ANCHOR LOCKER Greg initially opened the forward berth pan to stiffen the bow, (See Tech Tip P07). This facilitated later access to modify the anchor locker as can be seen in the following photos.
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Step 1 - Use a laser to draw two parallel lines upwards from the forward end of the V-berth to indicate where the new bulkhead will go. They are shown below as the black dotted lines on the sides of the hull. This is basically where the anchor locker bulkhead of the later version SJ23 is located.
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Step 2 - A multi-tool with a reciprocating blade is invaluable for removing the anchor locker bulkhead (along the dotted lines) without cutting through the hull. Note that the fiddles have been removed for this cut and that I've already removed the bottom of the V-berth to install the hull stiffeners. Opening the
V-berth and painting the inside improved the access to the anchor locker during construction.
SAFETY - Wear a good dust mask and keep the forward hatch open while cutting.
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Step 4 - I then scribed a piece of 1/2” plywood as the lower portion of the new bulkhead. Note that I also removed some of the deck flange where the top portion of the bulkhead will go. The replacement plywood bulkhead was made in two horizontal pieces to facilitate fitting. An overlapping joint between the upper and lower sections restored strength. The plywood was coated on all sides with epoxy then the full area of the plywood was glassed. After that, glass mat was used to properly tab this new bulkhead to the hull and to the V-berth insert. Once the epoxy and glass were cured it became one solid piece that is fully sealed between the anchor locker and the V-berth.
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Step 5 - Once the bulkhead is installed I’m going to install a (20x14)” sealed inspection hatch in the center of the bulkhead.
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ANCHOR ROLLER
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Fig 10 - Greg's very unique anchor roller.
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BOW SPRIT
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Fig 11 - I decided to attempt something different with the bow sprit. One of the reasons is that I want my Mantus 25lb anchor as centered as possible. The righting hoop is pretty large, and I have plans to adapt Panache's bow roller toe rail strap design to mount a deployable bowsprit that can drop around the sides of the anchor (picture below for inspiration). I’ll build mine with the idea that it can drop over the top of the stowed anchor and the hinges will through bolt to the toe rail, supported by straps very similar to the ones Bob designed.
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