Chain Plate hole repairs

[stephandjaysail365]

Hello all,

We are still new to the world of boat repairs and we could use some help. We currently have dropped our masts and are in the midst of cleaning and repairing the chain plates and holes. Ive attached some pictures.

1. Does the Fiberglass underneath the chainplates need to be repaired? If so, what is the recommended approach?
2. In regards to the top of the holes, should we sand down and apply filler?


Any other comments or suggestions? appreciate the help.

[jpendoley]

I don't believe those chainplate knees are significntly weakened by what looks like some abrasion.  You could fair them with a mix of west system epoxy and west system 404 filler to smooth them out where they were abraded.  I don't think you need to do anything with the holes except ensure the holes on your new chain plates align with the old ones perfectly.
Jim

[Dale Tanski]

As someone who in the midst of standing often several masts a day this time of year, I try not to use the term "dropped" when referring to a mast".  It is a hung by the tongue type of thing, we prefer the term "lower" or "lowered" a mast.
You are in the internals of the boat, areas where owners seldom venture or ever see.  The finish of the fiberglass in those areas was never meant to be seen only used.  They look plenty strong to me. You could fair with some thickened epoxy but it will be lipstick on a pig.  Besides, they have lasted this long looking as they are.
The exit slots where the chain plates exit the deck do not need to be pretty either as the main chain plates are covered with the rectangular stainless cover plates which contain a suitable layer of sealant. If you have a ketch, my mizzen did not come with cover plates so I made some. They keep the sealant contained and less sunburned. 
The most important thing to look for is corrosion on the chain plates where they are hidden in the thickness of the deck.  Trapped water and the lack of oxygen could cause corrosion in the stainless.  If they are pitted or badly corroded think seriously about replacing them. Polishing the chain plates is another important maintenance task.  The better the finish the more they will resist corrosion. A high polish is your best defense, but doing so takes a lot of work.  Depending on the "factory" finish often sanding first with progressive finer paper will get you there quicker.

Dale
Maruska

[stephandjaysail365]

Thank you, both! Appreciate the input.

Update: After a little cleaning and inspecting, found out the wood in one of the chainplate knees was very badly rotten, so had the boatyard do a repair for us. 

We cleaned the chainplates and got a stainless steel guy double-check they are still good (they are), and we'll be re-bedding them soon.