Chain plate sealing - 26S

[Chris & Lenore]

Hello again,I've searched the forum for advice on chain plate sealing and found lots of ideas.Basically, I see caulking the outside with 5200 as well as drilling out the rivets on the cover plate, caulaking and rebedding the cover (have heard of installing threaded pop-rivet inserts as well as just plaun screws).Obviously, just caulking is the easiest - does it work well if recaulked every year?The 92 M26S we purchased has never had any additional caulking at the chain plates - they as they left the factory. It did have a few leaks though...ThanksChris

 

[Justin_NSA]

yeah, but it looks like crap

Mine were in the same condition. You can load on more caulk but at some point you should do it right. I did mine a month or so ago. Here are some before and after pics

 

[Rusty20702]

Nice Job!

My PO had covered the chain plates with silicone. I had fun getting all of that off. I followed the instuctions I found in one of Don Casey's books and mine looked like your 'after' picture. No leaks.

 

[tgreen111]

Polysulfide

I recommend using polysulfide (LifeCaulk) over silicone or 5200. It seals better than silicone and is much easier to remove (use acetone) than 5200 when it's time to redo the job in a few years, IMHO.

 

[Greg]

Just remember

Just remember, most of the re caulking jobs that leak are because the seal the caulk is supposed to make can be broke by too much movement of the chain plate. Your job will be much more water tight if you step your mast and tighten your shrouds, before you caulk. 4200 is more flexable, and comes off easier when it's time to recaulk. A well bedded (caulked) chain plate can go for years without leaking.

 

[Chris & Lenore]

Good idea!

Stepping the mast...Unfortunately, I just finished using a "modified Dave" and 4200.The modification is in using ss screws vs the "pump nuts" (couldn't find the latter - got some funny looks when I asked too).If they start to leak, I'll rebed with the mast up.Thanks for all the suggestions. So far, one major rain storm and NO WATER inside. Much better than the 20 gallons from a two day deluge while on the trailer. Most of that was hull/deck joint - which is also fixed.The goal is to be able to use the underseat storage without having to put everything in plastic containers.We'll see how that goes...Chris

 

[Steve Paul]

macgregor sailors page

Chris,Good stuff. Go to the Macgregor sailors page and look at all the mods there. I've seen pretty nice drawer and box mods under the cabin seats that are for storage. Using some of the right size containers can keep your stuff dry and make it easier to find. I was pretty impressed with some of these ideas.steve p.