Chain plate problems?

[pander1203]

I just had my 1988 Crealock 37 surveyed for insurance purposes. The surveyor was concerned about rust stains where the thru-hull bolts contacted the chain plates on the outside of the hull. Is anyone aware of chain plate problems on the Crealock 37? I've always thought the chain plate design was a feature of the boat.


Pete Anderson
Synergy

[amarinesurveyor]

Can you see them from the inside? If not you should try to remove whatever cabinetry is in the way, so you can inspect them. If they go through the deck (I assume they do), that area is espescially susceptible to corrosion and cracking. Chain plates don't necessarily last forever, and they should be inspected periodically, when the boat gets older.
Brian

[pander1203]

They do not go through the deck. They are flush with the outside of the hull and are bolted to the hull. The bolts are not visible from inside the boat. Attached is a diagram of the design.

[pander1203]

I did the upload of the chain plate design, but it didn't appear with the posting.

[pander1203]

Here's another try at the .jpg for the chain plate design.

[niftynickers]

Hi Pete,
Yes the chainplates on our 37's are external and yes they can be subject to crevice corrosion and fatigue.Your boat like mine is older than 20 yrs and they probably should be replaced or at the very least removed and inspected.Im replacing all the chainplates on NiftyNickers this year,dont forget the stern and bow chainplates also,probably the most important.
Chuck

[pander1203]

Hi Chuck,

Are you getting the new ones from Pacific Seacraft, or having them locally made? Have you been able to expose the bolts/nuts on the inside of the hull? Thanks.

Pete

[MC1]

Not sure about the 37, but on the 34 the bolts/nuts on the inside are covered only with carpet material and are located within one of the interior cabinets. I'd think cutting the carpet material away with a box knife would easily expose the backing plates and hardware. Fore and aft, the interior hardware is painted over. If they are mounted similar to the backing plates for the winches, looks like they were installed with generous amounts of 3M 5200, so you may need to slice through that under the backing plate with a wire guitar string or similar after you get the nuts off.

[niftynickers]

Pete,
I havent yet decided where I will get the rplmnt chainplates.My boat is still in the water and the rplmnt will be a winter or spring project when the mast is down.The bolts on the starboard side are fairly accessible behind some teak slats and in the head but the port side will be a bit harder with the hanging locker blocking access.Let me know where you get yours and Ill do the same.
Chuck

[pander1203]

Chuck,
I'll have a rigging inspection next week, and do an extensive exam of the chain plates. I'll take action based on the results.

Pete