Hallo all,
My name is frenk and I am from The Netherlands, I recently purchased an 1887 formula 28 pc. I bought it with no running engines which me and my mate fixed and are now operating like a dream. Like on most old boats the electrics are a real mess. Also because we have 220v here in Europe and previous owners had a go at fixing it themselves which was done horribly.
Anyway I started to work at the electrics by removing the batteries(surprised it did not catch fire by the way it was all connected). They ware located against the bulkhead that is in front of the fuel tanks. After I removed the shelf where the batteries sat on I discovered a huge section of rotten wood in the bulk head. I know my way around fiberglas and repairs. So I’m planning to repair it myself. As I’m cutting away now I’m planning to remove the fuel tanks and see the condition of the bulkhead on the cabin side.
Now for my question. Does anybody know if the bulkhead between the tank and the engines is structural or only to keep the tanks in place? If it’s only to keep the tank in place I’m thinking of making a shelf or box for the tanks to keep them in place and keep the rest open for access and not put a new bulkhead in. No more wet wood without a bulkhead there batteries will be relocated so no chance of sparks hitting the fuel tank. Are there any other considerations in not putting in a new bulk head?
I hope someone will be able to point me in the right direction!
Thanks in advance!
My name is frenk and I am from The Netherlands, I recently purchased an 1887 formula 28 pc. I bought it with no running engines which me and my mate fixed and are now operating like a dream. Like on most old boats the electrics are a real mess. Also because we have 220v here in Europe and previous owners had a go at fixing it themselves which was done horribly.
Anyway I started to work at the electrics by removing the batteries(surprised it did not catch fire by the way it was all connected). They ware located against the bulkhead that is in front of the fuel tanks. After I removed the shelf where the batteries sat on I discovered a huge section of rotten wood in the bulk head. I know my way around fiberglas and repairs. So I’m planning to repair it myself. As I’m cutting away now I’m planning to remove the fuel tanks and see the condition of the bulkhead on the cabin side.
Now for my question. Does anybody know if the bulkhead between the tank and the engines is structural or only to keep the tanks in place? If it’s only to keep the tank in place I’m thinking of making a shelf or box for the tanks to keep them in place and keep the rest open for access and not put a new bulkhead in. No more wet wood without a bulkhead there batteries will be relocated so no chance of sparks hitting the fuel tank. Are there any other considerations in not putting in a new bulk head?
I hope someone will be able to point me in the right direction!
Thanks in advance!