Removing the starboard main bulkhead on a 1976 Cal 2-34 due to rot surrounding the chainplate.

This is how a rotted bulkhead looks. Follow along as I remove the chainplate, excavate more, and eventually remove the entire bulkhead.

My impact driver is clutch.

The Excavation.

I was equally amazed that the bulkhead around 10 of the bolts was completely rotten.

The view looking forward prior to cutting out the galley countertop.

Looking aft prior to cutting out the head sink cabinet.

I borrowed my girlfriend’s sawzaw.

Mid-Demolition

After side of the bulkhead is now completely accessible

Head Sink Locker Mid-Demolition

Forward side of the bulkhead almost completely accessible

The view looking forward, again. Note the small steel backing plate.

This backing plate secures the transverse beam to the starboard bulkhead. The transverse beam balances the compression of the mast with the tension of the shrouds.

A note on the “dreaded steel beam” found in many early Cals:

My steel beam appears to be in serviceable shape and has not rusted through at the bottom as many beams have. Part of this winter refit will include coating the beam in Nutrirust or some other corrosion inhibitor, and re-routing all sources of water to ensure safe operation for years to come.

Here's a detailed photo of the fiberglass tabbing securing the upper part of the starboard main bulkhead:

Top of the starboard main bulkhead. Left is forward, right is aft. No rot here!

And… the finale! Removal!

There’s so much visual space without the bulkhead!