Looks like I need new chainplates. Who can make them?

[LifesBetterWhenYoureBeating]

Today I removed one of my chainplates for inspection and found a hairline crack in it. I'm no expert but from what I read I believe it should be replaced. Am I mistaken?

Also, since they are all likely to be 32 years old, I think it makes sense to replace them all. Only problem is I'm not sure I want to have them made here in Panama, and it doesn't seem to be a standard size/shape - - at least I couldn't find anything similar online. Does anybody know of a place who could make them, in SS?

Thanks a bunch!


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[stormalong]

Yes, those pictures are definitely crevasse corrosion. Those cracks extend farther that your naked eye can see. The good news is that there is no welding involved in making them - just drilling, bending and polishing. These are not exotic skills. You can probably buy bar stock the proper width and thickness. I recommend onlinemetals.com and 316 stainless. 316 is less susceptible to crevasse corrosion and only a tiny bit weaker (5% IIRC). I had the same issue and went with 316 about 25 years ago. Still have the boat and they are still good.

You should be able to find a capable machine shop in Panama to do the work. It has been my experience that in countries where labor is cheap and parts are expensive the skills to do fabrication are abundant.

Don't delay. That chainplate is more compromised than you may think.

[JPA Cate]

Investigate duplex s/s. It's what our chainplates are made of. If it is not too expensive, use it, more unlikely to get the dreaded crevice corrosion. One of the other moderators replaced his with titanium.

Little joke: Stainless steel isn't. Titanium is. Joke, but true.

[Breaking Waves]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

duplex s/s. . . . . titanium.

316 Stainless will be easy to find and get worked in Panama machine shops. Duplex probably more difficult, and Ti probably quite hard to find. You would need to find someone supplying oil and gas, chemical plants, pulp and paper mills and the like. Can get shipped in, but have customs and agents and all that to deal with.

They do need to be replaced. I am sometimes a bit skeptical about over-reactions on the forum to issues - but those do need replacement no question.

[stevec195]

Derek Dudinsky at JTR Enterprises cranked out some great passivated stainless for me about 10yrs ago. His web is http://jtrmarine.com/

[Benz]

Good thing is, shipping to Panama is (was, at least in my experience) very easy and affordable. I'd email drawings so some machine shop in the US, and have them made and shipped. One of our forum members has a machine shop--I won't take the liberty of tagging him, but maybe he'll weigh in.

[Rumrace]

I have no idea how to get them there. Here no worries.
I just wanted to say I’m happy you took a look and are safe now.

[LifesBetterWhenYoureBeating]

Yeah, I think I have someone who can make them for me here in Panama but I need to get 0.3x1.75 inch bars and I can't seem to find that anywhere. Tried grainger, McMaster Carr and online metals to no avail. Any other suggestions on where I could find it?

[stormalong]

Go to .375 and here you are:

https://www.onlinemetals.com/en/buy/...th%3A1.75%2522

A little thicker won't hurt. This is "mill finish" so quite some polishing is required.

[Rumrace]

Is be surprised you could not find it on Grainger. Specifically Grainger Canada. One of the attractions to Canadas free trade with Japan and Europe is our metals.

https://www.diversifiedulbrich.ca/ I’ve bought industrial purchases from these guys. They do small stuff also.
Murphy s law says the others will crack when you replace one