Bulkhead removal

[Topspin]

Hello all,
I am in the process of buying a Bavaria C50 from a charter company. As we want to live on the boat for a couple of years, we would like to remove the bulkhead which divides the forward area into 2 cabins.

Should we be concerned that this is a structural bulkhead ?

[Sailmonkey]

It’s just put there to make more cabins for a charter boat.

It’s not there on versions with fewer cabins.

[sailormed]

For what I know longitudinal bulkheads are not structural. When we were on the market for our boat we had an agent that tried to sell us a boat with that exact configuration and he said that removing that bulkhead was a minor undertaking. We did not buy that boat, so I have no personal experience.

[LittleWing77]

Where are Jim Bunyard and Manateeman when you need 'em? Also Spot and Wingsail may have contributions to make here. The former two are boatbuilders and the latter two have been and are involved on extensive refits on their boat, so are very nearly the same thing.

Should you be worried that the bulkhead between cabins is structural? Yes.

LittleWing77

[Snore]

IMHO —In theory it is not structural.

A call or email to the manufacturer, would be the smartest move.

[Spot]

Thanks for the props LW77. This one is above my pay grade...

I agree the pics online and on Sailboatdata.com show versions with and without 'the wall'.
I would be inclined to contract Bavaria, taking advantage that they are still in business, and ask them. Having the year and HIN for the boat would help clarify the actual boat.


Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH
Bavariastraße 1
97232 Giebelstadt
Germany

Phone: +49 9334 942 0
Fax: +49 9334 942 1160

Email: info(at)bavariayachts.com
Internet: www.bavariayachts.com

[RickG]

Check to see if it is tabbed in at the top and bottom. Frequently these are floating bulkheads.

Cheers, RickG

[denverd0n]

While it is true that they sell a version with that bulkhead missing, it is entirely possible that in that version they add some other structural reinforcements. I would DEFINITELY want to check with the manufacturer first!

[Topspin]

Already asked the manufacturer. And yes, they are still in business (good joke).
No answer! Probably because of legal problems.



Still concerned and confused.....


-Richard

[wingssail]

I have never taken a bulkhead out, I have only added bulkheads (although I am considering moving a bulkhead support now, but it scares me).

This is a big, powerful, sloop. The forces forward are great. You need to ensure that the hull and deck weren't built stronger in versions without the bulkhead, although if it is a floating wall, not tabbed to the hull and deck, I'd feel a bit more comfortable about removing it.

A good thing is that there is apparetnly no baby stay or inner forestay attached to the deck.

You should call (not email) Baveria and discuss it. Also, Farr and Associates could give you information. As a last resort get another naval architect and or good surveyor to look at it.