Chain plates fastened to hulls or deck fittings

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by rwatson, Feb 13, 2010.

  1. rwatson
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    rwatson Senior Member

    I saw this quote on a boat plan web site -

    "Sail boat chainplates fastened to the hull are rare nowadays"

    I suppose the alternative is a through deck fastening

    Is this a pretty accurate statement these days ?

    What do you feel the implications are for either method ?
     
  2. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
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    Landlubber Senior Member

    yes that is true....many yachts are running plates through the deck, ring framed inside the hull, certainly external chainplates are a thing of the past (sad really as they are the best for long range cruising, easily identified if problems occur and easy to fix)
     
  3. jim lee
    Joined: Feb 2007
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    jim lee Senior Member

    They have been through the deck for years and years. Works well for sheeting in larger headsails for going to weather. Tough to keep 'em from leaking, getting water in core and ruining the decks.

    -jim lee
     
  4. Boston

    Boston Previous Member

    interesting question R
    can't wait to hear what else folks have to say about this
    I like the old school designs but Im all about making the modern improvements
     
  5. The copper guy
    Joined: Feb 2010
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    The copper guy Junior Member

    Fashion Again

    They are always a problem in the older boat but fortunately,
    When you have the furniture apart to repair the water damage it is a simple mater to install external chain plates and eradicate a mager design flaw whilst giving your boat some character,
    Its better all around?:-\
     
  6. AndrewK
    Joined: Mar 2007
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    AndrewK Senior Member

    Composite chain plates are also very common now as they solve the leak problem. Locate them on the hull sides or inboard depending on your rig and sail plan, or your preference. I like them on the hull.
     
  7. Joe Petrich
    Joined: Jun 2008
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    Location: PNW

    Joe Petrich Designer

    Yes. Some of the more modern fast boats have composite chain plates molded into the hull at the deck edge because their headsails are small (no overlap), and are led inside for the best sheeting angle. Inboard chainplates were used extensively during the days of large overlapping genoas because they sheeted aft of the mast. In some cases today it is carried on because it helps keep the side decks clear for fore and aft passage.
     
  8. dskira

    dskira Previous Member

    I like the chain-plate outside and with a channel on the side.
    I like the chain-plates long enough to the waterline almost.
    And always bolted.
    The channel has the advantage to distribute the load to a great length on the outside, by going on several frames.
    It is a very old fashion, but work miracle by lowering the stress on the hull significantly, and the channel spread the shroud more outboard lowering the stress on the mast.
    Also the channel allow to have high bulwark not in the way of the shroud.
    I will don't do on other way to have the best chain-plates, always worked very well.
    I am talking for wood, steel and aluminum vessel. Not fiberglass vessel.
    Daniel
     
  9. TeddyDiver
    Joined: Dec 2007
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    TeddyDiver Gollywobbler

    I have this as a background on my laptop :)
     

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  10. dskira

    dskira Previous Member

    It goes straight to my heart :)

    Daniel
     
  11. Skovian
    Joined: Aug 2008
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    Skovian Junior Member

    Respectfully stolen.

    Cheers
     

  12. Boston

    Boston Previous Member

    So external is best if the head sails are small enough that the sheets run on the inside anyway ?
     
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