Hunter 23 chain plates

[Bill Leathen]

Within the last month, two ODay 25 boats on Lake Onalaska, have been de-masted when one their chain plates tore out in a strong wind. In both cases the plywood that the chain plate attaches to was roted. I know the owners of these boats and they were well maintained, but apparantly the teak covering the bulkhead in that area coverd up the roted wood until it was too late. A look at the ODay website indicates that this may not be unusual. My question for you all is; Do I need to worry about the same thing on my Hunter 23? I can look at the plywood my chain plates and everything looks fine. Does anyone know if there is a history of chain plate problems on Hunter 23's?
Thanks,
Bill Leathen

 

[Ed Schenck]

Have been hanging around here for over ten years and do not recall any H23 chainplate problems. Did you try "Search"? You say that you can see where the chainplates are bolted. Same is true on my H37C. Some solid tapping with a ballpeen hammer should tell you if the plywood is solid. If there is any doubt then you could strengthen the bulkhead with a little cloth and epoxy.

What is more common on most boats is that the chainplate fails. A lot of Hunters, mine included, do not have a straight pull from the shroud to chainplate. This puts a lot of stress on the metal.

 

[Bill Leathen]

Thanks Ed,
Tapping with a hammer is pretty basic, but I had not thought to do that. Thanks for the comments.

 

[SamLust]

If the metal chain plate comes through the deck and attaches to the plywood bulkhead there is a real potential for rot if water is allowed to drip in. The accepted test is a knife blade pushed into the wood. If it goes in you gots problems. On my 1983 Hunter 33 the chain plates connect to fiberglass knees which are covered with wood trim. If the trim rots I'll loose rig tune but won't likely loose the rig.