Cracking/popping noise starboard side underload

[fourbabygrands]

Hello, this is my first time posting and having done a little research, looks like this has not been asked before...so here it goes.
I've a 1990 capri and on starboard tack there is a cracking/popping noise noted from the beam just aft of the stays. The deck is sound and not soft, and the noise appears to arise from the bulkhead just below the deck on the inside...slipping/popping noise...
Has anyone experienced this or can anyone comment on this...I would like to assess the bulkhead but don't have experience with removing or tightening the bulkhead.
Thank you.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Have you checked the tension of your rigging and is it equal from side to side? Also, have you inspected the turnbuckles for being bent or otherwise damaged? And finally, are the spreaders and the stay contact at the spreaders in good condition? It is possible that any of those items could cause your problem. If all that is OK then I would dig into the chainplate area and bulkhead.
Let us know.
Ray

 

[Ross S]

Obviously it's hard to describe a sound in text so I don't want to be quick to dismiss anything. I think it's worthwhile to check all the things that Ray listed above.

I'll just add that my boat makes some creaking noises when the rig loads up in a gust. All boats have some inherent flexibility that can causes noises under load as the various parts flex against each other.

But as always, better safe than sorry! Definitely do some checking around if the noises are concerning.

 

[NYSail]

It could be that the tabbing between the bulkhead and hull has broken free and the noise is the result of flexing of the hull. Whenever I hear noises I have someone else take the wheel and I go investigate....

Good Luck

 

[fourbabygrands]

thanks for the quick replys, I'll reinspect the stays and tension, they have been equal and chainplates are/have also been inspected and are tight. I agree the soundness of the hull/deck and rigging are paramount in safety and I'll give them another look. If it's the below bulkhead tabbing against a loaded and flexing hull, although annoying, atleast I'll be able to correct that with some attention. thanks again...

 

[Barnacle Bill]

What size boat are you writing about?

 

[Johnb]

If I have tensioned the jib sheet in light wind and then it strengthens a lot the sheet will slip and settle on the winch and that makes an awsome scary sound of creaking and groaning for a couple of seconds.

 

[fourbabygrands]

The Capri is a 1990 26ft LOA, the stbd deck under load not only makes an annoying sound, (appreciate quiet as a sailor with no motor) but can be felt into the cockpit...I had the helm today and had my wife apply staying pressure on the bulkhead and it seemed the noise seemed to be less, In ruling out the Possible noises, I;m beginning to think the area in the cabin where the top area of the bulkhead meets the hull structure is creating a slip/pressure noise as the hull flexes...a rub as it were.
Sounds like a nice winter project...