Making Engine Access Opening Larger

[Ajay73]

I'm thinking about making the starboard side engine access opening a little larger(horizontally, not vertically) by cutting out some of the fiberglass on the forward side. I would take out just enough to be able to get two arms in to make maintenance easier. Maybe six inches, but that's just a guess right now. Anyone think this is structurally unwise? I could add a leg down to the hull under the portion cut out to compensate.

Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[hewebb]

On my Catalina 25 the entire starboard side of the engine compartment is a plywood panel that I can remove when access through the access panels is inadequate for the job at hand. It is held in place with several screws. I do not remember if there is a wood frame in the fiberglass but I can check next time I am at the boat. I am assuming that the 27 and 25 are similar in design in that area.

 

[Ajay73]

Hewebb, the interior liner at the engine compartment forms a starboard quarter berth and battery compartment on the port side. Neither of these horizontal sections have a fiberglass bulkhead down to the hull like the cabin settees have. They are connected with liner bulkheads that go up each side and over the engine. What year is your boat? I'll try to find some pictures online somewhere. Never mind, 1988 from your profile.

 

[shipwreck66]

Ajay, I'd be inclined to leave the one that's there alone and add a second one a little futher behind, making access to rudder post easier. After I finally emptied the bottomless pit on my port side storage area I discovered I could drop down into the compartment and gain access on that side from two access panels already there. Granted, you gotta be thin, flexible, and I did get stuck.

 

[Ajay73]

Ajay, I'd be inclined to leave the one that's there alone and add a second one a little futher behind, making access to rudder post easier. After I finally emptied the bottomless pit on my port side storage area I discovered I could drop down into the compartment and gain access on that side from two access panels already there. Granted, you gotta be thin, flexible, and I did get stuck.

I can get down into that port locker as well but find there is little room to work because of the exhaust loop is in the way. I don't really have a need to get to the rudder post at this time. Maybe if I ever added a wheel.

 

[dj2210]

I agree the access is tough. I thought about cutting both the port and starboard side to gain more access. Laying on your side to work on the distributor and impeller is a bear. I don't think it is structural as the cockpit is separate from the sides of the engine compartment. The mud wasps like to make nests between the cockpit floor and the engine compartment.

 

[Ajay73]

I agree the access is tough. I thought about cutting both the port and starboard side to gain more access. Laying on your side to work on the distributor and impeller is a bear. I don't think it is structural as the cockpit is separate from the sides of the engine compartment. The mud wasps like to make nests between the cockpit floor and the engine compartment.

I agree, I can't see a structural issue with making the openings a little larger but wanted to consult the forum. The wasps(and bees) sure like boats, don't they?

 

[Ajay73]

DJ, I see you have a winged keel C30. What's you opinion on the upwind performance of the C30 compared to that of your fin keel C27? Why did you go with he shoal winged keel? Thin water or other reason? If I moved up to bigger boat a C30 winged keel would be a considered.

 

[dj2210]

I sent a you a PM but here is the same thing,
The 2 boats respond differently. The C27 with it's lighter displacement and narrow beam is more tender than the C30. When a puff comes up on the C30 it is slower to heel. Both tend to round up in a puff but I'm still getting the feel of the C30. My C27 has new sails and tends to be more controllable in a blow than the C30 with old sails. The C30 with the full batten main seems quicker in light air and it is also a tall rig.
Also the C27 has a tiller and C30 has a wheel. I actually like the tiller better as it seems one has better control. Both boats have roller furling which I wouldn't be without since I single hand alot. The C27 with the aft mainsheet and traveler provides easy access to all lines whereas the C30 I have to move to the cabin to adjust the mainsheet and traveler. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions I'll be happy to respond.
Doug

 

[pagas]

Engine access

I just sold a Contessa and bought a Catalina 27. Traded tough uncomfortable for more room below.
The entire cockpit floor could be unscrewed and opened. I have thought about taking my sawzall to the Catalina floor and making a plywood bolt on like the Contessa.

 

[Ajay73]

I just sold a Contessa and bought a Catalina 27. Traded tough uncomfortable for more room below.
The entire cockpit floor could be unscrewed and opened. I have thought about taking my sawzall to the Catalina floor and making a plywood bolt on like the Contessa.

That would be the ultimate solution. Probably could be designed so that you wouldn't loose any cockpit space from a raised floor and probably could be done without major reconstruction.