<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">John,<BR>
I do not believe the stem plate to be the issue. The problem begins at about the point of the port chock. I looked hard but saw no cracks or other ddamage which might have arisen from a hard contact of any sort.<BR>
What does the sheer clamp look like, what is it made of? How does it clamp to hold the hull to the deck? <BR>
I have gotten many worthwhile answers, and will post an e-mail after I have completed the repairs. It will be spring as it is very cold and wet here now and will probably remain so till Feb.<BR>
<BR>
Ralph</FONT></HTML>