Bulkhead Replacement Job

[John Owen]

Both my port and starboard bulkheads have rotted at the bottom. Since the bulkheads are structural (they reinforce the hull shape and serve as the mounting point for the chainplates), this creates problems in heavier air and seas.Although not easy, I was able to remove the port side bulhead and have done a nice job with a jigsaw of making a replacement and staining it to match the original.However, I cannot for the life of me, figure out how to remove the starboard side bulkhead for replacement. It appears that one must actually remove the deck (which ain't happ'nin', I can assure you) to accomplish the task. The only way I can see that it could have been originally installed is with the deck off. Any suggestions for the starboard side? Is there a trick to can tell me? Is there a reasonable work-around?Thanks.J.

 

[Marc Kraus]

rotozip

I had the same problem on another boat. Bulkhead rotted at the bottom and impossible to replace entire bulkhead. Remove stress off bulkhead with a jack or brace. Use a rotozip and cut out the rotted portion of the bulkhead. Scarf in a new piece of plywood (seal the bottom edge). Glass in both sides of the plywood at the joint and tab the bottom to the hull. take care of problem that caused the rot in the first place.

 

[Dan]

bulkhead replacement

I replaced my bulkheads about a year ago. To get the starboard side out I had to cut it into two pieces. I cut from the top of the centerboard trunk to the top of the seat. I also had to remove the compression post and the teak trim along the edge of the seat. I also removed all of the teak strips from the side of the hull for extra clearance. I placed the two old pieces on the new plywood and traced as best I could a new bulkhead. I managed to reinstall it in one piece by carefully fitting then sanding and fitting again until I had it close enough to be a snap-fit at the bottom. When I was absolutely sure it was right. I worked it into place and popped it in at the bottom with a mallet. I put all of the screws back in around the bottom and I had put a healthy amount of caulking in the grove at the top. It turned out really good and is very strong now. It eliminated the flexing I was having before. Just be sure to take your time and do it right. Also be sure to bed the chain plates very well as this is what caused the original pieces to rot. I hope this helps.