Nauticat 38 Chainplate Weakness - A Fix

Fixing a Critical Structural Issue on the Nauticat 38 – Strengthening the Hull for Safety How to improve chainplate lower sidestay Nauticat 38 The Nauticat 38 is a well-built and sturdy motorsailer, but owners know about a critical weakness in the hull and deck structure—if left unaddressed, this issue can lead to serious damage or even the loss of the mast over time. When we acquired our 1982 Nauticat 38, we noticed clear signs of stress: ✅ The deck was slightly bent upwards ✅ The teak decking was cracked ✅ Visible movement had occurred under high loads To prevent further damage and ensure long-term safety, we undertook a structural reinforcement project. Here’s how we strengthened the hull: 1️⃣ Opened the interior to access the chainplate below the deck 2️⃣ Removed the chainplate for modification 3️⃣ Welded a 5 mm steel plate to the chainplate for added support 4️⃣ Glued and bolted the reinforced chainplate back into place 5️⃣ Covered it with new teak planks for a seamless finish Now, the hull is significantly stronger, and we expect this fix to last at least another 40 years! If you own a Nauticat 38 (or a similar motorsailer), this repair is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your rigging and ensuring safe sailing conditions. 📌 Have you encountered this issue? Let us know in the comments! 👍 Like & Subscribe if you found this helpful—we share more Nauticat 38 maintenance and sailing adventures! Best regards, Maria & Jarle @ S/Y Maja #Nauticat38 #SailboatRepair #ChainplateReinforcement #SailingSafety #LiveaboardLife