I will be ordering new shrouds on Monday. As for the cracks in the chainplates, this is an issue that EVERYONE needs to have a look at. What happens is the holes create a weak spot. All of the cracks will eminate from the holes that bolt the chainplates to the bulkhead. I found cracked chainplates on my 82 J-24, a 79 J-24 in my fleet dismasted after his chainplates broke, and the same types of cracks are on my chainplates in my '30. Everyone should take a good look at theirs. I don't think that increasing thickness is necessary, heck they stood up for 30 years, new chainplates should last another 30. It would also be a good practice to remove the bolts, look for nicks on the surface, and replace if nicks are found. See the point about aluminum, could make a battery.
