Bulkhead Replacement-Advice Needed
 

Boat- 1978 Pearson 26 One Design

The bulkhead where the port chainplate attaches has fatigued, allowing the chainplate to raise up nearly a half inch. I'm convinced the only proper fix is to replace the bulkhead. Anyone who has done this on a Pearson 26 I would love to hear any advice you may have to offer.

Re: Bulkhead Replacement-Advice Needed
 

This site might be helpful.

Pyxis - Pearson 26

Re: Bulkhead Replacement-Advice Needed
 

Looks like a bit of a challenge, the port bulkhead is the widest/largest?.. and there seems to be a fair bit of finished fiberglass involved in the bulkhead location (the molding along the cabintop, and some finished glass in way of the chainplates themselves, though a couple of different P26s have slightly different arrangements.

In any case the 'damage' is most likely to be caused by water ingress through the chainplate seal, resulting in some wet mush where solid wood is meant to be. First thing would be to determine the extent of the water damage. Getting the entire bulkhead out and replacing it would be best, but possibly complicated by what appears to be a fairly extensive use of moldings. If the damage is localized it could be that the most practical repair would be to replace the damaged section - it would involve less destruction along the way.

Disclaimer, though, I've not actually been/seen one of these boats in person. I did a similar job on a 24' Shark ages ago, but it was a simpler bulkhead with no chainplates...

Re: Bulkhead Replacement-Advice Needed
 

There is a good article by Dan Witucki on the website epoxyworks.com. It has detailed information.

Re: Bulkhead Replacement-Advice Needed
 

I've decided for sure to replace both port and starboard main bulkheads. I will have to cut through the fiberglass tabbing that holds the bulkhead to the hull. I know I can use a cutting wheel on a angle grinder to do this. I am wondering if I could use a hammer and chisel instead. Mainly to cut way down on dust and glass particles flying around. Thoughts?

Re: Bulkhead Replacement-Advice Needed
 

Never underestimate the utility of brute force and ignorance -- it may be ugly, but it's often effective ;)

It will work. Go slowly at first until you find the best angle and force needed. Wear goggles and gloves. Be careful you don't cut into the actual hull. Keep a whetstone or equivalent handy to sharpen the chisel, 'cause the glass will take the edge off pretty quick.

Another option is a oscillating tool (like a Fein MultiMaster) with a carbide grout removal blade. It'll still generate dust, but tons less that an angle grinder. If you keep a vacuum hose right by the cut, it stays pretty clean.

Re: Bulkhead Replacement-Advice Needed
 

I've never used a Multimaster tool but it looks interesting.

Re: Bulkhead Replacement-Advice Needed
 

You really want to keep the bulkheads intact so you can use them as patterns for the new bulkheads..

Re: Bulkhead Replacement-Advice Needed
 

Captainmeme...I agree.

Re: Bulkhead Replacement-Advice Needed
 

Do the multitool instead - you can get a variable speed knock off of the Fien for 25 bucks from harbor freight.
A hammer and chisel might cut down on dust, but you'll spend forever doing it, and crack and over cut etc..