Two friends and I bought a 1979 27' Catalina tall rig in October this year. Hull in great shape as it was just stripped and painted before we purchased it. The chainplates were a problem area as discovered by the surveyor. The bulkhead to which the chainplates were attached were dry-rotted quite badly, and subsequent repair work showed that there was NEVER any packing applied where the chainplates go thru the deck! Amazing! No wonder the bulkhead (made of 1/2" plywood) rotted. I can only speak of knowledge about chainplate installation on the previously mentioned Catalina, but assume most other vessels must be quite similar. Anyway, the boatyard--one of high reputation and knowledge---- and we thought very reasonable on the hours required (20)---- proposed the following repair procedure. This was, of course, approved by the surveyor prior to the go-ahead by we owners. The surveyor is a REAL NITPICKER too. A carpenter sawed out the rotted wood sections and kerfed in new 1/2" plywood. On a Catalina 27 this area is the rear "wall" of the head on the starboard side and the rear "wall" of the closet compartment on the port side. A template was made and then two pieces of 1/8" aluminum plating were fitted to the contour of the cabin/head/closet and overhead "walls" on each appropriate side. The carpenter did an excellent job of fitting these pieces of aluminum to the exact (and I mean exact) contour of these areas. He will finish the areas off by scruffing up the aluminum, and then painting a matching color to the stain on the bulkhead areas worked upon. These aluminum plates were secured to the bulkheads with stainless steel bolts and nuts (packed to prevent differential metalic action) and the extra 1/8" width made no difference when reinstalling and bolting the chainplates into their original holes. There is enuf play in the deck opening to allow this. Naturally, the deck areas will be stuffed with packing this time around. So, that's essentially the whole story. Now, ya wanna know the cost estimate? Well it was estimated at $1400 labor and materials, with materials being about $350.00 . No, we don't have the invoice yet, but the yard foreman said it is right on target. So, again, check your chainplates and stuffing. I'd hate to hear any of you losing your rigging in a big blow. I've been in enough of them to know the terrific stress and strain on rigging. If you have any questions plug 'em in the Catalina site, or e-mail me at: jwhuhta@yahoo.com Here's to great sailing to all of you. Jim Huhta, Sr.