I may see if I can cut down the bulkhead.  I'm not really using the boat for creeking so much as a big guy river runner all around type boat.  I may be able to cut down the bulkhead as you say.  If i can get it any farther though, I will only have two bolts holding it in.  Is this still preferable?  This is turning into quite the engineering problem.  I'm trying to weigh all options.

I'll look at it again tomorrow with a fresh mind and see what I can do.

Thanks again,

Tim