Bronze Chainplates

[pbeck]

I'm in the process of replacing the original SS chainplates on my Herreshoff ketch; which bronze is suitable for making new chainplates? I am down to deciding between aluminum bronze and silicon; would either be more appropriate than the other? It seems like from research silicon is much more easily worked, but aluminum bronze is stronger? Thanks for any info

[Douglas]

Ahoy ,,,, their should be a heap of info on this subject in the Spar Talk archives , for you to read.

L & L , cast aluminium nickel bronze for their Hess Cutter Seraffyn .

I have used silicon bronze chain plates , quite successfully on my BCC , for many years , now .

[pelorus32]

Either should be fine if appropriately sized. Nickel Aluminium Bronze is tough to work and it is also more difficult that silicon bronze to cast. It you are casting and your foundry is not used to AB2 then it's better to use silicon bronze.

Having said that AB2 or any of the other NiAl bronzes are wonderful metals and great to use. Just sticky to work.