plate, was there any evidence of crevice corrosion in the stainless. Usually in such locations, if there is to be a failure, it would be right at deck level where the water gets in and creates a cell where corrosion starts. If there is no evidence of pitting there, then all is well.
There was none I recall and I reused that plate. If you open an area to expose one either by removing some ceiling or other trim, you'll be able to see where the chain plate goes through the deck(as well as get a look from above by removing the cover plate. This will also show you the Hatframe fiberglass structural build.
Hows your new boat looking for far?
Hows your new boat looking for far?