I just purchased a 1972 Cal 27 Poptop. It is a boat I have known for several years and have been sailing on many times. I got a really good deal ($2,000) because the owner is an old friend and because he wants out NOW. It has some problems however that need to be addressed. The major problem is that the starboard bulkhead that carries the starboard chain plate is rotted at the bottom. From the chain plate down it is rotted but it appears to be fairly solid from the bottom of the chainplate up. It is dry so the rot was from a previous owners watch. First question....is the chainplate strength in the top of the bulkhead as I suspect...IOW I assume that the pull in the chainplate is NOT resisted by the bulkhead to the floor since it is NOT fiberglassed to the hull. So the pull in the chainplate must be resisted by the bulkhead to the deck...which in this case is good wood. We have been sailing it this way for 4 years and never had even a squeek from the rigging. But now that I own the boat, I intend to replace that bulkhead ....if at all feasable..... The other option was to move the chainplates outboard to the side of the hull. Any comments would be appreciated.