[christian.hess]

Re: New Bulkheads & Interior Framing

The interior is gutted, bulkheads are out, and on the home stretch with the grinder.

I'm getting ready to install new bulkheads, and fit the interior with ribs and stringers, keeping it all very basic.

A few questions:

1) There are 2 existing stringers (stiffeners?) on each side attached to the hull that span the length of the boat. Large sections of these are missing/cut-out from a refit with a PO. The stringers are basically a closed cell foam with a 2/3 layer continuous tab. Can I lose these, and expect the newly installed ribs & stringers to provide the support for necessary stiffness?

2) What is the recommended spacing on the ribs?

3) I can't be sure if the old bulkheads were original, but they appear to be. They are 1/2" ply. Should I upsize to 5/8"? Would 3 layers on the continuous tabbing be sufficient?

4) The boat is not in a climate controlled facility. My average daytime temps are in the high 50s low 60s. My average nighttime temps are high 40s to low 50s. Will a low viscosity resin with fast hardener work?

what size boat?

we did 3/4 inch bulkheads full tab like you want to do...on my islander 36

much better tabbed to the hull than original plus we used foam to gap the bulkheads from the hull

time will tell if its a decent job I guess

 

[christian.hess]

awesome looking boat...stout....

x2 on advice...3/4 inch bulkheads will be really strong for your boat...

good luck!

 

[christian.hess]

now that I remember I think I went 7/8ths or an inch on the main bulkheads and 3/4 on the forwards for the lowers...

there are some pics on my islander 36 refit thread
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/115890-islander-36-projects-paradise.html

if it helps any...its not a pro job but its perfect for what they are designed to do...I also made new plates at the time.

in any case op your boat reminds me of a folkboat...I miss mine dearly! jajaja

 

[christian.hess]

I agree, however not on things like bulkheads and chainplates...I would never say go undersize unless you are using materials that are known to be stronger

one thing thats very noticeable at least on the boats I have had is how little tabbing was done on the oroginal bulkheads in many cases leading to issues like ripped chain plates cracked ribbing etc...

it depends on who built your boat mostly but I can show you pics of my original tabbing on my boat and its like they used scotch tape to hold the bulkheads in place

so most owners are prudent in correcting that and improving the tabbing per se...

anywhoo

in general terms I agree completely the whole go big or go broke themes people do on boats sometimes does more harm than good other than as a placebo

this is especially true regarding rigging and standing rigging...

in any case 1/2 inch like above is a great size...I bet its what you had in there originally

peace

 

[christian.hess]

awesome stuff tommays

kielanders the pvc trick works well....however wood slats are the tradional method...