Chain Plate Attachment

[thomm225]

I'm looking at a couple boats (an Ericson 35 and an Endeavour 35) where the the chainplates are attached to the bulkheads.

Is this just the way newer boats are built? (newer as in the 1980's) I always think about if the bulkhead comes loose as has happened on some models.

The chainplates on my present boat, a Bristol 27, are attached to the hull itself.

[Terra Nova]

Attaching the chainplates to bulkheads is a proper method.

[Matt Johnson]

It allows the NA to bring the shrouds inboard and obtain a tighter sheeting angle.

[boatpoker]

In older boats with this construction method, the bulkheads are sometimes weakened as the plate has provided a direct path for water to the plywood. Beware of water stains around the plates and tap firmly to ensure the plywood under the veneer is sound.

[thomm225]

Okay. Thanks for the replies.

I'll be having a surveyor check over everything. I was just wondering.

I haven't heard of bulkhead problems with the Ericson, and I know the chainplates get loaded up pretty good because they race those boats quite a bit (or used to) and they run rather large spinnakers.

1984 Ericson Mk III Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[JibGirl]

Oh - what Boatpoker said a thousand times over.

We bought an S2, and were promised up and down the signs of water intrusion to the bulkheads had been dealt with.

It had not.

We drilled in to the bulkheads (post purchase, clearly) and MUD and water came flowing out. The ply had completely disintegrated. So we're just finishing up the starboard bulkhead replacement this week. Port was done first.

Not the end of the world, but's its delayed getting the boat wet by about a month. Really common issue, it seems. Google Bulkhead replacement some time.