Replacing Bulkheads on 1979 Catalina 30

[Lambchop27]

Does anyone have any experience in bulkhead replacement for an old Catalina 30? If anyone has any tips or advice on how to install new bulkheads, I'd really appreciate it. I already have the plywood, just need to figure the easiest way to install it. If anyone is interested in pictures, you can view some here:
https://mycatalina30.wordpress.com/2015/04/10/the-bulkheads-have-got-to-go/
thanks

 

[Inthwtr]

Been looking at your project!

Been reading your page about your project and am very intrigued about your ambitious efforts here!!

I too have a 1979 Catalina 30 and feel like I want to help however I can. I have many spare parts for windows, rigging, etc. that I have collected over the years, so I hope that you will keep this in mind.

I know that there is a way to replace bulkheads and the port side is obviously more difficult than the stb, for obvious reasons..

It looks like you already have the bulkheads out though, correct? It is very important that they not be destroyed, in that you will need them for template.

Many of the MKI's have issues with the bottom of the bulkheads wicking up moisture from people using the head to shower in, so you are most definitely not the first to tackle this.

There's another page out there somewhere where a guy made mock ups with blue insulation foam and it looked like it worked out pretty good..
http://bluebayou-catalina27.blogspot.com/2013/07/long-time-no-see.html
But this was a 27. But still I think its a really good plan!!

 

[Lambchop27]

Re: Been looking at your project!

thanks for responding!
Yeah, I tried to remove the bulkheads intact, but it was not to be. The boat had 3' to 4' of rainwater INSIDE, for unknown years, when she was given to me... So unfortunately, none of the plywood was really usable, including the bulkheads. So much delamination. Oh well. I too was thinking of using some kind of foam board for a template. The new plywood arrived, packed between 2 sheets of very large, heavy cardboard - so that's what I will try to use as a template. I believe I can make a fairly accurate template, it's installing the bulkhead that I'm wondering about. It looks like there's a slot along the port side of the compression post where the old bulkhead slides in?
Also, thanks for the link to BlueBayou, great info on keel boat issues which I will be addressing myself down the road.