rebedding chainplates

[Hayden Watson]

I have removed the chainplates from my 1988 Catalina 30 for inspection. What is the recommended way to reinstall and seal them? I have the Butyl tape from Main Sail and can use that if it is suitable. I am concerned that it might not be a proper way to install because it will not be under compression. The installation consists of an oversized slot through the deck with a tight fitting cover plate over it.
Any thoughts?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Ours are somewhat different, but butyl tape is a great material to use.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7265.0.html

 

[Joe Dunn]

I have a 34' 1979 Sabre with similar style chain plates. What we did was the hole down through the deck we cleaned ,prepped and used a thickend epoxy to fill the edges of the hole. So the opening exposed no wood or voids. we then reinserted the chainplates and bolted. Then used butyl tape to fill any void areas. I then reinstalled the flanges on the topside. I keep checking the chain plates every now and then to insure there are no voids. If there is I add some to maintain water tightness. The purpose of the epoxy was to keep water from infiltrating into the deck. This way water will go down into the cabin and I know to go up and add some butyl tape. We started this about 3 years ago and seems to be working.

 

[Blitz]

As Joe said you'll need to seal up the deck core around the penetration into the deck with solid thickened epoxy. Then take the butyl tape and push it down in the space between the chain plate and the deck. Use a small screwdriver or paint scraper to get it all around. Then put a small bead around the chain plate at deck level and compress by screwing down your top plate. Clean any oozing butyl tape and then you should be good to go.

Good luck