Stern Compartment Bulkhead Replaced, H26

[Doug J]

I have replaced the bulkhead in the aft berth. The original one had several holes in it to accommodate various equipment. The workmanship was sloppy and if I wanted to remove the bulkhead there were wires running through the holes, and equipment was mounted to it, so complete removal was not possible.



I used 1/2" Baltic Birch stained and sealed with Spar Urethane. I prefer the wood grain look as opposed to the white. I think it warms up the interior.



Also, the original panel didn't have doors covering the openings. I've seen pictures of several H26s with hinged doors. I like the idea of closing off the aft compartment, I think it makes the aft berth more comfortable. There are 3" louvered vents at the ends to provided air flow.



I didn't want hinged doors. I wanted doors that could be removed for easy access. So I made them to be able to insert, lift and drop, works good.

 

[Regular Guy]

Doug,
I am admiring your craftsmanship. All you did and showed in pictures, also before, is first class work. Can just say congratulations you made your boat very special.
Hart

 

[Doug J]

Thanks Hart! I appreciate the compliment. It's one of those things that a person really needs to enjoy doing, it's a lot of work, as I'm sure you are aware. I like working on boats as much as sailing. My goal is to make it better than ever. I haven't even started on the outside yet. That will be another challenge.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Doug, That was class 1 plus excellence beyond imagination on that better than Hunter could have done. If memory did recall, I think there were cover plates for that on the original Hunter 26 but I may be wrong.

 

[Doug J]

Doug, That was class 1 plus excellence beyond imagination on that better than Hunter could have done. If memory did recall, I think there were cover plates for that on the original Hunter 26 but I may be wrong.

Thanks Crazy Dave! My boat is a 94'. I've seen many pictures of other H26s with panels that hinge on the bottom. My original panel doesn't have any screw holes from hinges. I don't know maybe the boats I've seen were 95' or 96' and by then Hunter put panels on there. Or maybe it was an option. I think the hinge on the bottom though, where the door swings down would get in the way. To me it's better to remove them completely for access.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Doug,
Old fartitis is setting in. I think you are right as the 26 was introduced by me at the Annapolis show in 1993 for the model year 1994 and later hinged on the bottom. What many do not realize is that a lot of manufactures did exactly what you did along with dealers to include me to get those doors out of the way. Anyway, great job and thank you for postingl

Dave Condon

 

[Fred]

Lift to insert/remove panels was the first mod I made to the boat on insistence of the admiral. Works out very well and makes it look tidy.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

A happy wife is a happy life, otherwise, pure heck