Bulkhead

[EGF]

I have an old 35' sailboat. The hull is made of red cedar over oak (most part of the frame has been changed by stainless steel frame). The boat is out of water for 4 years. I have removed and discarded all bulkheads. Now it is time to put the new bulkhead (designed from the old ones).

My question is:

Is it good to fasten the new bulkheads and launch the boat?
Alternatively, is it better to launch the boat, wait a few days so the hull restores its shape, and after this, put and fasten definitively the bulkheads?

[WFK]

And I thought I was the only one who made up things to worry about. Those bulkheads can be put in and fastened either way. Just get going!!

[mmd]

The bulkheads are most likely located to support rig loads rather than hydrodynamic loads, so they could either be fitted on land if you are sure that the boat hasn't changed shape while in the cradle, or in the water (though carrying bulky panels aboard from a dock will be awkward), but should definitely be done prior to re-rigging the boat.

[Ed Harrow]

Stainless steel frame? Could you please clarify for me. Have some oak frames been removed and replaced with stainless?