The dreaded stemhead problem

[Alan]

GreenLake, thanks for the link. There's a lot of similarity between ctenidae's stringers and those on my DSII. I'll post a photo of the cracks on the stringer thread as soon as possible - looks like Friday afternoon at this point.

Talbot, I'm going for it - center-placed bulkhead port.

ctenidae, nice boat you've got there.

OK, I've got my work cut out for me. My wife/crew/co-owner just announced that if our July trip to Yosemite can't happen because the high country is still snowed in - very likely at this point - we're going sailing.

[ctenidae]

Thanks Alan- labor of love, there. A couple of layers of glass seemed to have fixed the stingers just fine- no cracking over the summer, so I'm happy there. Definitely easier to do with the boat upside down, though.

[whitejw1967]

My stemhead was separating at the weld. I replaced it by cutting an access/deck plate forward of the bulkhead and a few inches aft of the stemhead. I also put in a new aluminum backing plate and size 12 stainless screws, nuts and bolts. I also put in new flotation (as mine was 37 years old and pretty brittle). The deck plate could, of course, serve to hold anchor chain, a spinnaker, etc. but I never really open it.

If you need info or pictures, respond to this. It was an easier job than I had anticipated.

John

[ChrisB]

John,

I would definitely like to see the pictures. I have not started the repair yet so any photographic assistance would be a benefit. You can email them to me directly or post them here, your choice. Thanks.

Chris Behnke

chrisbehnke@bellsouth.net