Forward Bulkhead Replacement

  • October 18, 2013 11:01 PM
    Message # 1416573
    Getting ready to install a new SS bowsprit. Have found the anchor locker bulkhead to be completely rotted out and in need of replacement. Anyone do this already and have any suggestions?
  • October 19, 2013 4:30 AM
    Reply # 1416638 on 1416573
    Deleted user
    Hey Stephen,

    I did this job about 15 years ago so my memory is somewhat lacking in details but I do remember that it was so dry rotted that the original bulkhead came out in pieces and was unusable as a template. I believe I used the build manual for the dimensions and was able to chip out the remaining ply from the original fiberglass tabbing. I used 3/4 marine ply and then split the new bulkhead down the middle for easier installation and from there it was a fit and cut job. Once everything fit, I covered the two halves with a white formica and glassed them in with West System to the original tabs. The seam was then covered with a teak trim piece running down the center between the two doors. I would recommend coating the new bulkhead with West System. I used varnish and it led to some dry rot problems in succeeding years which I was able to fix with Git Rot. I have also since found a source for ribbon stripe mahogany veneer and will use that if I have to do this job again in the future although the formica looks pretty good.

    Have fun and keep your shop vac handy.

    Werner
  • October 19, 2013 4:41 AM
    Reply # 1416643 on 1416573
    Deleted user
    P.S.

    Now that I think about it, I believe I made a template from a thin piece of luan plywood first which led me to realize that splitting it down the middle was going to make the job much more do-able and this way, I didn't have to remove the teak edge trim,
    Last modified: October 19, 2013 4:44 AM | Deleted user
  • October 19, 2013 5:43 AM
    Reply # 1416663 on 1416573
    A carpenter friend of mine that apprenticed to a true shipwright taught me this trick.

    Use narrow strips of thin (1/16-1/8") lathe material to create a template. The thin strips are easy to hand plane to shape to curves and as various strips are fit they are glued together in place with a hot glue gun. 

    Add support with reinforcing strips wherever necessary for stability, (i.e. across corners, etc.).  Remember, it doesn't have to look pretty. Just the outside edge(s) of the 'lattice assembly' is important.

    I've watched him perfectly fit some complex shapes in a matter of minutes in areas that would otherwise have taken forever via trial & error (and likely would not end up fitting as well).
    Last modified: October 19, 2013 5:47 AM | Anonymous member
  • October 19, 2013 8:36 AM
    Reply # 1416764 on 1416573
    Deleted user
    I am also doing this as we speak - new bowsprit leads to new sampson post leads to new bulkhead. :) 

    Ill be doing a write up on how we did the transplant as soon as I can have someone give me an answer to my question - here

    I found the hardest issue is making the template and installing the new bulkhead without out having to carve out all the V-birth.

    Some of the details are listed - here

    Last modified: October 19, 2013 8:37 AM | Deleted user
  • October 21, 2013 10:34 PM
    Reply # 1418733 on 1416573
    Werner, thanks for the idea of splitting the bulkhead before install. I was dreading having to take apart most of the V-berth to reinstall, but by installing it in two pieces, I think I can get it in place and glass it in without having to do a complete tear-down. I planned to use marine ply, heavily glassed to make it more of a "permanent" solution, and was going to reface with mahogany veneer to make it all match after, which would cover the seam. I like it.

    Mike, thanks for the idea. I do believe, however, I can get mine out (if I cut it in half first to remove, thereby verifying the idea of two-piece install) to use it as a sufficient template. That should solve that problem.

    Michael, we're now facebook friends, so please photo document as much as possible. 

    Thanks, all.

    Steve
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