Replace Bulkhead???

[John Owen]

The prior owner of my H22 allowed water leakage through the deck at the shroud chainplates for too long. Now, the bulkheads are rotted at the bottom (particularly the port-side), and the screws have pulled out allowing the hull to flex to the point where I can hear it. As you can imagine, this does not inspire my confidence in the strength of my boat. Has anyone any experience with replacing the bulkhead? My plan was to remove and use the rotten original as a template for the new one. Should I worry about hull losing its shape while the original is out (will be out for a couple weeks)? Should I expect any other "gotchas?" Thanks!

 

[mmsailor]

buldhead,

first off I have never done this on a boat, I have a h23 which is much like the 22, if I decided to do what you are going to do , I would do what we do when making changes like this in a house, I would in some way have some type of support in place to keep the hull from changing shape, you can build a temp bulk head to have in place prior to completely removing the original, if it is that bad is it possible that is has already had its shape affected, there should be a way to check this with a line or tape, from a fixed starting point and measuring out and up, guess there should be some symetry, good luck , MIke B

 

[George M]

bulkhead repair

I have a 22 ft.Hunter that I had to change the bulkhead out as well. I did use the old bulkhead as a template.Before taking the compression post out I replaced the port bulkhead first. When I did take the compression post out the cabin top came down at the most maybe 1/2 inch.I did'nt have any problem getting it back in.The only problem I did have was getting the new piece back in.After taking the table out and the compression post you'll still have to cut the bottom section from about the top of the seat across to the centerboard trunk. Then I got some wood 1/4x2in. rounded the edges and put a piece in front and in back and screwed it from the back so it would look neat and it does. It took me a couple of weekends to do it but it was worth it. It's not an easy job, but I think it would cost quite abit to get it done. Good luck. George