Question about chainplates

[night.owl]

I'm in the middle of thinking about replacing the chainplates on my P seacraft 34 and was wondering about something that might seem minor but feels important and its having the corners of the bolt holes slightly rounded. When I take the specs to a metal fabricator, is this the kind of detail most of them will automatically understand and get right, or is it something that can be easily messed up if they're not familiar with marine hardware? I know sharp corners can create stress risers, but I'm curious if this is one of those "sailor paranoia" things or a real world durability factor.

Anyone know if its something I have to walk a fabricator through, or is it just standard practice?

 

[littlewarrior]

Thats some real world concern, not just sailor paranoia, sharp corners in bolt holes can definitely create stress points over time. Most experienced metal fabricators understand the need to slightly round corners, especially if you mention its for marine hardware , but its worth pointing out explicitly when giving your specs to make sure they don't overlook it.

 

[jowardhi]

i know this comment is from august '25 but i do have a small bit of insight.
in talking recently with steve at the factory in north carolina, the recommendation was made to replace the chainplates on my 1995 PSC 37'.
one reason for this (other than the plates are 31 years old and that i intend to take my vessel far from land and help) was that when she was built in '95 they were using a punch to cut the square holes whereas now they are waterjet cut, circular. which speaks to your comment about the stress points of the square cut. new plates are available from the factory.

hope that helps

joe.