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Old 10-10-2006
FrankLanger FrankLanger is offline
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As far as I know, the only way to inspect chainplates is to undo the shroud/turnbuckle (ensuring you have the mast stabilized with a halyard, etc.), undoing the bolts in the cabin below, and lifting the chainplate out through the deck. I think any corrosion usually occurs where it goes through the deck, where if there is a leak, the core gets wet and the lack of oxygen there promotes corrosion. It is not enough to inspect just above and just below the deck, as it can be badly corroded where it goes through the deck, without if showing anywhere else. Once inspected carefully, perhaps even with some dye to show small cracks, you can reinstall it and rebed it at the same time, to ensure it stays dry.
Hope that helps.
Frank
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