Chainplate Replacement (Islander 40)
Regarding Chainplates:If the bulkheads are rotting, you must replace them lest you want to experience a lack of torsional rigidity. You can scarf a new piece in or replace the whole damn thing.If not rotting, but not taped to the hull stringer, tape it using foam and 3 layers of epoxy wetted glass 17 oz Knytex or similar is what I used.If you are still uncertain, attach new chainplates to the stringer (fabricate longer plates). Chainplates on my boat were a combination of Aluminum and Stainless which led to corrosion, I replaced them after a dismasting with all 316 stainless at a cost of $450 US in 1998. Today I would fabricate Carbon chainplates going overboard on the stength specifications so that I would not have to do it again.If there are any rust stains on your chainplates you should vigorously clean it to find the crack that is waiting to cause your next dismasting.Good luck.