1964 Cal 20 - Bulkhead Replacement

[JenOftheMountain]

Hello! I just purchased a 1964 Cal 20 (Hull number 462) which has the original style of a solid bulkhead between the v-berth and “saloon”. It is very solid with no rot, but it has quite a bow to it. I’m thinking of pulling it out and replacing it with a new bulkhead. Has anyone done this? Any advice? Thanks!

Also as a side note, I’d love to see pictures of folks interiors of their Cal 20’s. There are not a lot out in the internet to see! Looking for ideas on how to spruce it up.

[Mary Mac]

Hello and welcome! I have a 34-III that had bulkhead rot. I cut out half of it and replaced with hydrotek Marine plywood. Can you fit the new bulkhead through the companionway hatch? I couldn’t and that’s why I opted to replace half.

[steve fd]

Hi, I replaced some of the bulkheads in my Cal 21 that were rotting out. I found that I could leave the tabbing ( the fiberglass tape ) attached to the hull, remove the rotten wood and re-glue the new plywood bulkhead to the old tabbing. I used fiberglass resin, and clamped the assembled pieces together with a piece of plywood on each side fastened with drywall screws screwed clear through the layers. I put wax paper between the clamping ply pieces to keep them from sticking. When cured, remove the screws, clamping ply pieces and you're left with a few screw holes to patch. I think it was easier than grinding off the tabbing and replacing it. I used regular plywood saturated with resin and so far its holding up well, but it doesn't get wet often anymore. I hope this is clear enough to be understood, and hope it helps.