just did the same project
Hi, i just finished the same project on my 1978 Catalina 30 for the same reason. The chain plate had actually pulled through the wood on mine and ripped it right out. The port one is a pretty big project. You have to remove the mast compression post. It is held in by 4 screws on the top and 4 screws on the bottom covered by larger bungs. Then you will need a hydraulic jack to take the pressure off of the bulkhead by jacking it up. Next you will have to remove all the screws from the bulkhead you are replacing. You will also have to remove the shelf on the port side of the cabin as well as the cabinet in the bathroom. The waste lines will need to be disconnected as well. Just to have more manuevering room I pulled the countertop on the vanity in the bathroom (plus i recovered it because of that awful wood grain formica they used). The port bulkhead will more than likely come out in 2 pieces. There is a joint very close to the chain plate that joins the 2 pieces of wood together that form the bulkhead. I believe the piece that is joined is only a foot for 2 in length if i remember correctly. Next it's alot of wiggling and manuevering to get it out of there. I had to use large screwdrivers to pry against certain parts of the bulkhead to get it out. It definitely helps if you have someone to work with you. It is a big job, but one that can be done. And the way you describe where your chainplate anchors I would definitely replace them. The wood ran me about $150 for a sheet of marine grade teak veneer (sp?). Getting it back in was one hell of a chore, you will have to have a sanding board and a saw to trim and fit. The whole project took me roughly 2 days from start to finish (but i was also learning as I went). Best of luck, let us know how you made out.
