possible chain plate corrosion

jones · Landlubber Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 6

after a round trip trans Atlantic crossing and finally cleaning the boat up, brighten the teak and wax the hull, i noticed a slight bulge on the stringer just in front of the forward lower stay on the starboard side. i don't want to cut into the glass unless i absolutely have to, but i don't know what else could cause the bulge except the chain plate is separating from the hull layer.
any ideas out there?

Bob s/v Saretta's Dream

warmrain · Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 4:56 pm Post subject:

Bob, I sort of remember Saretta's Dream is a HC33T (it is nice to include these details in your signature so ppl know)...?

Have you resolved this issue?

~Cars

jones · Landlubber Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 6

Steve, you are correct, Saretta's Dream is a 33, built in 85, i am the second owner and purchased her 9 months after her commisioning. I haven't resolved the bulge issue, primarily because i don't believe it to be critical. I do not think i would lose the mast or put the boat at risk should the chain plate actually separate, so i have decided to leave well enough alone. if my reasoning is not sound i would appreciate hearing from you. And thanks for taking the time to respond.
Bob

warmrain · Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:57 pm Post subject:

I bulge there could be blistering? Or rust? It is hard to say...

You don't mention which stay it is, and I don't know if they are tied together in a grid or not.

I think about this sometimes and I consider that the 48 is built the same way and using the same wire (except all is 3/8" not just the uppers). Considering the forces involved on the 48... and those on our 33s... then also consider the number of wires holding the mast up there... With the cutter rig there are the additional 3.

If there was a non-destructive way to investigate it I would, otherwise I think I'd just monitor the situation...

~Cars