bulkheads

[paulphillips]

I have a Cobra 700, usual layout, forecabin and main cabin seperated by heads. Thinking about changing to a more 'modern' layout over the winter i.e. U shaped seating forward, heads and galley near the cockpit (similar to Horizon 23 etc.) What about removing bulkheads. I notice that Hunter, Jeanneau and Beneteau boats of this layout replace full bulkheads with a beam that follows the shape of the hull but doesn't intrude into the cabin. I intend to incorporate the mast post into a table support, so this will be retained. Any thoughts, comments etc.

 

[michael_w]

Welcome to the forum.

I wouldn't do what you are proposing. You would have to laminate up a very heavy ring frame to triangulate all the loads from the rig and keel. This ring frame would also need to be tied in to the stringers. Advice from the boat's designer ought to be sought. Resale values would be affected too.

Suggestion, live with the current arrangement or sell the boat.

 

[Swagman]

Hi,
We built a Swarbrick 9.7 from scratch and posed same Q to the designer. He advised all the strength in that yachts two main bulkheads was gained at its edges (where bonded to the hull / deck). He has no issues with us cutting out the centres - to leave a 20 cm 'ring frame' - as opposed to his planned solid sheet bulkhead.
Factually, we raced the boat for two years with really tight rig and no signs at all this change led to any bending or weakened the structure.
But of course - we were lucky enough to seek the advice of the designer.
I'd suggest it is highly likely you could do the same - but well worth checking with a preofessional before powering up the saw!
JOHN

 

[paulphillips]

Thanks for the info. Retaining a 20cm or so ring around the hull sounds like a plan, that way I could extend the seating as I planned. Anyone know how to contact David Feltham?

 

[gandy]

Have you tried the owners' association? See here ..

http://www.cobra-seawolf.com/ModelRange.htm