Wanderlust
New Member
We've recently replaced our standing rigging after a dismasting off the southern coast of Dominica. The failure that caused the dismasting was in the bolts securing the top plates to the chainplates through the deck. The bolts securing the port cap shroud all broke about 1/3rd of the way up the head of the bolt (above the threads) and our mast broke just above the spreaders. What I'm looking for is a method of bedding the chainplates that prevents interior leaks and moisture intrusion to the head of bolt, but also allows easy inspection of the bolts and chainplates on a regular basis.
I currently use 3M 4000 to bed the chainplates which has prevented any interior leaks, but seems to have allowed water intrusion at the head of the bolts and is a pain to inspect. I'm considering cutting sturdy gasket material for the deckplate and then wrapping the head of bolts with butyl tape, which makes for easy inspection, but I lose the strength of the adhesive.
Does anyone have a method they consider "best practice" for bedding Morgan's somewhat unique chainplate design? Any input is welcome
I currently use 3M 4000 to bed the chainplates which has prevented any interior leaks, but seems to have allowed water intrusion at the head of the bolts and is a pain to inspect. I'm considering cutting sturdy gasket material for the deckplate and then wrapping the head of bolts with butyl tape, which makes for easy inspection, but I lose the strength of the adhesive.
Does anyone have a method they consider "best practice" for bedding Morgan's somewhat unique chainplate design? Any input is welcome