SERENITY’SSTARBOARD FORWARD

LOWER BULKHEADBY ERIC MUELLER

Original configuration

The forward lower had been replaced previously but obviously was in bad shape

From the front side the forward lower looks OK. Trim has been removed.

These bolts are all that hold the forward lower in place.

The piece that runs to the top of the cabin does not supply support to the chain plate.

Inner portion of the fwd lower removed. There was not much holding it.

View from forward with bulkhead removed. Cables were from the old windless.

This is the lower section of the forward lower in the hanging locker. Someone in the past had

reglassed the bulkhead.

This is the forward bulkhead inside the forward hanging locker. Notice the separation of the

tabbing.

Both sections removed It really opens up the look of the boat.

Slot is the initial cut to see what would be necessary to get the new bulkhead in. The entire shelf was

eventually removed

This is the new extended forward lower chain plate in place. Notice it ties into the bottom section.

New Fwd lower bulkhead is full length and epoxied to the existing lower section.

Sanded and prepped for glassing.

The bolt you see just below the shelf line was used to hold the bulkhead in place while the

epoxy was curing.

You can see the new glass on the left side. I used a 24oz biaxial layup.

Shelf replaced with the starboard main bulkhead filleted with epoxy and foam.

The job is done

All glass is 24oz Biaxial with a mat layer sewn to it epoxied into place. If you don’t want to hunt it down on the internet you can get it a TAP plastics.

The plywood is ¾” BS1088 grade Marine ply. You can get it in the SF bay area at McBeaths hardwood in Berkeley. Make sure it is stamped the floor person does not realize the difference between it and regular marine ply.

I had the chain plates made longer locally by someone who is no longer in the area, but would recommend seeing what Garhauer can do for you.