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 Removal of Bulkhead/Increase V-berth		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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HeelinPatrick
Navigator

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USA
102 Posts
Initially Posted - 11/23/2008 :  17:34:54  Show Profile
Hi,

I just joined the association, since I bought a 1981 swing keel SR, and was wondering about removing the port bulkhead between the v-berth and the head area. I have taken it out just to see what it would be like without it, to have the extra room available for the v-berth.

I am wondering does that bulkhead need to be there for structural purposes, or is it strictly aesthetics? Anyone else done this before? I plan on pushing the boat pretty good, so want to make sure I don't do damage by taking it out.

Thanks for any help!
Patrick Moran
1981 SR/SK w/trailer
#2303 - "Chili Mas"
Lincoln, NE
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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts
Response Posted - 11/23/2008 :  18:34:06  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage
I am not an expert on this but I remember this topic was discussed not all that long ago...perhaps last spring/early summer. You may want to do a search on "bulkhead" and see what comes up. My thought is that while the cabin may not cave in any time soon, that bulkhead is structural. So, while you may get away with removing the bulkhead, you are compromising the integrity of the cabin top. I also considered removing the bulkhead to gain more VBerth length. One thought I had was to not necessarily remove the whole bulkhead but to contour it in sort of an oval shape that still provided a partial support structure. In the end, it did not seem worth the effort. I suggest you instead build a portable bunk extension in the main cabin to increase overnight accommodations. Some have done this on the port side, starboard side or straddling the port and starboard seating areas.



I am in the process of writing up the construction details onto my website.
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DoubleD
1st Mate

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USA
61 Posts
Response Posted - 11/23/2008 :  18:37:38  Show Profile  Visit DoubleD's Homepage
I didn't take the whole bulkhead out, but I cut away enough to extend the v-berth. I left an 8" strip of bulkhead all the way around. I then added an 8" wide mahogany board across the top of the bulkhead to reinforce the underside of the deck. It has worked so far. I didn't touch the bulkhead that supports the mast.
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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts
Response Posted - 11/23/2008 :  18:42:54  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage
Dave, do you have any photos of your improvement to the VBerth area ? I would be curious to see how it turned out and how it has worked out for you as far as increasing the versatility of the VBerth area.
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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts
Response Posted - 11/23/2008 :  19:14:14  Show Profile
A fellow at our club took them out. I have always thought there was no structural value to them and were it not for the deck stepped mast I think all the bulkheads could come out. The narrow beam and heavy construction make a very strong " fiberglass monocoque" structure. Sailing in Nebraska should preclude and conditions that would endanger you.
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DoubleD
1st Mate

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USA
61 Posts
Response Posted - 11/23/2008 :  19:30:43  Show Profile  Visit DoubleD's Homepage
I have a few photos on my site. Cut and paste my link. It will be quicker than me figuring out how to post pics.

http://doubledsailing.turnerloose.com/photo_album4.html
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EAbrams
Navigator

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USA
130 Posts
Response Posted - 11/26/2008 :  17:05:52  Show Profile
Very nice job Dave

How do I ask this politely?

Is there any problem with your head so close to the head?
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DoubleD
1st Mate

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USA
61 Posts
Response Posted - 11/26/2008 :  17:28:01  Show Profile  Visit DoubleD's Homepage
I hope not. I slept in the v-berth before the modification, and didn't smell anything from the porta-potti. I just added a new head and holding tank. Hopefully it will smell better than before.
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Patrice C25
1st Mate

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78 Posts
Response Posted - 11/27/2008 :  08:41:32  Show Profile
Hi Dave,
Nice job. You are saying you just added a new head, do you have your new berth extension on hinge? How do you access it?
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EAbrams
Navigator

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USA
130 Posts
Response Posted - 11/27/2008 :  20:26:46  Show Profile
Patrice That thought has entered my head also (All these puns!!)
What about middle of the night trips to the bathroom? I already know the answer, everything is a trade off.
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DoubleD
1st Mate

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USA
61 Posts
Response Posted - 11/27/2008 :  23:10:38  Show Profile  Visit DoubleD's Homepage
The extension is not hinged, I slide it under the v-berth cusions when not in use.

We haven't had the middle of the night bathroom visit yet. That is one of the problems with the set up. You have to pop the extension and the cushion out to go to the bathroom.

I will be staying on it in February and March this year and give you feedback later.
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HeelinPatrick
Navigator

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USA
102 Posts
Response Posted - 12/05/2008 :  22:27:25  Show Profile
Thanks for all the feed back and info. I think the boat is stronger than I take it for, and if nothing else, can put the bulkhead back in place if I notice any spider cracks, or maybe some reinforcing pieces like shown. Will be a neat little project, will post some pics when its done!
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sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts
Response Posted - 12/05/2008 :  23:12:12  Show Profile
The older I get the more trips I make.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.