Bulkhead Trim Replacement Material

[Homer Shannon]

I have a vintage 1978 Bristol sailboat. It has a round foam-like material that covers the hull/headliner joints of all the bulkheads. The material has become dried and cracked. In some areas it had just fallen off.

I suspect this is a material that is installed when the the bulkhead is installed in the hull. I do not plan to disassemble the entire boat interior, so I don't think I could use the same material again, assuming I could find it. Is anyone aware of a good product that could be used to replace this material?

[Orion Jim]

Boatlife Life-Calk in teak brown is a polysulfide that would fill the gap and look neat forever away from the harsh sun. Buy a full cartridge and the whole job would cost less than $30.00.

[Homer Shannon]

In other words, just caulk the joint and don't worry about trying to make it look like the current product. Easy enough to do. I wasn't sure if there was a more than cosmetic reason that the boat was built with the product use. Thanks.

[Terra Nova]

Replacement welting can be made up by any upholsterer.

[Reefmagnet]

I've often thought that gluing some attractive looking rope along a seam like that could be made to look pretty good.

[Privilege]

I've just done mine with hemp rope and a glue gun. Quick and easy way to cover the seam and it looks right on a boat.

[jkindredpdx]

How about thin strips of sapele or khaya (wood)... steam bend the corners.

[wsmurdoch]

On some boats "hidem gimp" is used to cover the gap. It is stapled with stainless staples to the bulkhead with one edge positioned tight against the overhead. Google away for images. videos, and ideas. Sailrite sells the stuff. There also are other kinds of gimp.

Bill