How to improve chainplate lower sidestay Nauticat 38

We all know that the deck is a bit too weak on the Nauticat 38. When the rig is tightened, and the boat is sailed hard over time, the deck may be damaged.
When we got our 1982 Nauticat 38 the deck was bendt a bit upwards, and the teak decking was broken. It was visible signs that the deck had moved under stress. What to do?
Our solution was as follows:
- Open the interior, to get access to the chainplate under the deck
- Remove the chainplate
- Weld a 5 mm steel plate to the chainplate to improve area
- Glue and bolt this back on
- Cover with new teak planks
Now it is much stronger, and hopefully it will last another 40 years until more work is needed on this problem.
So, now lets go sailing again!
Best regards from Maria and Jarle @ S/Y Maja
How to improve chainplate lower sidestay Nauticat 38

[@ellelyn2000]

Hi you two, nice D.I.Y. video. This fix can be used on most sailboats. Great presentation. Loved the 🎵🎵🎵as well. I certainly enjoyed.

[@Sailing-Maja]

Thanks for your positive comment. Sail safe!

[@guidouytterhaegen]

Well done,but not what I expected from the nauticat brand it really did disappoint me in terms off quality.
After all these are important points!!

[@Sailing-Maja]

That is absolutely true. The Nauticats are very strong, but this particular place is too weak. And now you know how to fix it.

[@maurol.3731]

Hello Jarle and Maria, thanks for the nice video. My wife and I are considering purchasing a Nauticat 38 and we have a question for you: do the newer NC 38s have the same problem? Thanks a lot for your advice. Fair winds 💨

[@Sailing-Maja]

Hi Mauro, Our Nauticat is s 1982. As I have understood it, it is several people experiencing the same thing. The point in the hull where the chainplate is attached is too week. I do not know if this is for a few years only, or if it is for all 38s built. I think (but do not know) it is the same problem on all 38s. It ie quit easy to see. Have a look at the deck where the chainplate is attached. On the outside of the hull you will be able to see that the deck comes up. There are cracks in the gel coat, and the teak (wood) may be damaged. As you see from the video it is possible to make this better by increasing the area where the chainplate is attached to the hull.
The NC 38 is generally a very strong and well built boat, so when you fix this you have a good, safe and comfortable boat. God luck on your search. We are very happy with ours.

[@maurol.3731]

@@Sailing-Maja Many thanks for your reply... It will certainly be a point to inspect during the survey we will commission after visiting the boat that we may be able to find in Europe (I have the impression that there aren't many in good condition and for sale. ..). The search is also extended to the Nauticat 331, in any case preferably with the live on board layout. Good afternoon, thank you