Destoyed bulkhead

[robbh]

I'm really new to restoring, and in that every new project is a learning experience. That being said, the bulkhead between my cockpit and cabin where the two doors attatch on my ensign are really ugly, and seem to need replacement. They look as if they are raw plywood that has been glassed in around the edges with no real protection on the surfaces. Should I cut them out and replace them? If so, then How? I truly appreciate your advice in all of this.

Cheers,
Robb

[Tim]

Is the bulkhead in any way damaged? Is any of the tabbing loose? Is there any rot anywhere? Is it secure?

If there are no real problems with the bulkhead, sloppy installation excepted, then I would not rush to change it out. However, if you feel that any of the above conditions exist, then full replacement is a better overall option than a stop-gap repair.

The ugliness factor can be deal with, if that's what bothers you. You could make a pattern of the existing bulkhead (in place), and then cut new pieces of a more attractive plywood (exterior/marine grade), which could be applied as a cosmetic fix to spruce things up. Or maybe you can just paint it, depending on what you want.

Let me know more details about the current condition, and perhaps I can reply in more detail as to a suggested way to proceed. Ensigns (and other Pearsons of similar age) tend to exhibit some sloppy workmanship in the tabbing and bulkheads, but that doesn't mean that the basic structure is unsound. Sloppy can be strong and effective, so don't immediately discount it.

To what depth you decide to proceed in this, and other, repairs on your boat depends on what your overall expectations for the finished product are. If you want Bristol condition (perfect in all ways), then replacement may be the way to go. If you're looking for clean and functional, usually something that stops short of truly gutting things is enough.

Let me know more about it, and we can continue.

[robbh]

Do you usually get this many questions from newbies like myself? If not I am sorry. There is just so much to learn. I will get back to you once I have had a chance to check out the actual situation further.

Thanks again,

Robb

[Tim]

I love reading, and responding to, questions like yours. Please ask as many as you like. And it won't always be just me who answers, as you found on your original post that has so far run to 4 pages--a forum record, I believe!

Keep posting. I like it; I love it; I want more of it.

[Dave, 397]

Boats are wonderful that way!

Don't disallow the cheap and dirty fixes for old Pearson lumpiness, either...like Duraglass. Just do be sure that there is nothing damp, wet, or rotten if you do so, and do be sure to use a glass-reinforced body filler and that it is well...WELL sealed by paining (if inside) or epoxy (if outside).

Not hi-tech, not "forever", but it's for "a long time" if selectively done in the right place and it costs very little.

Dave
AKA The Devil's Advocate

[robbh]

Tim and Dave,

I do appreciate the advice, and willingness to offer advice. I was hoping to get home and do a bit of work today, but it seems that the rain is coming, and I have yet to construct an enclosure.....O'ell. All when time and money permit. Thanks again.

Cheers,

Robb

[bcooke]

Speaking of sloppy bulkheads. Today, I was cutting some tabbing away from bulkheads on my Triton and found that the bulkheads are cut about an inch shorter (all away around) than the hull. The tabbing carries all the load between hull and bulkheads. I had assumed that the bulkheads would be attached to the hull and then be reinforced in position by the tabbing. I shook my head for a minute and then realized that this system has been working on my boat for 38 years now with no signs of stress or failure. Maybe this even works better because now there are no stress points on the hull where the square edges of the bulkhead would join the hull? This fiberglass stuff is pretty strong...

-Britton

[robbh]

It seems that when they built these boats they over engineered the hell out of them. I can't complain, and am happy that I decided to go with the "make old new again" rather than put up with the new crap they produce today.

Robb

[Tim]

Well, what you saw with your bulkhead may be a little sloppy, but the fact is that regardless of whether the bulkhead runs to the hull or not, it's still the fiberglass tabbing that's creating the bond and strength between the two. Think about how quality builders today use foam fillets between the bulkheads and the hull: obviously, the foam provides no strength, and is there to prevent a hard spot where the bulkhead would otherwise hit, and also to further spread the area over which the tabbing will span, thereby increasing its strength.

Fiberglass is amazingly strong. Never forget it. It seems so unlikely--mix up this sticky resin and (simplisticly) pour it all over some cloth stuff. Suddenly, you have an inert, hard, resistant, flexible, and incredibly strong product at the end. But it works!