creating bulkhead opening

[Gene Thompson]

Can anyone tell me if creating an opening, approximately 20 x 24 inches in the aft cabin bulkhead, would create stuctural or integrity problems for my 35.5. I would do this to gain access to the holding tank area so that I could replace the existing tank with a larger one. So......... What do ya think??My plan would be to close the newly created access hole with a slightly larger cover and a few dozen brass fasteners.

 

[Bob Howie]

Aft Bulkhead Access

Generally speaking, the bulkheads in most Hunters are not there for structural rigidity; they maybe tabbed into the hull to hold them in place, but the hull itself is usually stiffened by a grid put in the boat prior to installing the cabinetry and liners. Then the deck is usually put on top and then mechanically attached at the hull/deck joint.Your best bet is to talk to Hunter Marine down in Florida and see what they will tell you, but I'm betting -- because there is just such an opening in my aft bulkhead -- that it won't cause a problem. Check with the engineers to be on the safe side, tho.

 

[Jim Rushing]

Wait Up

Gene, I have made this cut just recently and will pick up the digital pictures in a couple of hours. There is a safe location for this opening and a way to do it. I have promised several different people to put the pictures on the HOW site ASAP.

 

[Gene Thompson]

nice job

Jim,I saw your project pictures. Great looking job. That looks better than what I had planned. I'm going to oeder a 30 gal. tank from Ronco plastics (20 x 30 x 12) and get started in a few weeks.Thanks again for the tip.Gene