Re: [Paddlewise] Foam bulkhead removal

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 11:40:42 -0400
From: "anonymizer" <td376_at_mail.anonymizer.com>

> "This ensures that in the event of a severe localized impact the hull is 
> supported by ther flanges, and not by the ridged bulkhead. It does not 
> however, inhibit the primary function of the bulkhead, which is to maintain 
> the strength and symmetry of the hull."

This sounds reasonable - originally, I was thinking that you were just referring
to foam and sealant without the fiberglass. 

> If I use 3M 5200 Marine Adhesive Sealant in place of the polyurethane foam, 
> put a triangle piece of foam in the bulkhead - hull corner and tie it all 
> together with 4" fiberglass tape, that would give me a very strong and yet 
> flexable connection. Sounds like it may even be into the area of overkill. I 
> like overkill. The 3M 5200 looks like some real good stuff for this 
> application. 

Are you using fiberglass tape on both sides of the bulkhead?  If so, I'd skip 
the 5200 and just use foam.  The 5200 would take a while to fully cure and 
sealing it into the fiberglass may delay its full cure.  The fiberglass will 
provide all the seal you'd want.  

Instead of a triangle of foam. I'd consider a trapezoid of foam with the wide
base against the hull and narrow side against the bulkhead with one strip
of fiberglass on either side.  The foam would shape the fillet on both sides.

If you're using tape on one side only, the sealant is a good idea.  Get
the fast cure version though.

> The bulkhead will be 6mm okoume marine plywood sealed up fiberglass 
> on either side and epoxy.

I used 4mm okoume for a bulkhead (and shelf) in my Solstice with glass on 
both sides (6 oz) and found it plenty strong - 6mm sounds like it might be 
overkill.  6mm will certainly handle a footpump.

> I am new to all this fiberglass/boat repair stuff so I am asking lots of 
> questions along with some reading. Thanks for your support

Get your hands dirty (well, figuratively speaking - wear protective gloves
against the epoxy!) and you'll learn fast enough.  Once you start doing
mods, you'll see opportunities everywhere :-)

Mike

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Received on Mon Jul 15 2002 - 08:40:48 PDT

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