strengthening bulkhead?

[John Reimann]

Hi,

I've posted to this list about my plans to change out the port bulkhead - the one right behind the head. One thing I've been thinking about: As you know, this bulkhead is in two parts - the larger part towards the inside of the boat (to which the chain plate is attached) and the smaller part which goes to the hull of the boat. Also as you probably know, there is nothing tying these two bulkheads together. So what I've been thinking about is to through-bolt a stainless steel strap that spans the joint between these two bulhkeads, with another strap on the other side of the bulkhead, thus forming what would in effect be one solid bulkhead.

What do you think of this idea? It may not be necessary but it seems to me that it couldn't hurt - or could it? Is there any reason not to do this?

[Steve Frost]

Sounds like a great question for Geary Douglas.

[John Reimann]

I talked with Catalina just now. They said that "it wouldn't hurt" to put a strap across this joint as I was thinking. I also asked about the screws on the bottom of the bulkhead. He said that "typically it is through bolted." I guess this means that at different times they did it differently, because mine is just fixed in place with small wood screws, so this will be my other upgrade.

[LCBrandt]

John, that's a beautiful job on the bulkhead replacement, and a nice write-up. Kudos.

[John Reimann]

thanks. As always, I couldn't have done it without the suggestions of others.