35-3 Port Chainplate Pics? [Disassembly issue]

[Butch Bogan]

Galling on stainless happens mostly through friction. If there is a high amount of tension on the fasteners when they are being disassembled the heat generated will cause the metal to fuse. Any corrosion will add to the friction, as will trying to assemble or disassemble at a high rate of speed.

This is the main reason most riggers don't like/use stainless turnbuckles, especially on standing rigging. I've had several lifeline turnbuckles seize when trying to take them apart, with very little evident corrosion. I generally add a copious amount of Lanacoat or Tef-Gel to lifeline turnbuckles. I always apply T-9 to new rigging turnbuckles when installing, even though they are chrome plated bronze. Most riggers also have at least one story of a mechanical, ie Sta-Lok or Norseman terminal, seizing to the point of no return. Lubrication is your friend

Cheers

 

[Nick J]

I finally got this wrapped up and now I can finish my head install. Here's the before:


And the After (before tightening the bolts and drilling out the 2 holes I filled with epoxy):



It took quite a bit of time polishing them, but most of that time was spent learning. They are far from perfect, but good enough to spend another 30 years in hopefully a nice dry and warm cabin.

 

[Nick J]

Now that the chain plates are back in the boat, I was able to complete the plumbing. I was worried about not being able to access the back of the chain plates with the plumbing in the way and now that it's all back together, I'm glad I took the extra time. Even though I didn't find anything that would have caused a catastrophic failure in the near future, it feels good to have all new fasteners and a little more piece of mind that comes with being able to inspect the bulkhead.

Side note: Raritan Saniflex hosing is worth the extra price 10 times over. This project would not have been possible with the standard stiff white stuff.