Replacing Head on '86 pearson 36-2

[john@weaverarchitects.com]

When I took out the old head in prep for replacing with the new (full size) one, I found that the head was held in by lag bolts, and there seems to be a wood member under the unitary fiberglass shower/head pan. However a couple of the bolts looked like there was some long term moisture exposure. Hard to tell just looking in the bolt holes but there may be some deterioration of the wood. I can’t figure out any way to get under there without major deconstruction other than maybe cutting a big access port in the floor of the lazarette. Can anyone recommend a way to get under the pan to replace the bolts and any rotten wood without too much destruction?

Thanks

[marcusc130]

I had the same problem on my boat. When I rebuilt the head, I left it out for several days to let the wood dry out as best I could. I then injected some penetrating epoxy to stiffen up the rot. When that hardened, I filled the holes with epoxy, let it cure, and then re-drilled and reinstalled the head with the original lag bolts. This way it is now secured into epoxy, rather than wood, as this is almost certainly a wet area.

[john@weaverarchitects.com]

thanks. that sounds like what we are going to be doing.

[kwaltersmi]

John - Sorry, can't help with the head question. However, I am curious to hear your opinion of the 36-2. We're considering one as our next family cruiser for a while. Any thoughts/opinions on the boat? Feel free to respond to the thread or PM me.