Tabbed Bulkheads

[Herb Parsons]

Anyone familiar with how the bulkheads are tabbed in on a '76 O'Day 25? My chainplate pulled loose today (no major damage, except to the bulkhead and the hole in the deck), and I'll need to replace the bulkhead. I'm actually going to replace both, but this was the starboard side bulkhead, with the head sink on the other side.I can see that the top and sides of the cabin have tabbed fiberglass that forms a groove for the bulkheads, but I have a few questions. First, are the bulkheads glassed in? If not, how do they attach? I couldn't see any blots anywhere.Second, how is the sink cabinetry installed? Can they be unbolted, or will I basically have to rebuild the cabinets in the head as well?Finally, has anyone else done this on an O'Day 25? I'd like some firsthand experience, if there's any out there.

 

[Hoosier Kevin]

I am at the end of my repair

Herb - I am toward the end of my repair to a '78 25 - starboard side (with the sink) bulkhead - I followed Cassey's (this old boat) advice and with a jig saw cut 3 1/8" (just a little wider than my fiberglass tape) slit so that I could pull the tape through - used 3 layers each layer an inch longer so that it over lapped each side by a half inch. Than I tabbed in between the slits and then down with 2 layers of vertical tabbing. It worked out pretty well - I also put a layer of foam between the hull and the - very expensive - teak plywood (1/2 inch)The key is to use your old bulkhead as a pattern - unless you are a skilled carpenter - this could be a real pain!The cabinets come out real easy - the are screwwed in - we are replacing the sink top and the lower shelf - the doors were OK - This project was actually easier than my current project of replacing my 2 cylce engine with a 4 stroke - the wedge! has caused me great concern - Best of luck = let me know if you have other question I can help with -

 

[Steve Braverman]

2-stroke to 4-stroke

Kevin,Can you tell us more about your engine conversion? My old Johnson finally gasped its last cloud of blue smoke, and I just purchased a new Yamaha High thrust 4-stroke. I haven't received it yet, will I have problems installing it? I don't think it's that much heavier than the Johnson. Thanks.Steve