Chain Plates and Mast Tangs - Replace Both?

[montenido]

Hi all,

I might be the new owner of an older boat that will probably need new chain plates. Wouldn't it be wise to replace the mast tangs at the same time? Has anybody done this? I searched, but didn't see any mention of the mast end of things being replaced.

Thanks, Bill

[barnakiel]

Hi Bill,

Go google out the Navtec freebie for rigging hardware life (Navtec Rigging Service pdf free ebook download from kansascitysailing.com)).

You do not have to apply their opinions but it is sure good to know them.

Generally, if it is an older boat (how much older exactly?) then she has probably had all fittings replaced at least once. Unless she is a marina queen and that's the use you have planned for her.

Chainplates can last well. If they look OK you may consider pulling one out and inspecting for corrosion. Much depends on how much inspection you can do while they are in.

Cheers,
b.

[Jim Cate]

The primary cause of chain plate failure is crevice corrosion where water gets trapped at the deck penetration or behind the plate if it is external. Tangs should be free of this specific problem for obvious reasons. So, if visual inspection shows no cracks or elongated holes, I wouldn't bother replacing them. YMMV.

Cheers,

Jim

[FloridaWriter]

The issue with tangs is that the upper ends of the shrouds are often not toggled so the fittings are not aligned with the tang angles. This can elongate the clevis pin hole. Inspection should find any fittings that need toggling and those should be replaced, and the fittings toggled properly.

Good luck

[sww914]

My mast tangs were in great shape but I had to replace the chain plates due to crevice corrosion.