External Chainplates

Jan 4, 2015
3
Catalina 30 MK1 Lahave River
Hello all, Ive read a post recently where someone mentioned replacing the chainplates on their 30 with external through hull bolted chainplates. Is this a common mod? Is it considered stronger? I know I need to rebed the chainplates on my 30 and it seems that the eternal ones would be much less prone to leaking....
 
Oct 29, 2014
38
catalina 30 MKII DCYC
Sorry I couldn't resist.

Welcome Peters Wet. We have an 87 MKII. I must say that I like the internal ones better, as it is a slicker look. Going external would involve new rigging I would guess as you would be moving them out, so they would have to be longer.

My opinion since we have owned ours is to re-do/repair things. The previous owner had "fixed" or glooped some such silicone here and there and that will only last so long.

Removing and re-bedding from the inside and out would be the way I would go.

Regards,
Nels
 
Jan 6, 2010
1,520
Peters,

Replacing/repairing/re-welding chainplates is one thing. Moving them out to the hull is another. I am assuming you are talking about the uppers. Is this also your plan for the lowers? My boat's lowers are inside cabinets or in harder to get to places.

Here are my thoughts on this:

I've had to repair/replace mine as my boat is a 1980 MK II. Age is a factor.

Then I pictured having shrouds on the hull side & pictured how would that impact ease of fore/back movement on deck. I pictured having to duck under the shroud back-n-forth when working the deck & bow now that the shroud is outboard. My older boat has a rather narrow deck for walking forward. You may have more foot room than I.

I then thought of the hull attachment & what would have to be done to reinforce the fiberglass hull & fabricate the chainplate & interior backing plate.

There will always be re-bed issues over time so, you need ask yourself, "Is it really worth the effort & is what I may gain worth it?"

Just my opinion pal.

CR