Bulkhead - Aft Lazarette

[FredJ]

I have a contract on a 1980 Morgan 382. During the survey it was determined that the bulkhead separating the aft lazarette from the aft cockpit locker has significant rot. Given that it is glassed to the hull, my first concern was that it is there for structural strength. The surveyor says it's not a structural concern, but should be replaced at some point. Is that correct? Is it not intended to provide hull strengthening? Thanks for any input.

 

[terry_thatcher]

I would say your surveyor is wrong. All the bulkheads on the 382 that are tabbed to the hull are there to add structural rigidity to the hull. It was the way boats were built before full structural glass units became the norm. (The Morgan has a glass unit in the main cabin, which supports furniture, the mast bucket, and the fuel tank only.) The aft-most bulkhead will not be an easy job to replace, but I would not leave it alone. And while you are at it, glass it to the deck as well as the hull. Then you can use the aft locker for propane, as I do.

 

[jimcleary]

Fred

I agree with Terry. That aft bulkhead is a significant structure that stabilizes the aft end of the hull. With the rudder post just forward of that bulkhead, it surely absorbs much of the torque generated by the rudder. You might think about getting another surveyors opinion.

Jim

 

[1lostbouy]

Fred
I'm on the same page is Terry and Jim. I'd also be concerned about how far this rot goes and if he's wrong about anything else. There's a lot going on in the back of the boat torpedo tube's, engine vibration, exhaust ,rudder,chain plates. Look it over good. And good luck

 

[FredJ]

Thank you all for your responses. Terry, you, if not all of you, apparently have replaced yours. Did any of you do it yourself? Did you hire someone? What did it cost? I'm thinking I want to move forward toward a purchase. The owner of this boat has been meticulous in its maintenance in a way I've not seen before. Just not in regard to this. Once again, any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[terry_thatcher]

I did not have to remove or replace it. My shipwright merely fiberglassed it to the deck structure. The aft locker has water in it when the boat is under power and squatting. The water enters through a drain hole. That may account for the rot you have found. Your seller should pay for the repairs.

 

[jimcleary]

Fred
On Dana, our 1978 382, we have never had to replace that or any other bulkhead. Finding a rotted belowdeck bulkhead means there is, or were, a way for water to penetrate the deck. I would be very suspicious of other areas in the boat that may have been exposed to leaks. As Terry explains, if only the bottom of the bulkhead is bad, it could be from the lazzerette filling while motoring. Finding the cause is as important as repairing. I would also be very suspicious of a surveyor who shrugs at that kind of damage.

Jim

 

[stnick]

IF your thin and ok with fiberglass its a DIY job. If not any boat yard can cut all the old out and replace , i would like double 3/4 marine plywood glassed and tabed both sides . Yes the previous owner should have it done or reduce said price of this job. Ask your local boat yard.

I removed the propane tank from the lazerette I have a plug on a stick i use to stop the water . I made the Locker lid larger and the enterence built up so no water runs inside any more . I use the locker for life jackets and 4 very large bumpers !! The tank is on the port stern with a canvas cover over it ! I needed the space.

 

[tfrere]

I will be replacing that bulkhead on my 382. I was storing spare rope in there and since it is a wet locker it was holding water on the rope and caused some rot on the lower portion of the bulkhead.