Standing rigging / bulkhead repair

[Norman Lacy]

I have an O'day 26. The standing rigging for the mast is bolted thru SS chain plates to the interior bulkheads that divide the interior of the boat cabin. Over the years, water seepage thru the deck fittings has weakened the wood in the bolted area. I think I have to remvoe the bulkheads and apply some epoxy to the area to reinforce the wood and seal it, but I don't know if the bulkheads can be removed without destroying them. Has anyone repaired this problem?

 

[Taidog]

Replace

I just took this job on last Spring on my OD 25. My recommendation would be to completely replace the bulkhead since you're taking the old one out anyway. I had to take my old bulkhead out in two pieces. I then used to two pieces as templates for the new bulkheads. There are two thoughts regarding the type of plywood used for the replacements. Marine grade plywood is the best option for this job. However, theoretically, the wood should not be getting wet. So high grade plywood of any sort would be fine, depending on how long you decide to keep the boat.

 

[Norman Lacy]

Two pieces or One

Did you take it out in two pieces of necessity, or can they come out in one to use as an exact template? Also, were they glued in or just attached with screws? Any tips on getting them out?

 

[Drifter13456]

Same problem

I had the same problem on my 26 but maybe not as bad as yours but I was able to use the bulkhead area below the existing attachment area. I purchased some stainless strap material about the same width & length as the existing bracket and just extended the length of the existing strap. This allowed me to find wood which had not deterioraed that I could bolt through. It has worked fine. It all depends on how much deterioration you have on the bulkhead. I would even extended it again rather then remove the bulkhead unless it was really bad. Don't forget to seal the rigging to stop the problem.

 

[Jim]

Me Too

I had exactly the same problem with my O'Day 222 after it was stored for a few years whilst overseas. I had some custom chainplates made, about twice the length and width of the two pathetic originals. In addition, I used some stainless steel washers, as large as woould fit to provide extra backing against the deck - that increased the surface area about 4x. To ensure there was no cor rot around the deck hardware, I made a few small holes and injected the core with penetrating resin. For the bulhead, I just cut out anything that looked rotted, filles again with penetrating resin, surface with plastic wood for cosmetics, then resined the new chainplates into place. What a job - doesn't look as good as new but probably alot stronger. I'. waiting for some wind this summer (it's on a lake) to really test out. I'd try this rather than removing the entire bulkhead.There are some other suggestions in the archives under "chainplates" that look like they may work as well.Good luck !Jim