The Rusty Stem Plate

Although the "The Rusty Stem Plate" conjures up ideas of English beer, this, in fact, is not so enjoyable.   Cape Dory, in their 1970's wisdom decided to use a lot of mild steel backing plates in their boats.  This is fine if it doesn't get wet which, invariably it does.  When we bought the boat 4 years ago it was pointed out that the stem plate was rusting so we decided to remove with when we got chance and replace it with something better.







I have read lots on the forums and blog sites about this; phrases like; impossible, many hours over several days and a great job if you are a midget miner.  Let my tell you it was tough and after it was out 10 hours one day 1 and a half another, I was sore all over.  Just for those of you that don't know boats it's in the very pointy bit at the front inside in a small cupboard called the chain locker.

We'll feel much more secure with it replaced that's for sure.  There's also nothing like the satisfaction of "do it yourself", and I keep reminding myself of that.  As for my body it looks like a fell into a rotating gorse bush!