Bulkhead Removal

[Bruce Bevan]

I'd also caution modification of the bulkhead that is positioned at the rear mounting point of the keel. Think of what happens when the keel hits an imoveable object. The rear part of the keel moves upward violently and if there is no structural component to spread the load the keel rips through the hull. Been there, done that!

BB

[Bergovoy]

im sure there is a way to modify it, BUT, I would have a boat engineer / archt review the modification and make sure it is either not affecting the structural design or if it does, then other elements are added to reinforce whatever it is you changed, i.e. if you ar notching or cutting an ELL into that 'panel'/bulkhead, then maybe you can add another 'layer' or some other strut, to add back int what what was removed.???

im still thinking it shouldnt be touched... so good luck

[rustypirate]

I agree with the others that it CAN be modified IF you beef up the remaining portion of the bulkhead.

The difficult question to answer is "how much reinforcing will be needed?".

This is something that an architect can answer for you.

[Sailboats Rock]

Thanks to everyone and your input. You have given me a great deal to consider. Does anyone happen to know of a boat engineer here on the forum? if so, I would really appreciate the hook up.

[Maren]

Originally Posted by Sailboats Rock

Does anyone happen to know of a boat engineer here on the forum? if so, I would really appreciate the hook up.

Considering this is a smallish part of what they do to keep the doors open, you might consider paying one if for no other reason than to get a definitive answer. The best is to find the designer of your boat and contact him, if possible.

Barring that, Dudley Dix is in your area. He's rather famous as a NA.

[Sailboats Rock]

By the way, I appreciate all of the input. I did call Dudley Dix and he was very informative. And just for the record for anyone else with interest, he did say, "As long as I left a remaining 4" of the existing bulkhead wall where it is secured to the vessel, it would be fine."
I have removed the section I was interested in removing and epoxied the remaining bulk head to the hull on both sides of the remaining wall to the hull. As soon as I finish up with the rest of my repairs I will dropp a couple of pics on here to check out.
Thanks again everyone.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Well, you eventually got the answer you wanted.

I hope it works out for you.

Might also want to re-attach the deck to the hull (and check whether a PO also removed any bulkheads) - but that might just be me being fussy.........

[barnakiel]

I would not touch the bulkhead in the mast area. Investigate with a boat designer if the bulkhead you have in mind can be substituted with some other kind of reinforcement - perhaps there is a way to allow for your needs with a modified design of this area of your boat.

b.

[Sailboats Rock]

It was actually just the wall that held up the chart table. I did discuss it with a NA and found out that as long as I leave 4" of the structure, it will be fine. I laid some epoxied everything back in place and it worked out fine.