[Public-list] Rot in bulkheads beneath chainplates

[Alexei Kassatkin]

When rot is encountered in the forward bulkheads, can it be repaired in 
place with a substance like Abatron and oversized steel backing plates, 
or should they be removed and repaired, or replaced?  If the later is 
the case, has anyone done a write-up on, or photographed the process 
the removal of same?  All input is greatly appreciated.

I removed the chainplates on #455 and found active wet rot localized in 
the area of the bolt holes.  I haven't probed further, but am concerned 
that the ply in the bulkhead below may have been compromised.  The 
damage was apparently caused by years of neglect in caulking the risers 
on deck.  There is discoloration along the outside perimeter of the the 
forward bulkheads where they join the hull, though no apparent active 
rot, or moisture.  I noted also that what appears to have been plywood 
in the forward knees has disintegrated leaving an empty pocket.  We've 
had some pretty heavy rainstorms lately here in Northern California, 
that have let up over the last couple of days.  However, moisture 
continues to weep through the fiberglass beneath the forward knee.