Chainplates, Bowsprits, Deck Core and Varnish
Chainplates
The situation is 3 cracked chainplates, and a few more yet to be removed and inspected. The cracks in SS are very small and the untrained eye will skip right over them. Round holes are better then square ones. I like the idea of round holes, but not hex heads on the outside of my hull. Would like to find pics of that.
The bobstay chainplate is glassed in… no bolts at all. I’ll be grinding fiberglass soon to remove it. To re-engineer this piece or not? I’ve been exploring options and researching how other boats tackle this fitting. I like the idea of two separate straps bolted to the hull. Quotes for 2 new chainplates vary from $105 each (304 SS) to $175 each (316 SS).
The Bowsprit
Rosie and Darrah came up to help me remove the sprit. Should make the glue joint repair a little easier, as well as painting and varnishing. Douglas Fir Laminated. The top section has been sun beaten I guess, and the glue has failed. So far seems OK a few inches down. I’m planning to rout out the seam and glue in a strip of Doug Fir.
Deck core repairs
The aft cowl vent hole has been epoxied such that no plywood core is exposed. I routed out about .5″ as well as around the screw holes, and filled it all with epoxy. I think this is a nice solution to exposed core. I hope it lasts and performs as expected. I will be doing this with a few other screw and bolt holes as time goes on.
Varnish
Felt good to lay down some varnish. I am doing only the most necessary varnish work now. Which means the boomkin, rudder and bowsprit. The other on deck varnish will be done post launch. I’ve used Epifanes Matte on the boomkin and rudder cheeks to begin building coats. First coat well thinned with Penetrol and brushing thinner.
Nice to see varnish … Just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your updates.
Have you considered TIG welding the stainless steel chainplates? (although unless you have a few other welding touch-ups you might find it cheaper to purchase new?)
Felt good to lay down some pipe. I am doing it with his boomkin and my cheeks. First time well lubed with Penetratol and him brushing my hair….
Hey Rich,
I’m happier replacing chainplates. Everyone I’ve spoken to has advised against welding. If money was no option, I’d replace them all now… but I’ll do a few at a time to ease the pain.
Glad your still enjoying the ride – going to keep a better log, now that things are moving along faster.
Hi Ben,,,, sorry to see the rust on the ss bobstay chainplate,,,, to me this indicates that salt water leaked into and around the chainplate f/g envelope.
Another BCC owner had problems with his lower bobstay chainplate, too,,,, he sent it in to the factory,,,, I saw it on the table, in the office, back in 1998.
Bad design to “pot” ss, as the books, say !
Glad to see you making good decisions on your boat !
Douglas