The existing chainplates on my E29 need replacement due to corrosion, and are glassed into the hull interior. Each side is basically a sideways ' E' design with the horizontal backbone of the 'E' glassed to the hull and the three protrusions of the 'E' being the chainplates themselves, which are welded to the backbone.
I am planning to go exterior with new plates, and would use the existing chainplate horizontal bar as a backing plate. The new chainplate mounted exterior to the hull would require:
1) removing the rubrail, grinding down the flange at the points of intersetion, patching those areas with epoxy and tape, and smoothing and fairing the patches.
2) drilling holes thru the hull and the existing horizontal bar to mount the new plates.
3) notching out the rubrail at the points of intersection.
4) cutting out old chainplates and patching the deck.
5) reassembling everything with the new plates in place.
I have included illustrations of the existing chainplate design and the proposed new design. I have discussed this with a couple of riggers and fabricators (including the company which fabricates chainplates for all new Pacific Seacraft/Ericson Yachts). The feedback I have recieved is very positive, and this type of modification has been done on other E29s by professional yards and riggers with excellent results. There are concerns though, and the biggest one is a significant departure from the original structural design of the boat. I feel, however, that the significant loads will still be carried by the original glassed in bar due to the thru-bolted design of the new plates. The other concern is the genoa car will lose about 1 foot of forward travel along the track since the exterior plates for the aft lowers intersect the track this distance from the track's forward end.
I am interested in anyone's opinion regarding improvements to the proposed design, as well as the strengths/weaknesses of it.
I am planning to go exterior with new plates, and would use the existing chainplate horizontal bar as a backing plate. The new chainplate mounted exterior to the hull would require:
1) removing the rubrail, grinding down the flange at the points of intersetion, patching those areas with epoxy and tape, and smoothing and fairing the patches.
2) drilling holes thru the hull and the existing horizontal bar to mount the new plates.
3) notching out the rubrail at the points of intersection.
4) cutting out old chainplates and patching the deck.
5) reassembling everything with the new plates in place.
I have included illustrations of the existing chainplate design and the proposed new design. I have discussed this with a couple of riggers and fabricators (including the company which fabricates chainplates for all new Pacific Seacraft/Ericson Yachts). The feedback I have recieved is very positive, and this type of modification has been done on other E29s by professional yards and riggers with excellent results. There are concerns though, and the biggest one is a significant departure from the original structural design of the boat. I feel, however, that the significant loads will still be carried by the original glassed in bar due to the thru-bolted design of the new plates. The other concern is the genoa car will lose about 1 foot of forward travel along the track since the exterior plates for the aft lowers intersect the track this distance from the track's forward end.
I am interested in anyone's opinion regarding improvements to the proposed design, as well as the strengths/weaknesses of it.