I spent a good bit of time researching the archives on the C36 bulkhead arrangement but I am still not clear. Before I tackle some moisture issues I would appreciate some help.
I have an '87 MKI for starters. The primary chain plate (shroud from top of mast) comes through the hull and is a very heavy stainless piece that is proudly displayed in the main saloon on the saloon/head bulkhead wall on the stern side. There are slotted head bolts but they do not go through to the head.
In a prior post by John he indicated there are two pieces to the bulkhead. So my first question is the wall in the head a separate panel from the bulkhead? Are there nuts behind this wall or where do the big bolts on the saloon side terminate?
The laminate in the head has some soft spots behind it on the bottom (where the porcelain punchbowl makes it hard to reach). This laminate has some slotted bolts along the bottom just above the floor. Are these bolted to tabs attached to the hull?
I guess I just don't understand if there is a large bulkhead that spans this space and has a laminate veneer on the head side and a teak veneer on the saloon side or is it two pieces one forward and one aft (which would explain bolts on one side but not the other) or is it two pieces that go deck to hull but one is by the mast and the other by the hull?
Brent and Janie Farler
"Salsa Caliente"
1987 Catalina 36 Hull #719
Lake Texoma, TX
Brent,
I believe you will find that the bulkhead between the main cabin and the head to be 1 piece. One side has the teak veneer and the head side has the laminate (white). The bolts in the chain plate are perhaps truncated within the cabinet in the head? Without being on the boat I can not confirm. I believe if you were in the technical section of the website under maintenance that is the John you have referred to. The pictures appear to show a MKII but I believe the construction is very similar. I had the bulkhead out of the Catalina 30 I owned and I believe construction was similar. Note John mentioned wood screws as well and it appears that there may be an obstacle with the mast step.
I believe it is Wavelength has some pictures of a MKl gutted showing you some detail of the assembly.
In checking it is Wavelength and here is link to the pic that might give some insight [url]http://www.c36ia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=854&d=1331250465...
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
This picture is very helpful. Yes the bolts must either be inside the head cabinetry or behind a panel. I am going to explore behind the laminate to see if I can assess the problem. Seems to be down at the bottom few inches.
Brent and Janie Farler
"Salsa Caliente"
1987 Catalina 36 Hull #719
Lake Texoma, TX
The bulkhead you will want to remove is one piece of 1/2" marine grade plywood, plastic laminate on the head (forward) side and teak laminate on the other side. On my boat, there were no screws holding it in place. When I installed the new one, I ran some machine screws through from the saloon (aft) side into t-nuts in the forward (head) side. Yes, the mast step was a problem and I had to cut a groove in either side of it to slide the old bulkhead out and install the new one. That was because the screws were frozen in place so I couldn't remove the step. By the way, I'd be happy to talk about my experience over the phone if it would help. Just send me your phone number.
SF Bay
1998 C36