O'Day 25 bulkhead replacement

[Paul]

I am considering changing the bulkheads between the cabin and head because of some previously unnoticed water damage. The chainplates attach directly to these. Does anyone have any experience with this? I am a carpenter but have some apprehension about tearing this apart.ThanksPaul W

 

[david Strickland]

bulkhead replacement

Just finished replacing mine due to water damage. It is pretty straight forward. After removing the bolts and screws you will need to cut the glass holding it to the hull. I used a small side grinder. I used a jack and 2 x 4 to apply slight pressure to the upper deck to help work the plywood out. Replaced it with teak plywood. Good project to use two people on.Good Luck!!

 

[Gerry]

Make sure you use marine grade.

This is the one place you need to be sure that you use marine grade plywood of the same or larger thickness. As this is your mast support and your chain plates use this it needs to be very strong. Marine grade only means that it is devoid of gaps and air pockets between the layers of wood. It is a much stronger plywood than just any old plywood. On my 272LE I had a similar problem and repaired the bulkhead and then added ¼” steel supports to where the chain plates attach to the bulkhead to give greater strength and support to how it pulls on the bulkhead. However you decide to do it, remember that when you tension your shroud lines it pulls the chain plates upward and will cause small openings where it feeds through the deck allowing a place for water to seep in. So once you tension your shrouds, inspect your feed throughs to ensure that it is still sealed.Fair winds,Gerry