My wife and I recently bought a C27 and are extremely happy with it. We have found water leaks owing to the recent excessive rain and I have ageneral question about the wood panels on each side of the head and the closet area inline with window below the mast. The wood has some water damage from water leaking throught the portholes by the head and opposite. My question is , what is behind this laminated plywood on the head side facing the stern ? The area has the one chain plates attached so there is probably a structural section of fiberglass behind it , so once I stop the water leak I am trying to get an idea of how much stucture I may have to replace . Is this wood on both side of the head bulkhead only considered "cosmetic" ? I would welcome any input from anyone who has had to replace or repair the wood in this area Thank you Nevil
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i had to replace the entire bulkhead
I just recently purchased an older 30' Catalina. The entire starboard bulkhead had water damage to it so i am in the process of replacing the entire thing. The chainplate was directly bolted to the teak-laminated plywood and had ripped up through it. It's been an interesting project so far. I had to do the same thing to my 23' O'Day when i bought it. Good luck!
I just recently purchased an older 30' Catalina. The entire starboard bulkhead had water damage to it so i am in the process of replacing the entire thing. The chainplate was directly bolted to the teak-laminated plywood and had ripped up through it. It's been an interesting project so far. I had to do the same thing to my 23' O'Day when i bought it. Good luck!
It's all wood
The chainplates attach to solid plywood bulkheads. If the chainplates' deck fittings, or the adjacent hatch, are badly sealed, water can find its way into the wood bulkhead and eventually soften the wood. If water is present, but you determine that the wood is not seriously damaged, resealing the fittings and hatch is probably all that's necessary. If, however, you determine that the plywood core's deterioration is significant the solution is to replace the damaged bulkhead. The task is not that difficult, as long as you can use the old bulkhead as a pattern for the new one. That means removing the piece without destroying it. This is a fairly common issue with older catalina 27's and much has been written and discussed about it. Check the archives on this website, and also check the International Catalina 27 website for lots more information.
The chainplates attach to solid plywood bulkheads. If the chainplates' deck fittings, or the adjacent hatch, are badly sealed, water can find its way into the wood bulkhead and eventually soften the wood. If water is present, but you determine that the wood is not seriously damaged, resealing the fittings and hatch is probably all that's necessary. If, however, you determine that the plywood core's deterioration is significant the solution is to replace the damaged bulkhead. The task is not that difficult, as long as you can use the old bulkhead as a pattern for the new one. That means removing the piece without destroying it. This is a fairly common issue with older catalina 27's and much has been written and discussed about it. Check the archives on this website, and also check the International Catalina 27 website for lots more information.
bulkheads
I had to replace mine on my 1975 catalina 27. I coated the edges of the plywood with West epoxy to prevent future damage. I also upgraded to 1/2 plywood. I also used white laminate instead of the woodgrain, it makes the interior look twice as large.
I had to replace mine on my 1975 catalina 27. I coated the edges of the plywood with West epoxy to prevent future damage. I also upgraded to 1/2 plywood. I also used white laminate instead of the woodgrain, it makes the interior look twice as large.
Bulkheads
Thank you to the folk who answered the question re the C 27 bulkhead Very much appreciated Nevil Cat 27 Owner
Thank you to the folk who answered the question re the C 27 bulkhead Very much appreciated Nevil Cat 27 Owner
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