For the sake of Space

[glennk]

For the sake of space & convenience I'm considering removing the triangular interior forward "shelf" (inside up at the bow). In the process of patching some leaks I've discovered a few under this area. I already removed the vertical bulkhead that supports this small triangular shelf due to rot, and as 30% of the shelf itself is suffering some rot I'm thinking of just removing the whole thing.

This would make fixing leaks and upgrading the forward cleats and rigging easier as well. For that reason removal is a no brainer. I may leave a bit of the shelf around the edges for storage (putting supports underneath).

My question is this. Do the forward shelf and the bulkhead serve any critical structural purpose? Is there any reason why I can't just leave them out and make use of the additional space?

I'll put some air bags up there to replace the flotation that was there when I removed the bulkhead, but beyond that it looks like a great place for a load of gear.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Best,
Glenn

[Bob Damon]

Please reference the Handbook, Bylaw 3, paragraph 5.6 regarding the bulkhead. It can be removed but a vertical support for the deck must be installed to replace it. As for removing the flotation tank, reference Bylaw 3, paragraph 5.12 that indicates the flotation tanks may not be altered. If there is structural damage the tank can be repaired or replaced as long as the replacement is equivalent or greater than the original. Replacing with flotatation bags is not an option. These of course are our Bylaws as relating to keeping the boat legal for racing. If you are not going to race you can do what you want but if you sell it, the boat would not be legal for racing by the new owner. Hope this helps!