Just replaced chainplates

[bwindrope]

For anyone else out there considering the inspection or replacing of their chainplates, I just took the leap and did this myself. I did a post on my blog if anyone is interested, and would be happy to elaborate if there are any questions. A straightforward project, for sure, and yet one that gives enormous peace of mind.

Stories of Aeolus- Our Gulf 32 Pilothouse: New Chainplates!

And FWIW, I should say here that I do not make any $ on my blog. It exists purely for informational and family purposes.

[CalebD]

So shiny! So new!
Glad to see that your chain plates are fastened on the outside surface of a knee wall or bulkhead. Assuming the knee wall or bulkhead is solid you should have more faith in your rig.
On my old boat the chain plates are glassed into a knee wall and once moisture gets in there even the stainless steel bolts rust. When I replace mine it will be with the chain plates mounted outside as yours are.

[bwindrope]

Good point. I've seen posts by people with glassed in chainplates and it just seems dreadful. Anything you can't visually inspect is a recipe for problems. The bulkheads on the Gulf 32 are about 1/2" teak and are bolted around the hull into a lip of glass that was formed for the purpose. This allows me to check the condition of the bolts, and the wood, around these areas.

When I tension my shrouds down you can hear the bulkheads creek just a bit, sort of adjusting to the forces on them. I have absolutely no concern whatsoever about the integrity or ultimate strength of the bulkhead portion of the system, and so that is a good thing.

Good luck with your plates when you tackle them!