H27 tm chainplates?

[dakno]

I recently adopted a 1981 h27 that my father in law has had since new. It has always been in fresh water till I brought it down to the gulf coast this year, The boat is in amazing condition ( the origional 8-trac is still there and works). I have gone thru everything on boat. The only thing I have nightmares about are chainplates, they are sandwiched between the inner and outer hulls, and as far as i can tell are not able to be inspected without major surgery. Does anyone out there have any thoughts on this? Should I just keep my fingers crossed? Out of sight, out of mind?

 

[David in Sandusky]

On our '77 h27

The shrouds connect to u-bolts that are secured through the toerail with washers and nuts inside the cabin. They share this space with the nuts/bolts that hold the toerail to the hull. By working around the edge of the liner in the main cabin, in the cupboards in the head, and behind the liner in the v-berth, I can reach almost all of the nuts, including those on the u-bolts.

I don't think this approach is as strong as the chain plates I have seen on larger boats (like the h30 of the same vintage), but they certainly seem plenty strong for this design. I have not heard a failure report on this site, or anywhere else. In any case, I can get at then for inspection.

Of course, Hunter may have changed the layout between '77 and '81, but I doubt it.

You'll love this great cruising boat!

 

[Manny]

Ditto on what David said. My 1980 also has u-bolts all around except for the forestay - that has a beefy chainplate. It's easy to reach the bolts from underneath the liner. These are tough little boats.
You have an 8 track onboard???

Manny