I'm a little embarrassed in my haste to post my question. I'm down on the boat 2-3 times per week, but I've been spending all my time in the head on the other side of the bulkhead.
I’m contemplating expanding the scope of my head replacement project to include removing and inspecting the chainplates. It may sound like an odd connection, but putting the new system in will significantly reduce access to the port side chainplate bolts. I’ve also noticed some rust on the nuts and washers so I’m thinking this is a good time to tackle this.
Ideally, the rig would be removed and everything would be addressed at once, but that’s a larger project I’m not willing to take on now. The primary reason for doing it now is to take advantage of the hoses being out of the way, so I’m focusing on the port chainplates attached to the bulkhead. I’m wondering if I can
- back the turnbuckles above the deck off to where the tension is removed, but keep them connected to the U-Bolts
- Run the main Halyard over the port outboard T-Track and tension
- back off the tie rod turnbuckles below deck for the forward lowers, and cap shroud
- disconnect tie rod from the chainplates attached to the bulkhead.
- Remove bulkhead chainplates and inspect, clean or replace as needed
- Reinstall chainplates to the bulkhead with new nuts, bolts, and washers
- Connect tie rods and tension the rig
I’m hoping between the mast being keel stepped, the main halyard rigged to port, and the shrouds remaining on the u-bolts, the mast will be stable at the dock while I tackle this project. My main concern is the deck flex while the tie rod is removed. Does this sound reasonable or do I need to remove the shrouds completely from the U bolts?
