Re: [Paddlewise] Installing a new bulkhead

>
In a message dated 98-06-17 19:49:52 EDT, you write:

 Hi fellow paddle fiends,
 I know the general pros and cons of bulkheads were discussed awhile back:
 foolishly I did not save the postings. I'm considering removing a existing
 forward bulkhead in my fibreglass/Kevlar vinylester resin kayak, and
 installing a new one further aft. The advantages I see are two-fold: more
 usable cargo space, and reduced cockpit flooding in the event of a wet
 exit. Neither of these benefits will materialise unless the new bulkhead is
 as solid and watertight as the existing, factory-installed one is.
 So suggestions welcomed on:
 
 1. Materials for the bulkhead itself. The existing bulkhead is a moulded
 plastic, and I would prefer a somewhat flexible material so that there some
 "give" lest the bulkhead lever itself loose and/or act as a "stress riser"
 that weakens the hull. I'm considering the flexible Minicell foam used in
 some plastic boats, but wondering whether it gets gouged by loose cargo.

>>> Mini cell works great.  I prefer the 3 inch thickness for added stability.
It costs about $8.00 US a square foot.

 2. Suggestions on how to make a template for the bulkhead and getting the
 tightest fit possible. 

>>> Use a piece of heavy gauge solder.  Bend it around from deck ridge to
keelson for the shape.   Do the same on the other side. They could be
different.  I cut it out with a band saw.  You could use a coping saw , bread
knife or whatever.  You can shape the stuff with a Red Devil Dragonskin.  Test
fit.  If you measured on the outside of the hull it should be a tight fit.  I
generally stick it in and the sqirt the bedding compound into the joint.  Wear
latex gloves as it will be messy.  It takes at least 1/2 a caulking tube per
bulkhead.
 
 3. Appropriate glues/sealants to hold the bulkhead in place. For the same
 reasons of flex discussed in part 1 above, I'm not keen on glassing it in.
 I've used Sika-Flex sealant very successfully on smaller through-deck and
 through-hull fittings. Any ideas or experience with this or other products? 

>>> I use 3M 5200  Sika flex is OK too
 
 4. Reputable, reasonable sources in the Vancouver, BC, area who might do
 the whole thing for me?

Portland Oregon?  We are good at doing this sort of thing.  We do it all the
time.  Try Ecomarine or possible Clipper out in Abbotsford.
 
 Breathlessly waiting being deluged by the fountain of knowledge that is
 Pa >>
Steve Scherrer
President ACKS

Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe
250 NE Tomahawk Island Dr.
Portland, Oregon   97217

Web:  http://www.aldercreek.com
Email: aldercreek_at_aldercreek.com
Phone: 503-285-0464
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