Bulkhead Archives | Page 2 of 3

Weight, Performance, and Payload: The Logic Behind Our Catamaran Refit

Topics: An engineering analysis of weight reduction in a catamaran refit, covering the strategic goals of increasing payload capacity and the critical considerations of balance, center of gravity, and structural integrity. Author: Shayne & Anna The systematic replacement of Paikea’s timber interior with composite structures continues with the installation of a new bunk and bulkhead. This work is part […]

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Structural Bulkhead: Building a Return Flange Under the Floor

Structural Bulkhead: Building a Return Flange Under the Floor Some weeks the best footage comes from the people who weren’t supposed to be filming. This one belongs to the boys. With a week away at work, Harry and Ollie took over documentation duties aboard Paikea — and there were two genuinely separate projects happening at

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Laminating a Bulkhead Penetration with a 3D-Printed Plug

Laminating a Bulkhead Penetration with a 3D-Printed Plug Every hole through a structural bulkhead is a weak point unless it’s reinforced properly — and reinforcing it properly starts with a plug that comes back out again. Matching laminate to the surrounding skin The basic rule for reinforcing a penetration is straightforward: match the laminate going

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The Correct Way to Put a Hole in a Structural Bulkhead

Topic Overview: This post explains the structural engineering behind making penetrations in boat bulkheads. We’ll dissect why failures happen, using real-world examples, and detail a three-part reinforcement strategy to create a strong, reliable opening that maintains the integrity of the entire structure. Author: Shayne and Anna A bulkhead is not just a wall; it is a primary

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Composite Door Installation, Flow Coat Application, and Steering System Analysis

Author: Shayne and Anna Topic: This post details the ongoing refit of the starboard stateroom, focusing on the practical installation of a composite door and the application of flow coat as a substrate for insulation. It provides a technical analysis of chronic hydraulic steering failures, evaluating the components beyond repair and outlining the engineering rationale for a

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Building Carbon Fibre Chainplates: Part Three — The Starboard Side

Building Carbon Fibre Chainplates: Part Three — The Starboard Side The rudder project running through this same stretch of time wasn’t happening in isolation — there was a lot going on aboard Paikea at once, and this starboard chainplate rebuild was one of several things competing for attention in the same tight window. It’s worth

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