bulkheads
Hello, The boards you are writing about are called bulkheads. The 22 has 2, split between port,(left) and starboard,(right). The right side or smaller bulkhead is not that hard to remove. Just unbolt the chainplate and unscrew the sides from the fiberglass. I removed mine in about 20 minutes with hand tools. The larger one on the left is not removable in my boat(fixed keel version) without cutting the piece of wood. Hunter dropped this in before they joined the hull and deck at the factory. I suggest at least removing the chainplates and inspecting/resealing these. It looks as though every 22 I have seen (3) in person has had leaks in this area at sometime in its life. When I first got my boat, I thought I needed to replace both of the bulkheads becuse they looked awfull. As I got into the projest I realized that my problem was more cosmetic than structural and I just coated both with Watco Teak oil finish about three times and they cleaned up nicely. I would proceed differently if they are severely damaged though. The bulkheads transfer the load from above and hold the rigging up. If one or both of the chainplates lets go the boat could be dismasted. Hopes this helps and post again with more questions. Jim
