Advice on how to get at the back of deck fittings on a CD28

[CRISSCROSS]

I have to re-bed the deck fittings on my 1978 CD28 and the liner in the cabin restricts access to the backs as well as the chain plates. I'm sure others have had this problem and any advice would be welcome.

Bruce
s/v CrissCross

[Ron M.]

The nuts to your deck fittings are accessible, at least they are on the CD30. May require some awkward contortions and one handed work.
Get a worklight, locking pliers(vice grips), small mirror, box wrenches, lubricant like pb blaster or kroil.
Lock the pliers on the nuts in such a way as they are forced against the hull and jammed counter clockwise.You can then work topside on the machine screw.
use the proper sized screw driver after the penetrating oil has had a chance to work. A good whack or impact driver may help.
Relax and take your time, patience is paramount.

[CRISSCROSS]

Sounds like you've been down that road. The mirror should help, good idea. Do you have any ideas about the chain plates ? Mine show some flaking on the steel backing plate. There is still a lot of material there and the bolts are tight. What I seem to see is that many people have gone to external chain plates. Thanks for the advice.
Bruce
S/V CrissCross

[Ron M.]

Oh yeah, I've re-bedded every fitting on the boat.
My chain plates are in good shape. Did use rust neutralizer, prime/paint on them.
Some have cut holes in the liner to allow access for repairs.

[CRISSCROSS]

I will take your advice and I did cut an access port to get a good look at the chain plates.

[Rebinva]

I am not sure what the inside of a 30 looks like, but I know that getting under the side decks of a 28 is a real pain. You should take a look on down the board at what Ginodelg did to gain access. I am seriously considering a similar project myself.

[CRISSCROSS]

Thanks for the tip. I just looked at that post and it's perfect. I had thought about trimming that liner but didn't have a good solution to finish it after.... Now I do.

[Rebinva]

You are welcome. The real thanks go to Gino for thinking it up in the first place. i was a little concerned about resale once you did that but he just sold his 28 <at his asking price>.

I am thinking about using a wide (1 1/2 in?) batten to reconnect the two pieces.

[CRISSCROSS]

Do you know if he used a snap to attach the fabric to the top and bottom or is it a screw and grommet ? Are you thinking of using a batten along that top and bottom edge?

[Rebinva]

It appears to me that he used snaps. I plan to use one batten, covering the cut and use a ell brace at the bottom of each end. Not sure exactly how to connect the batten, a nut and bolt every so often, top and bottom I think.