... my chain plates (not really chain plates) are 25 years old, they appear to be in fine condition. I've noticed a bit of rust on the deck at one of the deck plates, so this winter I am going to pull both of them apart and out. I'll check them closely, clean them all up, rub them with dye, replace all the bolts & nuts, then re-bed the plates. In my installation, there is a 1" SS threaded rod that ties to a series of metal brackets attached to bulkheads inside a locker down below, all of this is accessible and visible. And no signs of rust or staining down below. I believe this threaded 1" SS rod is welded to the deck plate shown, so I'm hoping it will all come apart, and out, without too much trouble. Seeing I will have it all out, am wondering if they should be brought to a rigger or to someone who could x-ray the components who may be able to see whatever failures there may be I can't see or the dye won't pick up ? The boat is in Vero Beach, Florida.

Thanks, cheers, John