Ed,

The reason that I removed and replaced the chain plates on "Augustine" was that I had the mast down after an accident in 2004 that stressed the rigging. I was replacing the standing rigging from the deck up at that time. I was also doing some work on the mast. I removed the chain plates to inspect them and also to inspect the bulkheads where they attach, since evident corrosion on the chain plates and the bolts demonstrated that long-term leaks were probable. I did add some cloth and epoxy to the bulkheads and sealed the top of the bulkheads, which was originally raw plywood. I also epoxied the boltholes and then re-drilled them. In any case, there were some deck voids in the area of the chain plates. These were repaired. I filled the old slots with epoxy and cut new ones such that the slots are line with epoxy. If leaks occur in the future, the water will not penetrate the deck laminate.

Inspection of the chain plates and the fact that the bronze bolts snapped off when I tried to remove them led me to the decision to have new chain plates made of 316 stainless steel. I had two professionals inspect the plates and they both advised me to replace the plates. Other than the fabrication of the six chain plates and six new plate covers by Aquarius, there were no labor expenses. I did all of the deck and bulkhead repairs, and installed the new plates. The expense (other than plate fabrication and polishing) amounted to the money that I spent for a small quantity of epoxy, some fiberglass cloth, some new bolts, and a can of paint.

With the variable strain on these through-deck chain plates, leaks are simply going to occur from time to time. Removal and re-bedding of the plate covers is a must every so often. Since I really didn’t want to use an adhesive caulk like 4200 on the plate covers, I used a polysulfide caulk. The plate covers will be easy to remove and clean when it comes time.

I do know about the proliferation of Ariels on L dock. Actually, I have been out sailing on "Skates." I walk or ride by L dock every week or so, and I usually scan the dock for Ariel owners. I have not seen you down on the dock since your return. If I do, I will drop by to say hello. Please fell free to do so on W dock where I hang out…or come for a sail on Augustine sometime. I could use some speed-maximization pointers.