[Public-List] Public-List Digest, Vol 3193, Issue 2

[Stephen Gwyn via Public-List]

Hi,

I just pulled, cleaned and rebedded half my shroud chainplates (the three
on the starboard side). It took about 5 hours. Everything was very wet. But
all the metal was all rust-free and the wood was unstained and quite hard
when I poked it with a knife. The chain plate for the upper shroud was
quite damp, but as far as I can make out, it was damp with salt water from
the last time I had the rail underwater. Lots of shiny crystals. Probably
too salty for rot.  I used 3M4000 (polyether). Much better handling and
much faster cure time than Boatlife polysulfide. We'll see how long it
lasts.  I gave the port chainplates a hard look and they appear much the
same.

My impression of the fibreglass/wood knees for the lower shrouds is that
the wood is just there as a spacer. The strength is all in the fibreglass.

SG