Information on chainplate for lower shroud on O 28

[JoeR]

I am refurbishing my newly bought 1985 O28 and have determined that the "chainplate" attached to the deck for the starboard lower shroud needs to be serviced to cure a leak there. How is the fitting attached? It isn't connected to a bulkhead nor a navtec rod like the upper shroud. Is it just imbedded into the deck and relies simply on the strength of the fiberglass decking for its strength?Any information would be appreciated.

 

[Paul Mieszczenski]

That's the way it works

Joe, You are correct. The forward lower shrouds attach to a fitting that is embedded in the deck. I haven't had the problem yet, but I hope all you need to do is remove the coverplate; clean up the area; then rebed with your favorite sealant. When my deck is wet and the light is right, I can see about a 4"x4" square outline around the fitting. I hope it is an alumimum backing plate, but if it is plywood and yours has rotted you have a project on your hands. Keep us posted, PM

 

[Seekswind]

It is Aluminum

The backing in the deck is I believe aluminum. I just recently purchased a 85 28 myself. During the survie, I was there and the moisture meter went through the roof. The surveyor mentioned he was sure it was because of the backing. He went below into the head and was able to determine that it was that. So one way to check if yours has it is to use a moisture meter. If it goes crazy then chance are you have the same backing plate. Then as mentioned before you would just have to rebed it.

 

[JoeR]

Thanks for the responses

Thanks for the responses. I had a moisture meter test the deck, coachroof and cockpit sole. One of the places where the meter registered was at the port lower shroud chainplate deck fitting. I more recently did the cabin pressurized test brushing soapy water around all fittings and there appeared to be no leaking at that point so I'm assuming the moisture meter was mainly affected by the metal plate. It appears to be a metal plate imbedded into the deck and, from what you've told me, it is probably aluminum. I'm going to remove the metal cover plate and redo the cabin pressurized test and look carefully for leaks there.