Catalina 22 Aluminum Bulkhead Replacement

Sep 30, 2025
1
Catalina 22 Lake Conroe
Has anyone replaced the bulkheads with aluminum plate? I own a metal shop and thought that it would be a nice exchange since I have encountered some bulkhead damage in my vessel. Thinking it will add rigidity, and I can do the math where I am comparable on weight.

Peter
Texas
 
Sep 17, 2022
145
Catalina 22 Oolagah
That's an interesting question. You don't indicate what year or, model your C-22 is so, it's difficult to imagine what replacing a wood (and) trimmed bulkhead would look like in aluminum. Personally, I like the look of the Catalina OEM bulkheads. The look of the bulkhead's wood/teak trim brings a warmth to the cabin. It adds to the ambiance IMO. On the same vein, the PO of Waffle House replaced the teak handrails and outer trim with White Starboard. Also, the port bulkhead was replaced with a new bulkhead which does not match the starboard bulkhead in color or size. While fully functional and maintenance free, if I could ever source teak replacements to the Starboard, and also replace the port bulkhead, to match the original starboard bulkhead, I would do so in a heartbeat. I enjoyed maintaining the outer teak on my first C-22 immensely. Something to do while at anchor and the while rest of the family is still asleep. Sailing bliss.

Having said all of the above, the important issue is, have you corrected the root cause of the bulkhead damage? That issue needs to be addressed and corrected as if not corrected, there can be substantial damage to the deck if left unchecked. I hope this helps.

George
 
Sep 24, 2018
3,677
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
I'd be concerned about the resin delaminating from the metal. I've also found that wood is more likely to return to its original shape than metal after it's been stressed
 
May 17, 2004
5,792
Beneteau Oceanis 37 Havre de Grace
Also if the chainplates bolt to the bulkhead you’ll want to do something to make sure the stainless hardware doesn’t directly contact the aluminum.