bulkhead question

Anybody know if it's OK to mold in steps into a bulkhead? Or must it be a stand alone deal with no other structural elements deigned into it. I would still make it to spec as far as head pressures and all but I am searching for inches in the forward compartment. This would be the forward engineroom bulkhead. Any help would be greatly apreciated!
Thanks 8knots

 

This kind of thing is being done (if I understand you correctly) by numerous prominent yacht builders.

 

Sure you can. The aft end of my main cabin has a bulkhead that is stepped and inclined 10 degrees aft. The incline allows the companionway hatch to be closed with the drop boards removed during a rain but no water falls into the cabin. The step provides extra engine space room in a crowded area and a great place to tuck filters without them being in the bilge getting rusty and space below for easy removal. There's a few extra steps (sorry about the pun) in engineering them, but worth it in my situation.

 

Thanks for the help guys! This is good news indeed! I am my own worst customer, Trying to get too much out of a given hull. It is so easy to add 2 feet on paper. I'm trying real hard to force myself to keep the length down on this one. I'll post a sketch soon....My answer to the discontinued 26' nordic tug!
Thanks again! 8