removing a bulkhead next to a mast

[b-happy too]

trying to remove a bulkhead on a 1984 36' Catalina that is next to a mast and seems un-doable to remove in 1 piece. any advice?

[Sailmonkey]

Make it two pieces?

[JPA Cate]

b-happy too, it would help us think about this to know a little more. It goes without saying that you are wanting to replace the bulkhead because it has rot or came untabbed. If you are planning to completely remove it in order to install a new one, there is no reason not to cut it into bits that will exit the companionway conveniently. However if the bulkhead is sound, then re-glassing it in might be the better option, using what is there now for locating it correctly.

Also, i believe there is a Catalina 30 owners forum out there somewhere (try Googling), and you might receive informed counsel there, as well.

Ann

[TeddyDiver]

Dunno the structural design of your boat but.. Fein multicutter and a pile of blades would work. There's to consider the structural integrity of your boat, like chainplates and what's keeping the deck and hull in their form after the removal..

BR Teddy

[davewtsnape]

The big question is why? Easy enough to chop it out with cutters time and effort, but why would you do it in the first place? More info required

[TrentePieds]

What are you gonna do once the bulkhead is out???

If it is next to the mast, it is almost certain to be a major structural component of the hull, possibly taking and dispersing the compression loads from the mast. Removing it will wreck the boat UNLESS it is replaced - competently - with another bulkhead like it, or a properly engineered substitute.

If your plan is to replace the bulkhead with a new one the mate to the old one, the question you ask is not particularly apposite. The question you need to ask is "How do I get a new one-piece bulkhead through the companionway? The answer is: You don't! What you do do is build a new one from smaller pieces that you CAN get through the companionway. Unless you are a skilled shipwright or at least a skilled and innovative woodworker, best not to go down that road!

Best of luck!

TP

[hellosailor]

Advice, yes. Give us the bigger picture.

Odds are the bulkhead was installed in one piece, before the deck was attached. So getting it out will require some demolition. Or removing the deck.

All depends on what you are trying to do, why you are trying to do it, what the larger context is.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by b-happy too

trying to remove a bulkhead on a 1984 36' Catalina that is next to a mast and seems un-doable to remove in 1 piece. any advice?

That's what they make SawsAlls for. I'm not familiar with your boat. I hope you are not speaking under the mast.

[NevisDog]

Originally Posted by b-happy too

trying to remove a bulkhead on a 1984 36' Catalina that is next to a mast and seems un-doable to remove in 1 piece. any advice?

Sounds similar to being down a coal mine and trying to remove one of the pit-props.

[seasick]

I’m guessing your existing bulkhead is coming apart (delaminating). If it is just the outer venier, I recommend just removing the outer layers and skinning the bulkhead with a new layer of vertical teak battens etc. If your bulkhead is structurally compromised, but appears ok nearer the tabbing, consider cutting the bulkhead six inches from the tabbing with a sawsall and bolting your new bulkhead to this.

Putty and paint makes a sinner a saint.

[bigman1]

Originally Posted by b-happy too

trying to remove a bulkhead on a 1984 36' Catalina that is next to a mast and seems un-doable to remove in 1 piece. any advice?

Is the bulkhead a supporting one?if so supports wood or metal will have to wedged or jacked into place.I dont know the boat,but Jim cates answer was good.All the best.Ronnie.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by bigman1

Is the bulkhead a supporting one?if so supports wood or metal will have to wedged or jacked into place.I dont know the boat,but Jim cates answer was good.All the best.Ronnie.

?????

Must have been some other Jim Cate, for I don't seem to have contributed to this thread.

One reason for this lack is the OP's reluctance to fill us in with enough info to reasonably answer his question. If he should come back and fill us in, I'll likely have an opinion.

Jim

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

?????

Must have been some other Jim Cate, for I don't seem to have contributed to this thread.

One reason for this lack is the OP's reluctance to fill us in with enough info to reasonably answer his question. If he should come back and fill us in, I'll likely have an opinion.

Jim

We are always getting you mixed up with that JPA Cate...

[Don C L]

Still waiting to hear from OP why this bulkhead is being removed...pretty important piece of info..