[Public-list] Re: Public-list Digest, Vol 503, Issue 2

[Dan Sternglass]

public-list-request at alberg30.org wrote:

Dan,

I replaced the 1/4" bolts, which, in retrospect, were even weaker than I 
had suspected becasue they are threaded to the very top like machine 
screws (maybe they -were- screws, I can't recall). 2 or 3 were bent 
significantly, including (I clearly remember) one on the backstay and 
one on the Stbd upper shroud. I replaced them all with 5/16" shanked 
bolts. Had a local machine shop drill out the holes in the chainplates, 
except fopr the Bow chainplate -- I drilled for 4 additioinal 5/16" 
bolts with it in place. Use an 'elastomeric caulk' on the thru-deck 
openings when you replace them, and check for rot around the attach 
points, since those locations are leak-prone.

I agree with you that in this case "if it ain't broke, fix it before it 
breaks." I've had the boat 20 years, and only got around to this 5-6 
years ago, but I felt pretty good when it was done.

Good luck, it's not such a big job, but some of the spots are tight to 
reach...

--Dan Sternglass
dans at stmktg.com
Watcher of the Skies, 1966, #201, Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY

> dan walker wrote:
>
>> i know everyone recommends increasing the size of the hardware
>> attaching the chainplates to the bulkheads, but has there ever been a
>> documented failure.?i was staring at mine and they "appear" fine, but
>> of course i cannot see what is in the wood.
>>
>> also, a pretty good squeeze for a fat guy like me in the hanging
>> locker. oh yeah, i am also re learning the old saying, if it aint
>> broke dont fix it
>> dan
>> rascal 145
>