Re: [Paddlewise] Plastic Bulkheads

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2000 18:20:31 -0800
Robert Woodard wrote:
> 
> >   I'm wondering why you want to remove the existing bulkhead (I'm assuming
> > that it's watertight).  Couldn't you simply "beef up" the existing bulkhead
> <snip>
> 
> [snip] I thought the bulkhead would be much stronger if I could
> glass the seam tape on both sides of the bulkhead. The plywood may give a
> better place to mount the pump screws and washers (they would have to
> contact the plastic bulkhead if not removed).
> 
> Bad idea? Good idea?

Small caveat about installing a (rigid) plywood bulkhead inside a glass boat: 
because the hull (and deck) flex under load -- even at the bulkhead locations
-- most mfrs use a bulkhead material which can stretch or compress.  Mine have
bluefoam bulkheads.  Strong enough for my uses, but unfortunately not strong
enough for a pump installation.  This reduces the chance that the seal around
the bulkhead (to the inner hull/deck surfaces) will fail when the hull
"breathes."

Mind you, I am offering the following in complete ignorance, having never tried
what you are up to, but:  you may need to surround the plywood with a 2-inch by
2-inch "collar" of minicell or somesuch to provide the flex needed.  Being that
dimension, the minicell should be able to withstand the lateral forces your
pump arrangement will generate when you activate it.

I bet Matt Broze knows what is best to do here.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Tue Jan 18 2000 - 18:22:57 PST

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