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." **************************************** Mountain Equipment Co-op 1655 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6J 1K1 Tel: 640-732-1989 Fax: 604-731-6483 email: pid_at_mec.ca Visit our website at: http://www.mec.ca ***************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
> 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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
4. Necky uses a sealant product named "Lexel" for their ethafoam type bulkheads. I wouldn't use a silicon sealant. My experience is this type of new bulkhead will leak though. I'm considering just filling my void front cockpit space with closed cell foam. 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." > > **************************************** > Mountain Equipment Co-op > 1655 West 3rd Avenue, > Vancouver, BC, Canada V6J 1K1 > Tel: 640-732-1989 > Fax: 604-731-6483 > email: pid_at_mec.ca > > Visit our website at: http://www.mec.ca > ***************************************** > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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." > > **************************************** > Mountain Equipment Co-op > 1655 West 3rd Avenue, > Vancouver, BC, Canada V6J 1K1 > Tel: 640-732-1989 > Fax: 604-731-6483 > email: pid_at_mec.ca > > Visit our website at: http://www.mec.ca > ***************************************** > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Fred is the bulkhead covered only with a thin layer of glass chopstring cloth or just resin (topcoat). Most of the time the foam bulkheads are just covered with a thin layer of topcoat. Once the hull has been flexed the topcoat will crack and a leak has appeared. Polyester will adhere if the surface has been sanded and cleaned well with acetone. A fix to the problem is to glass two layers chopstring cloth over the entire bulkhead and finish of with a layer of topcoat. (Just the edges won't do.) Groetjes, Len > -----Original Message----- > From: Fred Brown [SMTP:jfbjr_at_mindspring.com] > Sent: 18 June 1998 03:50 > To: Product Information Department > Cc: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subject: 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." > > > > **************************************** > > Mountain Equipment Co-op > > 1655 West 3rd Avenue, > > Vancouver, BC, Canada V6J 1K1 > > Tel: 640-732-1989 > > Fax: 604-731-6483 > > email: pid_at_mec.ca > > > > Visit our website at: http://www.mec.ca > > ***************************************** > > > ********************************************************************** > ***** > > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > > > ********************************************************************** > ***** > > > > ********************************************************************** > ***** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > ********************************************************************** > ***** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
> -----Original Message----- > From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Product > Information Department > Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 1998 4:46 PM > To: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subject: [Paddlewise] Installing a new bulkhead > > > 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. I put polyfoam bulkheads in my double, and they have worked great. Polyfoam is that fairly dense white foam that computer stuff is often shipped in. Not styrofoam! A foam store will sell it cheap- I paid $30 for 4 bulkheads plus leftovers. An old boogie board can be used, and they come in quite fahionable colors. It should be around 2", so that it's nice and rigid, and adds flotation. > 2. Suggestions on how to make a template for the bulkhead and getting the > tightest fit possible. I like the idea about heavy-gauge solder. Polyfoam compresses, so that the bulhead should be about 1/2" bigger all around. If you put your kayak up sideways (the shear on top/bottom) on saw horses, it's a lot easier to reach in to work. Doesn't look as ridiculous as a grown man flopping around on the floor, either! If you screw it up, and cut off too much, you can always get a can of spray foam from the hardware store and foam the biulkhead in place. > 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? Lexel is king! After putting in my bulkheads behind the seats, I decided that glaringly white foam didn't look so good next to my stripped wood hull and deck. So I tore them out, and covered them with veneer. What a job! It wasn't easy. > 4. Reputable, reasonable sources in the Vancouver, BC, area who might do > the whole thing for me? Yellow Pages under foam? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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