The Transverse Beam

Cal installed a steel transverse beam under the main bulkhead on many of their sailboat designs. Unfortunately, these beams are not stainless steel and are often badly rusted and possibly eaten away to nothing.

If your tabs resemble these, then you need to investigate the full run of the beam with a bore-scope, ccd or other miniature camera. Note the delaminating veneer plies of the main bulkhead; a sure sign that water has intruded through faulty chain plate maintenance.

Another source of water entry is the wiring that comes from the mast through the mast step on the cabin top.

Replacing this beam is not an easy task, but it is do-able with some basic skills.