The bulkhead between the galley and the aft cabin (behind the engine box) in our MK II is showing signs of rot. It looks fairly easy to remove. Has any replaced theirs? What do I replace it with...marine grade plywood.
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Peter Pasquale
WindDancer
#1568
Hilton Head, SC
Question 1: Why is it rotting?
Mahogany marine grade plywood in the same thickness should be good. As with the other bulkheads, if you are taking it out, it would probably be a decent idea to bond it back in when you are done.
But I think you want to address whatever water ingress or dampness issues you are having at the same time?
Jason V
Vancouver, BC, Canada
After finding seawater in the aft bilge section (with a dripless shaft seal and no sign of leakage there) I finally found the hose clamp loose on the cooling water injection elbow.
The PO repowered with a POS M25 XPB, which required removing a section of that bulkhead for the install and resulted in no access to the hose clamp. Had to resort to a Fein-type oscillating tool to remove a 2"x2" section of the bulkhead, where its edge adjoins the engine box, to reclock the elbow fitting and get a socket on the clamp's tightening screw. Am not on the boat or would send a picture.
Not sure how the MKII is put together, but on the MkI the aft portside stanchion base is located directly behind and above the galley slider cupboard and nearly against that bulkhead. A leak at that stanchion base could conceivably show up along the bulkhead. If the MkII's stanchions are not thru-bolted, but use screws tapped into an aluminum plate embedded in the deck, this is likely not the source of your leak.
A picture would be helpful to show the location of the rot.
Depending on what you find as to the source of the leak, your decision about bonding in the bulkhead might be weighed against needing to remove it in the future.
You can expect to receive the obligatory admonition to show your boat's year, etc. in your signature. Probably not a bad idea.
Good luck with this.
Best regards,
Jack Heaston
1987 C36 Mk I #692
Fin Keel, Std Rig, Rocna 15
Silent Passage, M25 XPB Repower
I agree with the others who have inquired as to the source of the leak. That would be my first goal.
I would like to suggest that you set up a signature block, that way those of us who have a similar vessel can advise you. We know you own a MKII but not sure of what year. That's just my two cents...
Good luck with that bulkhead.
Glenn Druhot
Carpe Diem
New Bern, NC
35* 6' 10" N / 77* 2' 30" W
2001 C36, Hull #1965
Std Rig; Wing Keel; M35B
OK...got the signature block set. The water that damaged the bulkhead came from the exhaust elbow. That's been fixed. Thanks for the input
Peter Pasquale
WindDancer
#1568
Hilton Head, SC