Move Chainplates Outboard?

[Tim]

I own a 1971 Ericson 29. It is overall in very good shape and am interested in upgrading, cleaning up and bringing back to new condition.On this model the chainplates are mounted internally, sealed inside the hull. I understand that installed in this format if any water has gotten inside the chain plates can rot. Given the critical nature of this component this concerns me.Instead of x-raying them to determine their condition I thought I would instead just move them outboard. I would place them in exactly the same fore/aft position just move them outside the hull and through bolt them.I think there are advantages to this. New chainplates strongly mounted to the hull. Easy to inspect and also increases the angle of the shrouds a litte.Thoughts??

 

[Gord May]

Don't move chainplates

Tim worries that: " if any water has gotten inside, the chain plates can rot."Moving the chain plates will not stop any rot (the chainplates themselves don't generally rot) that has already begun, just another new potential vulnerability.It's not a good idea to move the chain plates, and not easy to do. You'd have to create some sophoisticated & strong new structure to carry the loads. Not easy.FWIW,Gord