Water tight bulkhead door

[kudu]

Looking for drawings/ instructions on how to build a proper water tight bulkhead door. Thanks

[Raykenn]

Kudu,

What material do you intend to build this from; wood, steel, or aluminum?

The basic dimensions and layout for steel and aluminum are available through several ships chandlery websites.

A few years back I remember an excellent article posted in Amature boatbuilder magazine about building and installing a wooden WTD in a small cruising sailboat. It may be available in the archives at their web site.

Good luck with your search.



Regards

Raykenn

[kudu]

Fiberglass over marine plywood or possibly even 100% fiberglass would be the material of choice Raykenn. Would you by chance remember the name of the amature boatbuilding magazine? Thanks

[Raykenn]

Kudu,

The site is at www.boatbuildermagazine.com

The article was printed about 4-5 years ago. I still have the issue at home, but unfortunately I am halfway around the world at this time.

Regards

Ray

[kudu]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[kudu]

Still in need of more info on water tight bulkhead doors. Would the Coast Guard have requirements for their construction? And if so, do they certify them?

[SailDesign]

Kudu,
Send me your email address and I'll send you a drawing of a watertight door designed for a 50-footer.
If nothing else, you can use the ideas to tweak it to your taste.
Steve (saildesign@aol.com)

[kudu]

Thanks SailDesign, I did receive the info that was forwarded by Jeff

[SailDesign]

Good - hope it was of some use.

[kudu]

I just need to figure out how to reduce it in size to print. :-)

[Raykenn]

Kudu,

Hope you are making progress with the watertight door fabrication. I am sure you have addressed this during the refit process, but for the sake of others that visit this thread:

*Does the bulkhead that the door will be fitted into have sufficient strength to hold back the head pressure created by a flooded compartment on one of the sides?

* Are all penetrations through the bulkhead watertight also? I have noticed on some craft that the original manufacturer had installed sizeable channels behind bulkhead coverings to allow the routing of cables, etc. In most cases these were hidden from view.

Regards

Ray

[kudu]

Raykenn, This is going in a newly constructed sail boat. I'm placing the "head" in the bow section to save on space. The bulkead door to the head will be watertight. The next bulkhead, which is approx. 7.5' further back will be re-enforced, the walls that create the pathway between the two as well. All plumbing and electrical will be sealed and tested.

http://www.freemanmarine.com/ProductsDoors.htm if you want to buy one.

Tim Dunn