Converting to and Fabricating Bronze Chainplates/Tangs

[Andy Schell]

Hi all,

I'm specifically interested in bronze chainplates as well. I have a '66 Allied Seabreeze yawl with inboard chainplates mounted on the bulkheads, which I plan on replacing with bronze, on the outside of the hull. Incidentally, I'm already in the process of re-rigging with Dynex Dux as well, having installed twin backstays to replace the original split stay. The stuff is awesome, incredibly easy to splice, and the deadeyes / lashings look rather dandy on my old yawl, as they did on the Westsail in Annapolis. I actually spliced both backstays in the cockpit while we motored down the ICW just last week, installing the stays dockside.

Anyway, I found another source for DIY bronze. Atlas Metals, based in CO, supplies all sorts of metals, including silicon bronze, that comes in convenient 2" wide x 1/4" thick strapping, sold by the 6' length. Saw their ad in Wooden Boat magazine, and talked with them on the phone, just out of curiosity. Not sure yet what my solution will be, but they seem like a good lead. Google them. Also, anyone considering the Dynex Dux with questions can feel free to contact me for personal details of how the re-rig is going on 'Arcturus.'

Cheers,
Andy
www.fathersonsailing.com

[Jack]

Andy, I have to smile at how stoked you are. I swear, I feel like street corner preacher sometimes.....I mean it is hard to get your arms around how cool/fun/great/amazing...well you get the idea...:-)

Glad to hear you have become a user and believer in Dynex Dux. It will certainly mess with your head

[blahman]

To update you all,

I went ahead and purchased the aluminum bronze stock to fabricate my own chainplates. Total cost for the material was $280, so we'll see how it goes. The metal will be here this Monday, and I'll give feedback and photos on how it goes.

Any last minute advice on drilling or working with it? C954.

Cheers!
Aaron N.

[blahman]

Hey all,

Just wanted to let you know that I wound up using the 3/8" Aluminum Bronze to fabricate my chainplates and it was a breeze. Took maybe four or five hours to do all ten, including polishing. The material is very strong and makes the boat look much better, I think!

You can see all the photos of our ongoing renovation at:

Deck Renovation/Rerigging



Thanks for your help!
Aaron N.