I removed the chainplates last spring to check them. One had some pitting, but I didn't think it was too bad. What is your opinion? The chainplates seem pretty oversized. They are 3/8" thick X 20" X 4.5" with 10 1/2" bolts holding them. There is one plate per side for the lowers and intermediates and one plate for the uppers. I filed into some of the pitting and it disappeared pretty quickly.

What do you think?
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Also, did I understand you correctly that the best way to put in the spreader bend is to not prebend the shroud, but to put the bend fitting on the spreader end and simply tighten down the shroud while ensuring the spreader doesn't move up or down?

Frank,

You need to ask yourself the following question -

Assuming that a suitable frame and gear was available that loaded each chainplate equally, would I be happy to lift my boat on the athwartships chainplates?

If there is any doubt- replace your chainplates and bolts, easy to do at the dock...bloody hard to do halfway across an ocean.

They may have been sized correctly and installed right when the boat was built, but time and salt water take their tolls.

I think that pitting is a reason to replace.

Like-for-like will be fine, just make sure it IS like-for-like, see multiple threads re chainplates on here.


Spreader bends on Navtec rod need to be pre-bent in the correct position and plane and to the correct angle prior to installing. Otherwise you just get a thick walled tube loose around the rod and ready to slip.

Joe.

It depends
 

Hi again,
Pitting is a relative term, and a little would not be a major worry. But what looks like a little to you might actually be a lot. Go to this page: http://marinesurvey.com/yacht/corrosion_1.htm, and scroll to the bottom to see intraganular corrosion radiating out from small surface pits. From your photo, I'd have to say that your chainplate is more like this than you would like. You have classic, hidden-in-the-deck crevice corrosion.
At least you know how to get them out. For that matter, you actually cared enough about the rig to take them out. We just need to calibrate your eyes.
As for the rod noodles, I've bent them in place with no problems, but it is a finicky process. Get precise measurements, and you can get the bends done for you.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss