New Chain Plates

[DJW]

We are looking to change out our Chain Plates. We are going from a glassed in to an exterior type of plate using the old plates as backing plates. What is the best type of stainless 306 etc? Any thoughts on using Monail (spelling?) Our fresh water cooling system is made out of monail and the inside looks as good today as when the boat was launched 31 years ago. Our current plates are 5/16" thick and 2" wide. The current plates are showing no signs of cracking, pitting etc buy my son is insisting that we change them. They have not been changed in 15 years that we know of and possibly never. The boat was built by a Boeing Engineer and he used only the best material such as the monail cooling system, aircraft circuit breakers for the 12 volt system etc. Any thoughts would be helpfull.

 

[DJW]

Monel

The proper spelling is Monel, which is a nickel and copper alloy.

 

[RichH]

Monel is good; but, ......

... there is a lot of poor quality metal on the market these days.Monel is difficult metal to cast and is subject to many 'irregularities' in its grain structure that can affect strength. That said, consider to spend a few ¢ more per pound and get mill certification documents for the 'heat number'. I'd so the same for any stainless grade, unless I knew exactly where it came from. 316 is still the standard material; but, is vulnerable to fatigue .... good idea to change those plates often or vastly beef up the cross-section and then put a mirror polish on it !!!!

 

[DJW]

Monel is not Cheap

The salesman from Integris Metal call back today with the cost. 3/8"thick by 2"wide by 24" long 8 of them for $97.00 each plus shipping. Waiting to hear back on my Stainless cost.