I have a Cape Dory 28 which I am working on....it is a great little boat but when I was wedged in the starboard cockpit locker working on the fuel lines I noticed something that concerns me. The chain plate which is installed to anchor the backstay is rusty. This chain plate looks like an inverted tripod of steel with a steel plate welded to the top. Two of the legs of the inverted tripod are glassed into the transom. Two stainless bolts exten through the deck and then through the steel plate to anchor the backstay. The thing looked quite rusty and I was surprised that this part was not of stainless steel. Does anyone have any suggestions? I wonder if this should be cut out and replaced (big job...I am not sure that I could replace it with anything better). Comments are appreciated.
Also, I have a Volvo Penta (rebuilt) which runs like a top in this boat. It is 24 Hp and the prop is two-blade. I am thinking about a 3 blade prop and would welcom any comments on this. Thank you.
Paul Grecay
rfurman@dmv.com
backstay chain plate CD 28
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