Chain Plates

[Jay Knight]

I have a Pacific Seacraft Orion 27 and am still in the midst of a Katrina induced refit. I plan to replace the chainplates because of some light corrosion and was wondering if bronze strap stock wouild make a serviceable chainplate. I think the original SS plates are 3/16 and I have quite a lot of fine bronze 1/4 stock. Has anybody seen a chart of "equivilant" strengths to compair SS to bronze?
Thanks
Jay Knight
Orion 33

[delmarrey]

Which type of bronze do you have??

If you don't know I wouldn't risk it. Some bronze is soft, some hard, some brittle. You need to know first!

[CSY Man]

I would go with the stuff the designer specified.

Did the same on my boat, 3/16 SS, then had the new plates electro-polished.
The results were good and the price for making 9 chainplates, plus 3 backing plates, including welding and drilling was $750.00 USD. (4 years ago)

Lots of work, but I sleep better when sailing in storms....

[Jay Knight]

Thanks, I agree, I'll call PSC and see if they can supply them if not local fabrication.
Jay