My previous post showed the repair to the port bulkhead. The repair provides good compression strength but virtually no tensile strength. In order to distribute the load from the port side of the rig, over-sized chain plates have been constructed. The intention is to distribute the load to areas of the bulkhead that are solid and have the strength to take the load. The load is transferred from the bulkhead to where it is tabbed to the hull. The photo below shows the new chainplates constructed of 1/4" 304 stainless steel, and backing plates constructed of 1/4" G-10. The original starboard chainplate and backing plate is shown on the left. The center shows the new starboard chainplate and backing plate that are extended for one additional pair of bolts through the bulkhead. There is no problem on the stbd side, but this provides extra insurance. The right side shows the new port chainplate and backing plate. Note the plate has been extended down similar to the starboard plate, but also widened about 6 inches since the two upper bolt pairs go through the bulkhead in the repaired section.
The new chainplates and backing plates were coated on the bulkhead side with a thin film of silicone caulk applied with a squeegee, then allowed to cure. The purpose of this is to compensate for any surface irregularities in the bulkhead and act as a gasket that will help transfer the load to the entire surface, rather than relying on the through bolts for taking the load. Since the caulk was allowed to cure before installation, the plates should be easily removable in the future.
Below are pictures of the new chainplates and backing plates installed. The tongue extending through the deck was coated with caulk before being inserted through the deck so that a good seal would be formed. Once in place, the though bolts were tightened and the topside area caulked and cover plate screwed in place forming a good seal.
