[C320-list] Chainplate adjustment

[mseyler at cox.net]

I can't claim any special expertise about this, but I replaced my chainplates last summer, and the rig is still standing.  I tightened the nuts at the bottom of the tie-rod enough to put some downward load on the chainplates even before the shrouds were attached.  The shelf where the tie-rods attach behind the settees is a major structural component, and it looked to me as though it was meant to carry more of the load than the side deck.  I didn't try to get it super-tight, just to take any flex or stretch out of the below-decks part of the system, so the side-deck wouldn't be pulled up (and away from the hull) by the tension on the shrouds.  I had to use a crows-foot wrench to tighten some of the nuts, because of the location of the openings in the back of the settee.  

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality,
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Dan Winsor via C320-list
Sent: Friday, June 2, 2023 12:32 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Cc: Dan Winsor <dandwinsor at gmail.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Chainplate adjustment

The chainplate extension rods that are visible in the saloon have washers and nuts on them to increase the strength by pulling from the deck and the interior structure. Is there any procedure or guidance on tightening the nuts? Obviously what is loose when in the yard with rig down is tight when floating with rig tensioned. I would guess that the ideal would be to share the load equally between deck and cabin but how is that accomplished? 🤔
Dan Winsor
Lucky Devil #109
Mattapoisett, MA