Bulkhead replacement

[kaw550]

I need to replace at least two bulkeads
Would i be following the same process as stringers?
Materials, prep, install, etc

They are pretty small. Less than 18" long and about 6" tall.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Bulkhead replacement

Same is fine.

 

[kaw550]

Re: Bulkhead replacement

So mine were 1/2" plywood with what looks like 1/2" x 1/2" pine sistered to the top where the deck mounts. Is that the right way to do it?

I was thinking two layers of 1/2" laminated together?
Do I cut the bulkheads then cover in resin and fiberglass before installing?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bulkhead replacement

If space allows then your plan is sound. Yes fill all voids in the edges of the ply first then coat with resin.
When it tacks up cover with a layer of 1.5 oz CSM When dry, install and keep the bottom of the BH's 1/4" off the hull. Tab to the hull with couple of layers of 1708 and put wax in the last layer of resin for good waterproofing of the resin.

 

[kaw550]

Re: Bulkhead replacement

Okay. I still have some questions.
1708 a brand name? I checked the website of a local fiberglass material supplier. They have 9 oz fiberglass tape. Is that the same thing?

You mention keeping the bulkhead 1/4 off the hull. Do I sit it in a bed of peanut butter (I don't really know what that is but saw it in another post).

I may be getting ahead of myself. Not sure I should buy in small quantities when I need material for the deck.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bulkhead replacement

1708 is a biaxial fiberglass cloth that is 17 oz cloth with CSM stitched to the back of it. Very strong and easy to work with. I'd recommend PB for bedding the bulkheads. You make it by mixing Poly resin, Cabosil and 1/4" chopped stand fibers to the consistency of Peanut butter. Use 1/4" pieces of wood to hold it up off the hull, and put the PB under it. leave gaps around the pieces of wood and remove them when the pb sets up. About a half hour. then fill the voids left by the pieces of wood with pb. Where are you located??

 

[kaw550]

Re: Bulkhead replacement

The work I can do. It's the materials and products that are making my head spin.

I may be taking the wrong approach. I wanted to get something done and I though the bulkheads would be easy but I would we buying the materials in small quantities when I still need to determine what I need for the floor.
I am in Western Mass. The local supplier is http://www.mertons.com/index.html.

I attached a pic of one of the bulkheads. It is completely rotted out. The odd part is there is no water on that side of the hull. The other side is soaked and the bulkhead is fine.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bulkhead replacement

Based on the pic you posted, I'd venture to guess that you have a lot more issues than just a couple of bulkheads. Once the deck is fully removed you should core sample the stringers and the transom to ensure they are not rotted. I'm afraid you will discover a lot more issues. Drill some 1/4" holes and check the drill shavings. If they're wet and dark you have issues. If light and dry then ok. Do NOT drill all the way thru the transom

 

[kaw550]

Re: Bulkhead replacement

I have drilled 4 holes. They have come out dry.
I do see black on the stringer where that bulkhead tied in. I may need to slow things down, cut out more floor and clean things up.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bulkhead replacement

I checked out Mertons. Their 24 oz cloth is similar to 1708They are a bit high on their prices but if you consider you don't have to pay shipping they prolly cheaper in the long run. You might want to try online here www.uscomposites.com. They have great prices but shipping to MA will increase your total costs.