: Greetings,

: Recently bought a basic model Necky Santa Cruise exclusively for fishing. I'm
: contemplating adding a stern hatch and bulkhead for floatation and
: storage. Any wisemen out there know how to go about doing
: this(materials/proper sealents etc...)or is it a bad idea to attempt in
: the first place. Any info/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

First off, find out if you can even get the hatch parts from Necky. According to a local dealer, they changed their policy about these things a year or two ago. They don't like to ship parts to anyone who is going to modify their boat; they want you to return it to the factory for modifications, which is ludicrous in most cases.

If you can get the hatch, you can do the bulkhead pretty easily. Here's how:

INSTALLING A FOAM BULKHEAD

1) Decide where you want the bulkhead positioned, then mark the location with a permanent marker (Sharpie).

2) Make a pattern of the bulkhead out of cardboard. This will take some time, but it's important to get an accurate pattern.

3) Trace the pattern onto a piece of 2" or 3" minicel foam.

4) Mark a new line 1/8" larger all the way around. This is your cut line.

5) Cut the bulkhead out. A band saw works best, but a knife will do.

6) Starting at the wider end, press the bulkhead into place to check the fit. It should be snug all the way around.

7) Trace around the bulkhead on both sides with a permanent marker, then remove it.

Clean the area between the lines with alcohol, lacquer thinner or other residue-free solvent. Do the same to the edges of the bulkhead.

9) Apply a layer of adhesive sealant (Lexel or GOOP is preferred) between the lines. Spread it evenly and thin. If need be, you can thin GOOP with toluene and brush it on.

10) Press the bulkhead into place. Most of the sealant will bead up on the forward edge as you push the bulkhead in.

11) Smooth out the sealant bead. A moistened finger tip works well. If you keep it wet, the sealant won't stick to it. You can used a curved stick or a spoon, if you prefer.

12) Run a bead of sealant around the other side of the bulkhead and smooth it out.

13) Allow to dry THOROUGHLY. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the sealant used, the temperature and the humidity.

14) Go paddling.