Just kidding. The chain plate replacement on Ariel was a PITA, but John Lemon's plans (posted on this site) worked great and I have 6 very easy to inspect solid new chain plates. The ugly part is removing the old chain plates which has to be done either way.
We also have a Cape Dory 25D with the surface mounted chain plates. Having been intimate with the hull to deck joint on both boats... I can say that the joint on our Ryder SS23 would not be able to handle the strain of the horizontal plates and no attachment to the hull to spread the load. I don't know about other manufacturers.
I have seen a SS23 with the "finish it yourself" option with only one lower BUT they had external chain plates. I'm not a big fan of that look.
Just my .02 -- and happy to be done with the project!
This message has been edited by bbhartlety on Oct 20, 2009 12:44 AM