Re: Rot

The original message is ambiguous to me, as the rot could be in the deck or the bulkhead. On our Cal 29 Pentaquod, we had rot in both the vee-berth and main bulkheads when we originally got the boat, and on both sides. I would advise against trying to stabilize the compromised wood as this is a structural component and you will probably lose your mast if a chainplate pulls out. (A new mast probably costs more than the insured value of your boat. I have first-hand experience on that score.) Ultimately, replacing the bulkheads is the right thing to do. In the meantime, you could try what we did on Pentaquod. We "sistered" plywood onto the bulkheads. I'd recommend using plywood at least as thick as the bulkhead, and then cut a section that is significantly larger than the compromised area. Screw it to the bulkhead (use epoxy as well for extra measure if you like) and then use longer bolts to attach the chainplates to their original locations. It's not a pretty solution, but it's a rugged fix that can buy you the time you need until you are ready to tackle the larger job (which isn't as bad as it might seem). Alfred Poor 1973 Tartan 34C #288 "Jambalaya"

Thanks to all for your replies. Looks like I will be replacing the bulkheads. Is there a site with steps and pics and advise on how to go about this? I am sorry if my original message was ambiguous. The issue is with the v-berth and main bulkheads, starboard side. My beam is in good condition, so I don't plan on replacing at this time. Rick Lobb Cal 2-29 Rebecca Shea From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Alfred Poor Sent: Sunday, June 06, 2010 8:57 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: [Cal_Boats] Re: Rot The original message is ambiguous to me, as the rot could be in the deck or the bulkhead. On our Cal 29 Pentaquod, we had rot in both the vee-berth and main bulkheads when we originally got the boat, and on both sides. I would advise against trying to stabilize the compromised wood as this is a structural component and you will probably lose your mast if a chainplate pulls out. (A new mast probably costs more than the insured value of your boat. I have first-hand experience on that score.) Ultimately, replacing the bulkheads is the right thing to do. In the meantime, you could try what we did on Pentaquod. We "sistered" plywood onto the bulkheads. I'd recommend using plywood at least as thick as the bulkhead, and then cut a section that is significantly larger than the compromised area. Screw it to the bulkhead (use epoxy as well for extra measure if you like) and then use longer bolts to attach the chainplates to their original locations. It's not a pretty solution, but it's a rugged fix that can buy you the time you need until you are ready to tackle the larger job (which isn't as bad as it might seem). Alfred Poor 1973 Tartan 34C #288 "Jambalaya"