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Aft Bulkhead Replacement

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saribella
Captain

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USA
286 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/26/2007 : 22:14:47

After alot of tinkering around yesterday witht the aft bulkheads I came to a realization. I am not going to replace them just yet with the expensive plascor composites ($250 for (1) 4x8 sheet). The main reason being cost. Then I realized, I own a 1983 racer/cruiser. It would be fine for me to spend the dollars on the composite materials, but would it be really cost effetive after figuring the additional man hours for installation. What would really be gained?

At this point I dropped what I was doing and did some searching online to explore some more cost effective and quicker fixes to the problem. The issues I have with the current factory configuration is the lack of srtuctural integrity and lack of water-tight integrity between aft & forward compartments. I then asked myself what could I do to achieve my goals to correct the deficienies?

Please let me know what you all think about my game plan, so here is what I am going to do:

Step 1- Since the aft bulkheads themselves are in relativiely great shape, I am going to paint seal them with epoxy paint (or some oher paint that bonds with fiberglass).

Step 2- Bond them to the inside of the cabin using 5200, counter screw them back in place & add an extra coat of epoxy to seal the screw heads.

Step 3- Seal and pack all of the gaps around the bulkheads & misc spaces with marine-tex. This includes from the front side as well as the back.

Step 4- Glass in all of the spaces metioned as well as the entire back & front surfaces of the bulkheads bonding them to the [hull]

Step 5- paint the lazarette lockers with enamel, and repaint the entire inner cabin.

I have already gutted the cabin of all trims, lockers covers, sole boards, foreward bulkheads, compression post, everything except the kitchen sink. Here are a few photos.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Capri355/Work32507

Edited by - saribella on 03/26/2007 22:40:40

Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 03/26/2007 : 22:50:48

Or, you can make a lazerette storage locker liner, 4200 it into place, then use 6 #8 screws to mount it into place :) I like the idea of the bulkheads, but I would not be so inclined into bonding plywood then glassing it in. What happens if it rots or breaks? Sounds like allot of tearout down the road?

I do think that the rear bulkheads in this boat are a joke, maybee beef them up with 3/4" and use more than 6 screws to hold it into place?

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saribella
Captain

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USA
286 Posts

Response Posted - 03/27/2007 : 08:27:03

I thought about the rotting issue Chris, but I think that with the current bulkhead material being in the relatively good condition that it will be ok if sealed while being fully dry. This is going to be a trial and error scenario intented to provide a cost effective alternative to replacing the bulkheads completely. Please let me know if you disagree.

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Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 03/27/2007 : 13:12:25

Na, Mine are shot and need to be replaced. If they were tabbed in it would be a real PITA to get them out, nothing a chainsaw couln't solve. What has happened in my case is that there has been water get into the rear storage compartment because of the void under the liner. The boat has been stored on a hoist for the last 6 to 8 years. When the boat is let down the aft part of the boat gets all of the water rushing from under the liner, and gets the bulkheads soaked. When I replace mine (soon) I am going to seal the plywood ends with epoxy. I hope this will settle the rot down. I am thinking of building a bulkhead like the Capri 30 "Rock lobster" with a fiberglass pole for support, and then have a locker lid, so I can gain access to this storage area from inside. I really like this idea.

You will love the EP main.

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 03/27/2007 : 16:19:59

I don't think these rear bulkheads were meant to offer much in the way of structure to the boat and there may be a reason for that. About 4 inches aft of the bulkheads you should find a stringer which goes all the way across to the cockpit support.
If the bulkheads aren't rotted, sealing like Chris suggests is a good idea. I'd also see if I could seal them so there is no water intrusion into the cabin and if you haven't done it already, put latches on the lazerettes and make sure they are latched when you are underway.
Chris, you may want to check your scuppers, they are notorious for leaking because the transom flexes so much with the outboard. Use the chalk line trick.

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saribella
Captain

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USA
286 Posts

Response Posted - 04/02/2007 : 21:41:07

Geez, I wish the stinking temp would stay above 50........calling for snow Wed, Thu, & Fri.......I am going to scream.

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Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2007 : 18:07:08

It was 83 on Sunday with a nice 5-10. I was stuck at home, but the spring series is on the 5th race.

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saribella
Captain

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USA
286 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2007 : 17:39:56

bragging or complaining?

Edited by - saribella on 04/04/2007 17:40:16

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 04/04/2007 : 19:08:29

9" of snow tonight.

I'm moving to Belize, I've had it.

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saribella
Captain

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USA
286 Posts

Response Posted - 04/10/2007 : 20:54:49

This is getting ridiculous.........calling for 2-3" of snow tonight and tomorrow. I know it is not as bad as some, but it is just bad enough so I cannot get done what I need to. Not looking like I will be doing the bulkheads or doing a new bottom job for at least 3 weeks................(growl, grumble)

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2007 : 11:00:38

Matt,

I really do feel your pain. We are supposed to get another 8 inches tonight and then rain all afternoon tomorrow. Hey, maybe if it rains enough, I won't need to launch my boat! By the way, MAS Epoxy, which I've been using for over 10 years, sets up as low as 40F and cleans up with rubbing alcohol, (if it hasn't hardened). Good stuff too, it's what's in Ocean Planet's mast.

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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.