Chain Plate U-Bolts

[Miker]

I recall talking to some one at the Sailaway early last year about the chainplate U-Bolts and that they knew of someone who had replaced, or knew where to get replacements.

So far, mine look OK on the outside, but there is sign of rust on the nuts, and so I'll need to get to replacing them soon.

Also, if anyone can recommend a rigger in Pittwater, and knows roughly how much for a replacement, I'd appreciate any info.

Anyone?

Michael.

[Shaun]

Gday Mike,
I had the same problem on Blue Moon, so I removed the U bolts (i dont have any shrouds connected to them), & found that the actual U bolt/(chainplate?) was actually in very good condition but the nuts were extremely corroded( I could completely destroy one of the corroded nuts with my fingers), I simply replaced the nuts. & re-installed the U bolts.
Maybe your bolts will also be ok too??
cheers
Shaun

[Tales]

Michael,

I removed one of the 'U' bolts last month as it had a bit of a drip during really rainy weather.

It was in perfect condition.

The flat plate on top of the deck had some minor corrosion on the underside which was easily cleaned off and the nuts were a bit discoloured.

Gave the whole lot a good clean an refitted with Sikaflex. I did not tighten the nuts fully until after I fitted and tensioned the shrouds again just incase it moved and damaged the sealant after it had set.

While I had the fitting out I measured the deck thickness as I have been planning the fitting of bigger backing plates. It was 23mm thick! Very confidence inspiring.

All the best,

Tom

[Miker]

Shaun, Tom, that's inspiring.....

So I'll have a darn good look at them all the next time I'm aboard.

The reason I asked is that the guys at Careel Bay Marina wouldn't go up the mast, to change the windex, because I couldn't tell them how old the rig was. They ended up using another yacht's mast somehow.

So if I can guarantee the chainplates, the standing rig will be a lot cheaper to replace when I get saved up.

Happy days!
Michael

[storm petrel]

The U bolt chainplates on Storm Petrel were replaced with custom made, heavy duty(made from 3/8th stainless plate) fittings when the standing rigging was replaced in 2006. I still have all the old U bolt style fittings at home and none of them show any serious corrosion. Not bad after 30 years.......