1984 23' CC Bulk Head Question / Help

[Livetosea]

Could I get a little help please. I was cleaning and re painting my bilge a few months ago and noticed this just on the stern side of my gas tank. Is this suppost to be a bulkhead? I can't make heads or tails of it. It looks like the previous owner maybe used it to hold the tank from moving backward but, very poorly done? Should I remove it and replace it with a much better made bulkhead for strength. There are also stress cracks on the port and starboard sides just above where the poorly made piece is located on the floor.
Do you think these stress cracks are caused because, the lack of a proper bulkhead here?

[Islandtrader]

I had a similar problem on the 21 and my guess is yes to your stress crack answer. I would check and see how other 23's look in that area and put in a new bulkhead.

[Livetosea]

Thanks Islandtrader. Beautiful rebuild on your 21'. Any idea what material I should use and how thick it should be?

[Islandtrader]

I think most would use 3/4 marine ply and 1708 mat. Poly or epoxy either would work.

The main thing is on a bulk head is not to fasten it directly to the hull or floor. This will cause hard spots and then you will get stress cracks around where it is attached.

Go to page 2 of my rebuild. Post #62,scroll down and you will see what I (mean) did. There is space between the bottom and sides. The glass tabbed to bottom and side will be strong and will give the necessary strength.

I am sure a few more will chime in...as there are various ways of doing anything.

[Livetosea]

Sound advice. 3/4 ply it will be with Poly. Would it make any difference if it were tied into underside of the floor too or am I just over thinking?
Thanks

[Islandtrader]

If I remember my floor sat on my bulk head, so what I did was epoxied it. Tabbing it would work. Is it necessary? My thought is if you can make it stronger do it.

[Livetosea]

Thank you for your help. I will post some pics when finished.

[CaptLloyd]

My '88 23WA had a 3/4" plywood bulkhead glassed from stringer to stringer to the same height of the stringer, but not attached to the deck. I had to remove it the replace the fuel tank. I epoxied in a new 3/4" marine plywood bulkhead covered front and back with 17 oz biax after new tank was installed. The bulkhead extends the width where the stringers are the furthest apart. I tabbed it to the inboard sides of the stringers. I also tabbed it to the fuel tank floor. I left limber hole so water could drain if water got around the fuel tank. I don't have stress cracked in that area. IMO exopy would be better than poly.

I hope this helps.

Lloyd

[Livetosea]

Every input of knowledge helps.
Thanks captlloyd. Like the last name too; my last one. I am the only guy I know with three first names. I guess that's why I never know if im coming or going.