Cabin bulkhead replacement

[Gaf]

Greetings! I plan on replacing the port and starboard bulkheads located in the cabin this winter on my 23 O'Day. I am still in the planning stages and was wondering if any one out there has taken this job on and could advise me on any thoughts regarding the project. I am interested in your ideas as to what material might be best to use. My first thought was to use marine grade plywood, but I have been considering other things such as "starboard" but I am not sure as to its tensile strength virsus plywood. Thanks.

 

[jeff s]

bulkhead replacement

I personally have never undertaken this project but the archives on this site are full of info pertaining to just this topic. I would caution you to make sure that the cause of the rotten bulkheads,if that is the problem,which is normally caused by leaking chainplates be repaired prior to or during the project . I have remedied that problem on my boat, rather simply by cleaning out the cavity ,filling any oversized screw holes with thchened epoxy and caulking with sikaflex 292. Still holding up 2 or 3 seasons later. Good Luck and happy new year.

 

[muised]

Been there - O'Day 25

I replaces the port bulkhead on my O'Day 25 last spring. Used marine plywood, cut to fit then epoxied the whole piece including all edges (after a test fit). I figured worst case if I get another leak this thing won't rot again. On the 25 there is quite a bit of disassemby required for the head and hanging locker - don't underestimate how long it will take. Make a good inventory of everything you take apart, and get it off the boat while you are replacing the bulkheads. Measure the amount of exposure the chainplates protrude topsides so you can reinstall them with the same height. Cutting the fiberglass tabs is easy with a wooden mallett and a chisel, or a flat screwdriver (large). You might want to consider doing the worst side first.I would not even consider starboard - the cost alone would be prohibitive. Good luck.

 

[Gaf]

Bulk head replacement

Thanks for your responses, I really appreciate the advice. I am new to this web site, and after surfing around a little more yesterday I discovered previous entries in the archives, and found additional info. I am looking forward to getting started on the project with this new knowledge. My boat was built in 1979 and I have owned it since 1982. Most of its life was spend on Lake Erie and I moved it down here to the Chesapeake Bay 3 years ago. Thanks again for the responses and great ideas. With any luck she should be good for another 28 years. Happy New Year!