Sailing Catalpa · video

What this video covers

The crew of the 40-year-old Pearson sailboat Catalpa is replacing corroded, cracked chain plates as part of a major refit to ensure structural integrity for future ocean passages.0:50 The original stainless steel chain plates showed significant degradation, including cracks near the deck interface where moisture and lack of oxygen caused crevice corrosion.0:41 New custom-fabricated 316L stainless steel chain plates from Schaefer Marine were installed, utilizing a water-jet cutting process to ensure precision and maintain material integrity.5:55 The project also includes installing new Hammer Marine rigging, applying KiwiGrip non-skid coating to the deck, and upgrading interior lighting to dimmable, red-and-white Lumatec LED dome lights to improve power efficiency for off-grid sailing.18:01 During the refit, the owner accidentally damaged electrical wiring in the anchor locker while using a die grinder to clean chain plate holes, necessitating repairs to terminals and wiring insulation.14:57 Replacing aging chain plates is a critical foundation for rig safety, as hidden cracks can lead to mast failure under the high loads of heavy weather.10:17

More from Sailing Catalpa

they weren't expecting thisSept 2026one of the most remote islands on the planetSept 202629 days sailing Panama to French Polynesia the whole passageAug 2026what did we learn from a month at seaAug 2026

From Sailing Catalpa — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.