Encapsulation/bonding Ti-6Al-4V internal chainplates

[robhenders]

Installing new chainplate anchors on a Passport 51 with internal chainplates that are encapsulated into the hull. The originals were bonded in the hull with primary bonding as the hull was built out on layup. The hull is from 1983 so it was a polyester mat/roving integration of the original SS304 anchors into the hull.

I noted that the builder (Wagner Stevens Passport Yachts) mentioned using a vinyl ester buildup of mat/roving --as vinyl esters are less prone to moisture intrusion--, but I do not believe this is the best thing to do because I am relying on a secondary bonding more so than the primary bonding.

In the case of secondary bonding, wouldn't an epoxy resin with bi-axial stitched cloth be the better solution --as an epoxy rein is more tenacious than a vinyl ester-- and a stitched glass is best for strength?

The new anchors are sandblasted grade 5 titanium plates, and the new chainplate system uses a two-part chainplate, with the anchor and 'top' getting attached using special 'clevis' (shoulder) bolts. Google 'China Doll Chainplate Project' to find links to project pictures on Picasa.

Feliz Navidad!

-Rob.