Colin Hawthorne
Hello all. I am pursuing a Sonata which has surveyed well apart from the main bulkhead. A bradawl went in easily around the starboard shroud plate, and there is a wood veneer screwed to the aft face of the bulkhead extending 8-10″ from the coachroof. Being naturally suspicious I am concerned this is hiding something. Surveyor says;
1. It is not unusual with a Sonata of this age for the main bulkhead in way of the shroud plates to deteriorate under the GRP bonding and it is my opinion that this vessel has reached a stage in her life where these should be inspected more thoroughly by removing the veneer on the after side of the bulkheads and un-bolting the shroud plates.
2. It is my opinion that these shroud plates may require some extra stiffening and repair work in and around the bonding of the shroud plates.
3. It is a good idea to add a strong back on the forward side of the bulkhead, using longer bolts and then bolting the strong back brace through the bulkhead down to the top of the bunk tops in the fo’c’s’le. This would then ensure that the shroud plates would not move.
I am useless at DIY and would appreciate if someone could tell me how difficult it is to strengthen the bulkhead, I imagine it’s impossible to replace, has anyone undertaken this, is it merely a short term fix, should I just walk away? I have seen Ruffian 23’s and Eygthene 24’s on the web with this problem that needed major remedial work. I would love it if I were overeacting but really don’t want to be buying trouble. Thank you.