Chain locker Bulkhead

  • September 12, 2017 12:45 PM
    Message # 5076764
    Deleted user

    Probably not a new topic, but couldn't find a similar one. My bulkhead in my chain locker is going a bit soft. I have replaced my bowsprit and posts with Bud's ss version. I'm considering replacing the bulkhead, re-glassing the locker also that it slopes to one side and installing a drain that will go out the side. Has anyone done this or have any experience or suggestions?

  • September 13, 2017 5:43 AM
    Reply # 5098527 on 5076764

    i replaced my w28 chain locker bulkhead.  it was soft and channeled due to termite work.  i chopped out all of  the plywood, but retained the fiberglass tabbing on the hull.  a replacement in one piece wouldn't fit through the companionway, so i had to make a scarf joint in the panel inside the boat.  i modified the shape of the hatch to a trapizoid to provide more plywood at the sides of the hull.  the hatchway is now wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. i coated both sides  of the  panel with three coast of epoxy with one layer of fiberglass on the chain side. .  i epoxied the new plywood to the old tabbing and bolted it until cured.  then i removed the bolts and laid a new fiberglass tabbing on the v-berth side  of the bulkhead.  then i refit the bolts.

    i suggest that you carefully check your cutwater fitting (bracket that the bobtay attaches to) for corrosion while the bulkhead is out. it is much easier to replace without the bulkhead in the way.  i replaced mine.

    james

  • September 14, 2017 9:48 PM
    Reply # 5261650 on 5076764
    Deleted user

    Thanks James, much appreciated! Any particular concerns to look out for?

    Rob

  • September 15, 2017 2:58 AM
    Reply # 5261854 on 5076764

    i think i covered them all.


    jwt

  • September 15, 2017 5:54 AM
    Reply # 5262015 on 5076764
    Deleted user
    James covered it well. I did mine in two pieces then tied them together on the 32. Much easier to fit them into the original tabbing. I used 1/2 inch PVC board this time.