Chainplate tierod pulled out

[Don Collette]

The starboard-side chainplate tierod (end) support plate is rusted out. This caused the chainplate tierod to pull out of its support plate, and raised the (deck) chainplate approx. 1/4". Has anyone had to replace this tierod plate? What is the best method and how do you get at them?

 

[Bob]

Tierod chainplate

I have a 1985 H34. My stbd tierod has a small amount of play in it, and after reading your post I am a little anxious. How did you know it it was rusted? I have the diagram from the owners manual and I thought that the angle beam was aluminum and is glassed in. I will be following this very closely!Thanks,Bob (bobh@sigusa.com)

 

[Don Collette]

Rusted support plate

In repsonse to Bob's question regarding the rust, we encountered this problem yesterday while sailing under heavy wind (25knts) putting stress on the starboard shrouds. Heard a sound like a gun shot, and immediately turned upwind, knowing something was wrong. The chainplate gave way approx. 1/4" above the deck. The stainless rod in the cabin was pulled up from the teak cabinet, behind the table. Checking behind the cushions and in storage areas beneath the table, I could see the plate that the tierod was supposed to be anchored into. IT WAS GONE. All rusted. We have a 1983 H34, that was just purchased this past October. Obviously this was missed in the survey. Checking the port side, same situation. Will be tougher to access, as water tank is on that side. Seems the plate was made of zinc-plated steel, not aluminum as your is. I know for sure, I will have to cut some access holes to later be fitted with inspection ports. As for any other advice, I'm hoping to get some from the readers.

 

[Clyde Lichtenwalner]

Outside access

This is an unusual problem. I have been inspecting these plates for some time on my '83, and can't say that I have noticed corrosion. Yours is the first problem of this type that I have heard reported on this forum, however it seems to me that when Jim Bohart (of Hunter at the time) contributed here there was a discussion of performing this repair from the outside. That is, cut into the hull from the outside, replace the plate (with stainless) and repair the resulting hole from the outside. It saves removing furniture (on both sides) and having to repair the stringers. The resulting holes can be repaired as good as new. You may be able to get some technical assistance from Hunter on this one.

 

[Ted]

Thought...

Gang, Also just bought an '83 H34 late last year... surveyor inspected the area we're discussing now, & told me about the way these plates are glassed in to hold the tie rods... recommended purchasing a liquid from Fawcett's & dripping it down the tie rod so that it would saturate the plate & reduce or eliminate corrosion.. I believe he called the stuff "Osphos" or something like that... will have to check the Fawcett's catalog... Know this doesn't help with the repairs, but something to think about for those whose plates haven't yielded "yet"! Cheers & good luck to us all!....