Ok, I've got a question for the engineering guys. I am making strip cedar bulkheads and just got to thinking,...... Does it matter which way the strips lie for bultheads ( horizonal or vertical) ?
If the strength is in the fiberglass + resin layup, could I just make these out of anything such as plastic,cardboard,resin soaked cloth, etc???

Rob this is in reference to the stern bulkhead replacing # 11 station form for the North Star. I am assuming that it is being put there to reinforce the tail piece. I guess I am questioning the strength of the wood in relation to, with or against the grain plus the glueing factor.

As far as the reinforcement issue, is it for twisting,support for the deck-hull connection, for puncture and blow resistance, all of the above?

The reason I ask all this is the cut out for this bulkhead is sort of diamond shape and some where there are going to be small pieces at the points. Vertical strips seem to me to be easer to cut and keep together. Could be the dust filtrating into my mind.

Sorry for the question in advance, too much sanding tonite.
Dave