Sailing Uma · video

What this video covers

The crew of a 50-year-old sailboat replaces the vessel's original, corroded stainless steel chain plates with custom-fabricated 12mm stainless steel replacements.2:08 The original plates suffered from elongated pinholes and structural deformation after decades of use.1:47 The new hardware is 2mm thicker than the originals and utilizes 12mm bolts instead of the previous 8mm size.2:04 To ensure a precise fit against the hull's fiberglass-reinforced bulkheads, the crew uses a bedding technique: they tape and wax the chain plates, then backfill the gaps with epoxy to create a perfectly flush mounting surface.18:30 They also weld deck plates to the chain plates to create a sealed, leak-proof joint, replacing the previous aluminum-and-wood-screw configuration that caused core rot.33:19 By staggering the bulkheads and reinforcing the attachment points with additional fiberglass layers, the crew increases the structural integrity of the rig's base.16:19 These upgrades allow for proper rig tuning and prevent the mast from sagging during upwind sailing in heavy weather.17:38

More from Sailing Uma

Our boat won’t look the same after this | Step 495Aug 2026The ONE Thing We Disagreed on This Entire Refit | Step 494Aug 2026We Owe You The Full StoryJul 2026We spent $10,000 on something Pretty | Step 493Jul 2026

From Sailing Uma — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed 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.