Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
To those worrying about the security of the attachment of the upper shroud chainplate to the plywood bulkhead, I'll offer some observations:
1. Nobody here has reported (or heard of, to my knowledge) a chainplate ripping out of the bulkhead--or anything close to it. Correct me if I'm wrong... But I know some folks who have stressed-tested their aging C-25s in ways that made me cringe, with no problems there. (Now, if the plywood is rotten, bets are off.)
2. The force against the plywood is a shear-force--pulling straight upward so that it is transmitted to the whole bulkhead and from there to the cabintop. If something is going to let go, it might be more likely the hull-deck joint along that side. This has happened at the bow of some C-25s, where the older models don't have a chainplate stem fitting that includes a strap under the rub-rail and about 8" down the bow. (You can get that stem fitting from CD.) If you're still concerned, add a metal strap in place of the fender washers on the head side of the bulkhead. But when replacing the plywood, I'd make sure it's marine-grade so there are no voids in the inner plies. Furniture-grade can't be presumed to be solid throughout.
[ /soapbox ]
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
I successfully removed the bulkhead with a little more bend than I was at first comfortable with. I did need to remove the mast step bolts in order to sneak it out.
In the meantime while I am making my repairs, I am concerned about the boat loosing its shape without the bulkhead in place. I know this sounds dtastic but I know it is possible from other boats.
Bladeswell, did you put any temporary support in while you were making your replacement?
I knew you could do it. Good job. I did not use anything to support the coach roof while making my repairs. I don't think you will need to worry about roof sag for the short time you will probably have the bulk heads out. Good luck with your boat and I hope your repairs go well.
It's starting to look like a C-250! With the compression post in place and the rig not, I seriously doubt anything is going to change.
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.