I replaced both bulkheads this spring. I strongly suggest you look hard at your other bulhead. If one has rotted the other one probably needs replacing as well. The job is suprisingly easy. The mast will stand with the lower shrouds alone, so removing the chain plates with the mast up is not a problem. The bulkhead and all sections of the cabin which will need to be removed to get the bulkhead out are all screwed in. Dis-assemble, use the old bulkhead as a template to cut a new bulkhead and install the new. This is your chance to re-seal you chainplates. I read somewhere that all deck hardware should be re-bed every three years, so while the tube of 4200 is open, go crazy on the rest of your fittings. If you don't do it now it will be a long time befrore it will get done, trust me, I have yet to finish re-bedding and now winter is looming. I used finish grade plywood instead of marine grade. Todays finish grade is still much better than the origional bulkheads which lasted 31 years. I figured it was a safe bet that in 31 years if the boat is still afloat there may be other issues to deal with and replacing the bulkheads again is not the end of the world. If you keep the chainplates sealed the bulkheads should last forever. I did take the precaution of siliconing the edges of the bulkhead before I installed them. This is a much easier job than you would think and you'll get great piece of mind when it's done.
Good Luck, Mike ----- Original Message ----- From: Craig Johnson To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2010 6:09 AM Subject: [IC27A] Rotting bulkhead Hello All, I just discovered yesterday evening that my Starboard bulkhead on my 1979 27 is barely non-existent. I appears that very little other than the outer laminate remains and I am now fearful of raising any sails. Have any of you encountered this? Any ideas as to what the cause might be? I really cant see any point for water intrusion other than the shroud chain plate, but that could very well be the culprit. Have any of you attempted to correct this problem? Tips, suggestions, repair process steps, any input is welcome. Thanks in advance Craig Johnson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.441 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3103 - Release Date: 08/30/10 18:34:00
