Yes, you can replace a bulkhead without taking the mast down. Loosen and disconnect the side shrouds one set at a time. I used 1/2" high quality marine plywood, Hydrotek, which is light and strong and affordable. But some folks recommend composite panels that are rot proof. I rebedded the chaimplates with Sikaflex 291 LOT. I like working with 291 a lot. ( Clean up sealant with denatured alcohol on a paper towel. ) Make sure you clean out the old sealant, seal the xposed wood in the deck with epoxy resin, and have room for at least 1/8" of new sealant around the chain plates. Or if you can't get Sikaflex 291 LOT, a polysulfide (like 3M 101) is a good choice too. See http://www.blumhorst.com/catalina27/bulkhead.htm for details. Judy B Bijou, #3459, Tall rig San Francisco Bay Area, CA http://www.blumhorst.com ----- Original Message ---- From: JOESPH LIRA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 8:20:39 PM Subject: catalina27-talk: Bulkhead Replacement
I purchased a 1974 Catalina 27 this past winter after 20 years since my last boat (a cal20). It was on the hard for about 10 years and required some work to get it in the water at the start of this season. It took a lot of sweat equity and as I just discovered today it looks like it will continue. I've got water leaking at both the starboard and port side shrouds down through deck and compromising the integrity of the bulkheads by rotting. It looks like I will have to replace them. I thought I recently saw some discussion on how to replace the bulkheads. Any information on the sequence of how to do this and a recommendation on the type of material to use would be appreciated. Can it be done with the mast up already? I want to avoid stepping down the mast. Joe
