Bulkhead Water Damage

[Lew Scott]

Am considering purchase of an '86 30. While inspecting boat, noticed water damage at the base of the bulkhead behind the head. Anyone dealt with this problem? Source and fix. Thanks.Lew

 

[Bob Camarena]

How extensive?

It depends on how extensive the damage is. The bulkhead is plywood and, if the damage is limited to dry rot at the bottom edge it's unlikely that there is significant structural damage. In that case, you could cut out the damaged part and sister in an oversized replacement piece of marine teak plywood, screwed and glued to the existing bulkhead. If the repair shows on the saloon side, creative use of molding could cover any cracks.

 

[Lew Scott]

Thanks, Bob.

Thanks for your response, Bob. As not a structural issue, broker suggested the same fix. The problem is not extensive, but suggests that maintenance may not have been a priority and there may be other less obvious problems. Lew

 

[Bob Camarena]

Try to locate the source.

First, if the boat looks otherwise OK and the price is right, get a survey. Also try to locate the source of the moisture causing the damage. It could be from use of the shower or a minor port leak or even a head leak (yuck). The other place to look is to see if there is any evidence of rot or leakage where the chainplates attach to the bulkhead. It could also be water from the mast leaking out of the bottom of the compression post (which is hollow). It's not necessarily a sign of other problems.