1976 Bristol 34 How serious is a separating bulkhead?

[Lance Monotone]

Originally Posted by Boatyarddog

I worked on for 3 months.
Had for the most part worked on it through a head locker using one hand as i couldn't get both hands in there to glass it in.
There are some tricks i learned in process.
SV Cloud Duster

Depending on how serious the problem with this one is, I may have to remove the bulkhead and reglass it. I won't know until I go back and look at it, but it'll be exciting to find out haha. I want to make sure it's done correctly because I'll be taking the boat offshore, so I'm erring on the side of abundant caution.

[silkie]

It's possible there is meant to be a gap. You mention the mast is keel stepped, so it can only stiffen the coach house. Try to study any crazing in the gelcoat: if there is none, it may be good as is.

[Lance Monotone]

Originally Posted by silkie

It's possible there is meant to be a gap. You mention the mast is keel stepped, so it can only stiffen the coach house. Try to study any crazing in the gelcoat: if there is none, it may be good as is.

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to take another look at it.

[kmacdonald]

It equates to a heart attach.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Lance Monotone

I'm looking at an otherwise nice boat, but have some concerns about a gap between the bulkhead and the cabin roof near the head and v berth. The hanging locker and the head door no longer close true. Is this a serious structural issue, or can it be fixed easily?

Well that's where the chain-plates are located. My bet would be that it either lacks gussets/knees, tying the deck, cabin and cabin top together. I just looked at a Nor`West 33 that had a similar problem. I posted that here.
... https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3376533

[kmacdonald]

It's easy to retab a bulkhead but nearly impossible to fix the cause of it separating. Find another boat.