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Headstay chainplate

B

bschnur

Barry Schnur
I got some second-hand information the other day regarding
potential problems with Morgan's method of attaching headstay
chainplates to the 38X. The "potential" problem is the
possibility of electrolysis between stainless bolts and the heavy
aluminum plate glassed into the stem, into which the bolts are
tapped. These are the stainless bolts which secures the headstay
chainplate to the stem. I've removed one of the bolts, but it's
hard to see what's going on down inside the fiberglass at the
stem. The one bolt I pulled was very well sealed with some kind
of marine goop, which should eliminate electrolysis.
I've never before heard of any issues with this area, thus it's
probably a non-issue, but wonder if anyone else could shed a
little light on the question.
 
The second hand information was not accurate. There are large stainless nuts on the bolt ends in the stemhead fitting, not tapped aluminum plate as reported.
 
<div>Jim
I was under full sail on my Morgan 30, and beating into a 15 K wind. The headstay let go at the deck and I, to this day don't know why I didn't lose my mast. The aluminum fitting weakened, I don't know why, and broke. I replaced the whole unit with a s/steel fitting backed underneath the bow point with a s/steel plate and s/steel bolts. I imagine that if this happened on my 30 it could happen on my 38 and other Morgan designs. I continue to inspect the chain plates regulary. I think I will go do it again tomorrow.Capt Bob E
Evening Star
Morgan 38
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