[Public-list] Chainplate sealing

[richard.hazlegrove at wachovia.com]

I think Mike Lehman stated it well,  sealing the chainplates is not among 
the design problems on the A-30 that needs to be re-engineered.  I would 
however recommend an inexpensive and attractive upgrade by using the 
Schaffer chainplate covers.  I installed these on all the chainplates 
about seven years ago and have been very pleased with the results.  They 
give the deck a very finished look, and protect and contain the sealant 
where it attaches to the chainplate.  They also have a slight rise where 
the chainplate passes through.  This allows the sealant more surface area 
to attach to the chainplate and also helps keep water from standing on the 
sealant.  Mine held for five years before needing to be resealed.  The job 
 took less than two hours and the cost of a tube of 3M 4200.  That puts it 
pretty far down my list of A-30 "design problems".

Richard Hazlegrove
Quest  #433
Mobjack Bay, VA.