Re: [Paddlewise] Installing a new bulkhead

Which brings up a question I've been meaning to post . . . .
I have a polyester resin/fiberglass kayak with foam core bulkheads "glassed"
over and "glassed" in.  The front bulkhead leaks.  I've read that polyester
resin layups only adhere well if laying up on wet polyester resin.  I'm
guessing the hull had cured before the bulkhead was installed and a good
adhesion/seal wasn't realized.  I supposing a fix involving polyester resin is
not the answer.  So, do I tape and epoxy resin, just epoxy resin, or use the
non-silcon sealant that will eventually leak?

Thanks,
Fred

Product Information Department wrote:

> 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.
>
> 2. Suggestions on how to make a template for the bulkhead and getting the
> tightest fit possible.
>
> 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?
>
> 4. Reputable, reasonable sources in the Vancouver, BC, area who might do
> the whole thing for me?
>
> Breathlessly waiting being deluged by the fountain of knowledge that is
> PaddleWise.
>
> Philip Torrens
> "The opinions expressed in this posting are not necessarily those of my
> employer, or indeed, of any sentient being."
>
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