1982 cape dory 28 chainplates

[Trachelle 28]

I have a cape dory 28 that I live aboard and sail in oriental nc.
I am working toward replacing my chainplates, and structure in the hull.
I havent found anyone that shows pictures of the same structure I have in my boat.
Some have J'd rebar welded to the mild steel backing plates, and the cape dory manufacturers information mentions and diagrams aluminum backing plates existing there with only extra fiberglass layup for support.
I've considered going back in with bronze in the same manner as original, or a variety of other options out there.
Ide appreciate any opinions on the matter.

[tjr818]

Our 1981 CD27 has the same rebar and mild steel angles for backing plates. We are fresh water sailors so it has not caused us any problems. I have seen aluminum dissolve in the presence of bronze, so I would be hesitant to use aluminum with the bronze chain plates. What do the saltwater sailors have to say about this?

[kmulligan]

I replaced my stern chainplate last year on my 1979 CD 28 as the rebar and mild steel truss configuration was disintegrating rapidly. At the urging of friend Bruce Bingham, a former designer of Morgan Yachts, I trusted his judgement to abandon the original Cape Dory design as woefully inadequate. I spent 12-15 hours cutting and grinding out the old rusting mess and had a machine shop make an external 316 stainless chainplate and backing plate. Bruce, who lives on his CD 28 in Boca Ciega Bay near St. Petersburg, gave me a 4-inch wide by 10-inch long, 1/2-inch thick piece of fiberglass which I epoxied to the inside of the hull under the backing plate. Four 5/8" ss bolts and nuts hold the new system. It is infinitely superior to the old. I plan to peck away at the port and starboard (six total) chainplates soon, none of which even have backing plates. Access to all is poor.
Kevin Mulligan
1979 CD 28, "Skibbereen"
Crystal River, Fl.

[DCoulter]

My CD 28 is at Sailcraft now being repaired. Deck and hull separation occurred when original chainplate rusted, expanded through oxidation, repaired by covering with aluminum backing and which then forced deck upward. Repair method is to remove oxidized material and fiberglass new turnbuckles to interior and then pull deck and stays down reattaching to deck. I know this is not a technical explaination but you hopefully get the idea. You are welcome to check out repair once it gets started in a week or two. Boat is "Adventure" Hope to meet you sometime. David

[hilbert]

I am of the opinion that it should be possible to disassemble and inspect chain plates. I have moved the chain plates to the outside of the hull using 316L bars purchased online. I am now in the process of removing the old eye pads and repairing the deck.