Inaccessible space

paulj · Aug 13, 2011

Well who is going to make the first cut ?

paulj :troll:

rpwillia · Aug 13, 2011

First cut

Paul, Still thinking about it. Might be like Witz and make this a winter project. Too busy getting ready for Fall racing and going back to school.

But perhaps we can come up with some better ideas in the meantime.

Albanach · Aug 14, 2011

The Cat 309 at the recent Sydney Boatshow had an access hatch located above the galley workspace, leading into the rear locker. However, it seemed only halfbaked in that it was too small and was blocked by a waste bin (for which it had apparently been designed). The 'door' is visible on their brochure.

Stu Jackson · Aug 14, 2011

Witzend said:
Well, this make it simple stupid. I can't understand with a boat that is so lacking for storage space that Catalina did not provide better access to this space.

We've had the same "allegations" hurled at our C34s compared to C36s.

Many of us have converted "hanging lockers" into shelves.

Your boat, your cut, your choice.

JK_Boston_Catalina310 · Aug 15, 2011

Tool and spare parts storage

I have been following this thread and I think this might make a great place to store tools and spare parts.

I currently store that stuff in the starboard settee. But to access it I have to remove the cushion and the plywood. Not a lot of work but can be a pain if the admiral is down in the salon doing something and I want a tool to make a quick repair or adjustment.

So I am thinking that an access hatch here could make a good spot to store the tool kits (currently have 3: ratchets, sockets and wrenches; electrical tools & supplies; emergency with wood plugs, rubber mallet, quick set epoxy etc.). I also have two spare parts containers: the blue/gray universal box with spare filters, zincs, impeller, etc.; red and black westerbeke bag with hoses and hose clamps.

The problem I see is the size of the cut and the hatch. If you just put the hatch below the little bump out, it might be too small to fit some of the above items. It looks like the hatch size that would fit there the best is 14" X 31" (opening is 9 3/4" X 26 3/4"). But that might require some modifications to the flange. It looks like the hard part will the looking through all of the different hatch designs to find the best fit and maybe getting creative with that small bump out to get the biggest hatch opening possible.

Stu Jackson · Aug 15, 2011

We use our nav station as our basic tool box: http://www.c34.org/projects/images/35511_04.jpg

I also have a separate small tool "grab bag" for being a "Visiting Boat Doc" for less inclined friend's, as well as a separate socket set box I keep in the cave.

I also have two shoe boxes full of electrical spare parts.

rpwillia · Aug 15, 2011

Check here

JK_Boston_Catalina310 said:
... The problem I see is the size of the cut and the hatch. If you just put the hatch below the little bump out, it might be too small to fit some of the above items. It looks like the hatch size that would fit there the best is 14" X 31" (opening is 9 3/4" X 26 3/4"). But that might require some modifications to the flange. It looks like the hard part will the looking through all of the different hatch designs to find the best fit and maybe getting creative with that small bump out to get the biggest hatch opening possible.

Check here :2cool:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10114&subdeptNum=11315&classNum=11374

paulj · Aug 15, 2011

Main catalog

http://www.imtra.com/downloadTypes/Hatch_Brochure.pdf

My choice

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|48504&id=744277

paulj :troll:

paulj · Aug 16, 2011

Dear Johnboy

I made the first cut tonight.

paulj :troll:

rpwillia · Aug 17, 2011

Some times I can't help myself

paulj said:
Dear Johnboy I made the first cut tonight. paulj :troll:

ix:

paulj · Aug 17, 2011

Dear Johnboy and others..........

https://picasaweb.google.com/1dbpaul/StorageAccessArea#

paulj :troll:

rpwillia · Aug 18, 2011

Tupperware Alternative

Not quite as elegant as PaulJ's tupperware, but still an interesting option.

http://shop.catalinaowners.com/prod.php?17268
http://shop.catalinaowners.com/prod.php?17262

FWIW the stuff I have bought from SBO I have been real pleased with.

paulj · Aug 18, 2011

Albanach

As Paul Harvey used to say....now here is the rest of the story.

Albanach said:
The Cat 309 at the recent Sydney Boatshow had an access hatch located above the galley workspace, leading into the rear locker. However, it seemed only halfbaked in that it was too small and was blocked by a waste bin (for which it had apparently been designed). The 'door' is visible on their brochure.

.....

......:dance:

paulj :troll:

rpwillia · Aug 19, 2011

PaulJ

Pretty inspiring you jumped in and made that cut. I woulda been skeered, but I can now live vicariously through you until I get time. As for tomorrow I have to go sailing - I will be the boat off of Quantico with the 4 girls in bikini's. :dance:

deke · Aug 22, 2011

I added the cut out to my 2001/310. I also thought that access to the port lazerette was difficult. The cut out is approx. 11.5" X 18". I used tongue and groove bamboo flooring to make the new door and slides. The flooring T&G is centered so the new door travels well on the slides cut from a full length. The bamboo boards were 38" long and made adequate slides. I glued 3 18" pieces stacked together and added straps to the front and backsides to reinforce. I countersunk the holes for the slides fastener screws and it all assembled easily. I added a lateral piece paneling inside so things wouldn't roll around. I used a piece of vinyl trim to anchor the paneling. If you did a good job with the cutout and used aluminum "C" channel, the cutout could serve as the door instead of the flooring.