Chainplate Covers

[Southern Gales]

Where can our chainplates be purchased?

[Stef]

The covers, or the chainplates themselves? In either case, if you have the old one take to a local machine shop. Tell them you want the material to be 304 stainless steel.

[Southern Gales]

Chainplate cover is what I'm looking for. I just made a new port chainplate for under $30 because the previous owner had the chainplate cover welded to the chainplate
I would rather not fabricate the chainplate cover due to the small slot that needs to be milled or cut. A good fabrication approach would be to make the slot before cutting the part off of the raw bar stock, but buying one would be easier. I also thought about making it out of aluminum but would rather stick with the #304 SS. I will continue to check around for one that is pre-made out of 304 before I attempt to make one myself.

[FEVER]

Chris,
Could you expand a bit on why it would be better to cut the slot first, on the end of a bar?

Secondly, have you considered having one made on a 3D printer? I know a guy who "prints" metal parts.
Or even resin. I don't see how the strength of stainless was ever needed on the cover plate.
Would a change in material or process be a rules problem?

Sid #415

[Stef]

I think the cover does nothing more than hold the sealant.

If I would make them, probably laser cut a bunch. This would give you a nice square corner on the inside slot.

We had hull 264 (I think) that had the same setup, cover welded to chain plate. I thought it was kind of strange. You would need to remove the entire bar in order to re-seal. Boat was purchased from Boston's in Sarnia, so they may know more if there are some advantages or disadvantages.

[Southern Gales]

Chris,
Could you expand a bit on why it would be better to cut the slot first, on the end of a bar?

Sid #415

This would allow more material to hold on to while cutting the slot which comes in handy, especially if performing the slot cut with drill motors and hand-held tools

[Southern Gales]

I think the cover does nothing more than hold the sealant.
We had hull 264 (I think) that had the same setup, cover welded to chain plate. I thought it was kind of strange. You would need to remove the entire bar in order to re-seal. Boat was purchased from Boston's in Sarnia, so they may know more if there are some advantages or disadvantages.

The portside was the only one with the welded cover, which leads me to believe it was not OEM. Having a separate cover allows it to be removed to the bedding can be inspected. The welded version can trap moisture.

[Southern Gales]

Thanks Stef. I purchased a raw #316 Stainless bar from a local metal shop and made a new chain plate. Total cost was $35