Chainplate Islands

[T37-NewDay]

Last weekend I molded little epoxy 'islands' around four shroud chainplates to make them more waterproof as a recent article by Don Casey explained. I buttered the chainplates with car wax, held them in with only two bolts each so I could wiggle them a bit while the epoxy cured, then left. I will return next week to see the result.

IF the wax fails and the chainplates are potted to the deck, is that a disaster? I mean, if the varying shroud tension moves all of the chainplate, deck and bulkhead together rather than the chainplate slipping a little through the deck as usual, will something break?

Anxious in Narragansett

[Gabrielle37]

I would be interested in the article that you referenced by Casey. Where could I find it.

I am going through a chainplate replacement right now and realize that the bedding is critical. Your approach may be something that I will want to do as well.

Thanks
Jeff

[Mimsy]

My husband did this on our boat, though he didn't use car wax. I'll ask him what he used when he gets back from the boat tonight. Let me see if I can find a photo for you...
http://theceolmors.blogspot.com/2010...hainplate.html

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Gabrielle37

I would be interested in the article that you referenced by Casey. Where could I find it...

See ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...nds-23798.html

And ➥ http://www.goodoldboat.com/reader_se...ne%29&start=25

[Mimsy]

Ok, he used Scotch tape of all things. You should be good with the wax but if you find it didn't work, there is always the blow torch.

[Mark Johnson]

Originally Posted by T37-NewDay

Last weekend I molded little epoxy 'islands' around four shroud chainplates to make them more waterproof as a recent article by Don Casey explained. I buttered the chainplates with car wax, held them in with only two bolts each so I could wiggle them a bit while the epoxy cured, then left. I will return next week to see the result.

IF the wax fails and the chainplates are potted to the deck, is that a disaster? I mean, if the varying shroud tension moves all of the chainplate, deck and bulkhead together rather than the chainplate slipping a little through the deck as usual, will something break?

Anxious in Narragansett

Wow, that beats me! You would never pot chainplates in epoxy, OR put wax on them in an area that you later want to have a waterproof seal.

I have a number of these. I glued down a phenolic sheet = "Micarta" moat around the chainplate, and filled the 5/16" wide and 1/4" tall space with a 3-M UV resistant caulk. I cut into it and replace it every few years. This gives with expansion if necessary, and keeps the salt & water out.

BTW... if you ever need a "mold release" to prevent epoxy from sticking, I use 3-M 471 blue PLASTIC tape. (NAPA or Car Quest) Epoxy doesn't stick, and when you pull the tape, there is no residue.

Mark