There has been some discussion lately re bulkhead removal and/or modification . My personal opinion is not to modify them period. The bulkhead that the mast is on is an intergal part of the hulls strucural strength, rigging attachments and chainplates clearly evidence this FACT. The forward bulkhead while not as critical to the rig definately adds structural strength to the hull. If you have the dinette interior the aft seatback can be modified to "Quick Release" as mine has been done with some threaded machine screws nylock nuts and a couple of camlocks add a cushion of hi density foam and it makes into a suitable queen size (almost) bed . With a traditional interior you can do the same thing to the berth opposite the galley , there is a little more carpentry involved to get it all to the same height.... but it can still be installed with hardware similar to the dinette attachments and stowed or dockboxed when it is not in use. Happy Sailing!! John Presler Hull # 93 Keewadinoquay
________________________________ From: alaskasailorman <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Thu, July 22, 2010 12:41:11 AM Subject: [IC27A] New to the group and have question about Cat 27 forward bulkhead Hey everyone, I'm new to the group but not new to sailing. I've done some offshore, coastal and inter coastal sailing in my day. I am, however, new to a Catalina 27 standard rig. I've had her out a few times and love the way she handles. Kind of tender but responsive... I'm a tall guy, 6'4", and am trying to increase sleeping space. Was thinking about removing the forward bulkhead wooden wall that's next to the vee berth on the starboard side. I understand it might have a structural function such as stiffening the boat when under sail. I want to build an extension on the starboard side of the vee berth that runs into the head area that will allow me to put a cushion on it and thereby make the vee berth much longer. Hope I'm being clear here. It would be a wooden 'shelf' that could be removed and stowed or put into place over the top of the head and then with a cushion on top of it, make the vee berth that much longer and wider. Have any of you done this and if so, can you share pictures or just some sage advise? Thanks so much Alaska Sailorman...
