Hail Yeah back under the knife

[FLexpat]

Think of the trapezoid as a softer edge that goes all along the bottom of the bulkhead and already has a fillet attached (no putty fillet required) to make the tabbing follow an easy angle instead of a hard 90. It ends up working like a shock absorber and keeps the bulkhead from working like a really dull blade on a shear and cutting (breaking) the hull.

I am not sure but I think the bulkhead is also supposed to keep the stringers separated when the hull panels flex in the forward section. By being glassed to the stringers on the side I think the loads get spread across the stringer area too. With the bulkhead broken out I think you were getting really high loads on the forward edges of the stringers where they attach to the hull so any cracks there would get worse.

[BA17]

I went back and read the info again last night. It was definitely clearer. The first time I read it I think I blacked out for a minute. Thanks for all the feedback guys it really helps.

Normagain, The tank in mine was replaced some years ago by the previous owner. It was essentially a lesson on how not to install a fuel tank. It was truly a mess. Is there a difference in how the 20' and 23's casting deck was installed. Looks like your 20 has the foam and no bulk head. I think the bulkhead on my 23 is original?

[flyingfrizzle]

The casting platforms in 20's & 23' look the same on top but how it is under them is different. The 20's don't have any bulkheads in them.

[BA17]

It's all making a little more sense. I guess when the bulkhead broke free, the main support became the two corners of the fish box? Hopefully I will be able to get the bulkhead back in next week. I am going to follow the suggestions and try to put a trapezoidal foam spacer in.

[hermco]

Yer gonna need this,
http://www.ehow.com/how_8181707_calc...oximation.html

[BA17]

Ummmmmmm. Nevermind on the trapezoidal foam spacer.

[FishStretcher]

What you need is fig newton approximation.

Just cut some foam. It has to be 2x the foam thickness plus the thickness of the bulkhead. Then cut (rip) 45 chamfers down each edge. You wind up with a flat on top that the bulkhead sits on nicely.

[Blue_Heron]

Originally Posted by hermco

Yer gonna need this,
http://www.ehow.com/how_8181707_calc...oximation.html

Now, that's just good comedy.

[DonV]

Yeah Dave, I agree!! I looked at it and closed the site, then went and made another drink and tried to remember how much I hated that formula stuff in school.!!!

[BA17]

Holy crap! I never would have guessed that removing the foam from the stringers would be such a PITA. At least we are one step closer to being able to put this thing back together.