okay, here's pretty much the lowdown on stainless that I've been given by the community at large. This 'community' is made up of metallurgists, yacht designer(s), engineers, and sailors...

1.) "304 stainless is not appropriate for use in the marine environment". This is quoted from a few sources which specialize in steel, specifically stainless. These claims are backed up by disasterous consequences attributed to corrosion where 304 has been used. What has not come to light are many instances of failure using 316 (attributed to corrosion).

Conslusion: IF 304 fails, it will most likely be due to corrosion

2.) "304 stainless is 'stronger' than 316". In fact, I've heard quotes that 316 is only 85% as strong as 306. That being said, the Baba line was spec'd with 316. That tells me that 316 is strong enough.

Conclusion: 304 is stronger than 316, but 316 is what the boat was designed for.

3.) Here are some anonymous quotes from Baba sailors:

"When we were looking for our 40 footer-for a couple of years-we saw newer boats with cracked chainplates and older without."

"It appeared that it was a function of maintenance, not age"

"Having decided to re-bed all of my thru deck fittings, I removed the first chainplate today with a view to cleaning it and reseating it. However the rear of the plate which had been out of view had extensive corrosion and several rust caked crevices."

"I pulled the opposite chainplate today, starboard lower aft, ...and it was also badly corroded just as you say, water had been sitting underneath the covering deckplate and corroding away."

"...there were rust stains around the bolts on the chainplates and staining on the surrounding fabric, this indicated to the surveyor and I that water was getting into the fitting. Given that the fitting had been sitting in water, it is not unreasonable to suspect that corrosion would occur. If the caulking around the chainplate had been maintained throughout the life of the boat, there should be no reason to worry about the chainplates, but if at any point the caulking let water in, there is great possibility for corrosion to occur, and mostly out of site."

There are many more like this and in fact these were the main reason I got my undies all up in a bunch. However, I've heard from just as many Baba owners who have not had problems (and mine were very minor).

Conclusion: 304 is fine, maintenance is the key.

With all of that said, it's still not clear which is best from a functional standpoint. They both seem equally durable tho in different areas. Considering that evidence is strong our boats were originally built with 304 chainplates, I see no reason to pass up a FREE set if I can get my hands on them.

Thanks to everyone for your input. I think it has been very valuable for all of us.

Cheers,

Rick Beddoe
1978 Baba 30, Soñadora
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Received on Mon May 23 19:45:01 2005