Sideboards, Bulkheads and Cockpit Framing

Following Fife's original plans sideboards are recessed into the cockpit area through the bulkhead.

Patterns for the bulkheads were made using 1/4 inch plywood. Original bulkheads were constructed of 5/8" x 4" splined boards. I chose to use 1/2" plywood with a layer of 1/4" x 4" boards laminated to the cockpit side of the bulkhead. This provides a great deal more strength and stability and maintains the original look. The interior side was grooved every four inches to create the appearance of planks.

Partial bulkheads were installed three frames aft of the main bulkhead creating a box to house the sideboards. Prior to installing the center section of the bulkhead the waterline was established through cabin and cockpit using string lines shown.

Sideboard detail showing salvaged old growth redwood most likely harvested at about the time of Sulaire's construction.

Completed sideboard box before bulkhead is installed...

...after bulkhead is installed.

Cockpit framing begins. Spruce beams dovetailed together.

Painting the bulkheads adds light to the cabin and accentuates the original wood.

Sideboard boxes are open to the hull to allow air to circulate. An over sized fiddle rail keeps contents of the box off of the hull. When the interior is complete, the bulkheads will get another coat of paint to cover seam lines and screw plugs.