After years of sailing as crew I bought my first boat this year and am facing, for the first time, many of the maintance issues which more experienced boat owners have mastered. This week's problem is a leak that has developed around a chain plate. I think the previous owner encountered this based on the copious smearing of some kind of gray gunk around the chain plate covers. My questions are: 1) Is there any special trick to getting the cover around the chain plate to come off? 2) How can I clean up the gray "stuff" to make a neater looking job? 3) Has experience shown that any particular sealant is superior to any other? (I say this after looking at the many choices available at my local BoatUS store). Any/all advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Leaking Chain Plate Blues
- Thread starter Clementine
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what i do
i have two blades that are designed for a wood plane. they are about 2 inches wide with a gradual slope on the sharp side. these can be placed flat on the deck, with the sharp side up against the plate. then tap on the end to wedge it underneath. the sharp part of the blade will cut the old caulking. you may need to use a piece of wood to tap with so you do not scratch the deck. also, you may need to work both sides alternately. if you try to use a screw driver to pry it up, you will crack the gelcoat. i always use boatlife caulk. it is expensive but worth it. do not use 5200 or it will never come off.
i have two blades that are designed for a wood plane. they are about 2 inches wide with a gradual slope on the sharp side. these can be placed flat on the deck, with the sharp side up against the plate. then tap on the end to wedge it underneath. the sharp part of the blade will cut the old caulking. you may need to use a piece of wood to tap with so you do not scratch the deck. also, you may need to work both sides alternately. if you try to use a screw driver to pry it up, you will crack the gelcoat. i always use boatlife caulk. it is expensive but worth it. do not use 5200 or it will never come off.
Did this weekend
1. tape top threads of turnbuckle to remember where to tighten back to 2. remove cotter pins in turnbucle and clevis pin at base of shackle 3. loosen turnbuckle to move shroud off pin 4. unscrew philips head screws holding down plate 5. remove existing caulk with putty knife 6. clean area with acetone 7. rebed with polysulfite caulk like boat life 8. put back together and tighten turnbuckle
1. tape top threads of turnbuckle to remember where to tighten back to 2. remove cotter pins in turnbucle and clevis pin at base of shackle 3. loosen turnbuckle to move shroud off pin 4. unscrew philips head screws holding down plate 5. remove existing caulk with putty knife 6. clean area with acetone 7. rebed with polysulfite caulk like boat life 8. put back together and tighten turnbuckle
Use the Association's Sites, too
John, In case you aren't aware, in ADDITION TO THIS GREAT WEBSITE, there are associations of groups representing different sized Catalina boats that have all gone through the issues you face. Try the www.catalina36.org and the link. Great boat, fair winds, Stu
John, In case you aren't aware, in ADDITION TO THIS GREAT WEBSITE, there are associations of groups representing different sized Catalina boats that have all gone through the issues you face. Try the www.catalina36.org and the link. Great boat, fair winds, Stu
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