Catalina 34, Hull 929, Production Year 1989
I noticed a crack in the forestay stem fitting similar to the one described by this post:
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=6250.0 and asked a rigger to have a look at it as part of a general safety inspection. She noted it should be repaired and referred me to a local weld shop in Ballard (Monkey Fist Marine). They had a look and told me not to sail the boat until it is repaired. At $125 per hour, they estimated it will cost from $2500 to $3000. (or just 3 boat bucks).
After inspecting the stem fitting and chainplate today, it appeared to me that it may have been defective. It appears the metal chainplate strap is about 3 to 6mm too long leaving the stem fitting lifted off the deck. See image.

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https://photos.app.goo.gl/g1q3hVd1a2jsN7ug6)
In the image I drew red lines showing the current angle of the fitting, and green to show the angle that look more correct and would direct the force in a way that would not apply stress to the stem fitting.
Has anyone seen this before? Does the price and urgency seem right? Does my observation about the chainplate being a bit too long seem valid?
Cheers!
Paul