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Extreme Boat Make-Over: Bulkhead Edition?

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Unsinkable2
Captain

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USA
273 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/08/2010 : 09:05:39

I have thought about replacing or redesigning the bulkhead wood around the head. Has anyone done this?

I'm not sure if I just want to update the look of the wood with something nicer (lighter color, nice woodwork, etc), or try and do some kind of redesign (opening it up more, building some cool feature into the bulkhead, or ??)

I have two questions for you.

1) Are the bulkhead panels a structural component (are the panels load bearing)?

2) What ideas do you have for redesigning the bulkheads?

--Skipper of the Unsinkable2
http://blog.unsinkable2.com
1977 Catalina 25 SK/SR #246 "Unsinkable 2"
1964 Lido 14 #1878 "Tomato Sloop"

Edited by - on

mlg3733
Navigator

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118 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2010 : 09:12:56

The bulkhead panels hold the chainplates for the stays, so there is some structural concern there.

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2010 : 13:12:26

Forward bulkheads can go... IMHO

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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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4018 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2010 : 13:24:51

Like Frank says, The bulkhead forward of the head is just a room divider, Nothing structural but the rear bulkheads, Port and starboard are what your chain plates for your upper shrouds are anchored too. Also the post(the square 4x4 on the end of the port rear bulkhead) is directly under the mast to support it.

Edited by - islander on 01/08/2010 13:30:50

crcalhoon
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Response Posted - 01/08/2010 : 19:14:52

I have replaced all four of my bulkheads. It is not a big job, but one of my other hobbies is woodworking and I have a lot of tools. If they are not rotted out too badly you can use the old ones for templates and it gets real easy. One of mine was too bad to use that way, but the others weren't. As stated, the forward ones are not structural, but the after ones are. Your upper chainplates are bolted through them. That said, Catalina was not too precisely picky with fit, at least not on my boat (1979 FK SR) They covered up the edges with vinyl welting. I did the same thing and it looks fine. I did not use Teak ply, but used birch and stained it. I like the looks fine. Opinions vary. Note that if the bottoms of your after bulkheads are rotted out, you have lost a little structural strength, because the bulkneads are bolted through in several places. SO if you have much bottom rot I would suggest that you do a replacement.

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Voyager
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5352 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2010 : 20:04:13

Mike
What ideas are you considering with the aft bulkheads? Even though they secure the chainplates, it is possible to maintain the strength of the chainplates while opening "windows" in the bulkheads, especially the port side. The starboard side could be opened as well.

Obviously, the mast post must remain AND must remain secure no matter what, but being essentially a 4x4 post, it does not present much of a visual obstacle

That said, if you can also eliminate the forward bulkheads, it would be possible to completely visually open the interior of the boat.

The downsides of this approach is that you lose the surface area of the aft bulkheads for mounting lights, cabinets, clock and instruments or bookshelves. The other is loss modesty, as the head wiill be open for all to see. Retractable curtains would help on that score.

I'd be interested in hearing your ideas

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DoubleD
1st Mate

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61 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2010 : 08:11:32

I cut the forward bulkhead back, so that only about 6" was left. I extended the V-berth back to the main bulkhead. After a year of useage, I haven't seen any stress cracks or other problems.

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NCBrew
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338 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2010 : 08:23:06

Any Pictures (after)

Thanks

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Unsinkable2
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273 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2010 : 10:04:29

Charles & Dave, can you post pictures of the modifications you made?

I am still brainstorming ideas on the bulkheads. When I bought the boat, I pulled them out to clean out the grime around the edges at the assistance of my Admiral. (Same errant logic that compels her to compel me to move the couches so she can vacuum under them ;) I also cut a couple holes for speakers at that time, but just put the originals back in so I could get on the water.

Structurally, other than needing to support the chainplates and keep a mast support in place, it sounds like I am free to get creative.

My main motivators are that the original ply looks rather dated, and darkens up the interior considerably. I like your suggestions, here's a list of some ideas I'm kicking around:
1) Use a lighter wood, or lighter stain on the wood to brighten it up.
2) Add some wood inlay or intarsia work to the bulkheads - really class up the interior
3) I like the suggestion of possibly adding a port of some sort to the port side bulkead to let more light pass through
4) Open the starboard side by somehow modifying the locker between the bulkheads - even with the port light from above, that locker is as bright as a black hole. Any thoughts on locker mods?

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2010 : 06:58:53

I've seen pics of boats where the owner simply painted the bulkheads white, or off-white. That's a cheap fix to lighten the cabin. A lighter wood, varnished instead of stained, would also work, if you like to do that sort of work.

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