engine access -- Ed, Dave and Rick

[Sanders LaMont]

Remember that discussion a couple of years ago about cutting an access hatch through from the port berth to the engine compartment? Well, after a lot of research and a lot of procrastination -- and a month in Mexico on another boat -- I finally did it last weekend. It wasn't as easy for me as Ed's original description, primarily because the original owner had reinforced all the bulkheads with glass/epoxy to add strength, and glassed in the tank cover. But with a lot of sweat and a few bruises I was able to open up a 12 X 12 opening which gives much easier access to the Racor filter, shaft and transmission stick (plus the exhaust system and entire back end of the engine) . Because of the glassing, I did not extend it all the way back to the water heater compartment, but plan to add another small hatch back there after my knuckles heal.One caution: I found several wires attached inside the engine compartment but hidden under the noise-proof material and had to move them to keep from cutting through the wires.I brought the "hatch" home with me and cleaned it up, added teak trim pieces and a latch, and installed a piano hinge. FYI I had planned to install a standard Bomar access hatch but neither WM not any other chandlrey I tried had one available that would fit, as the flanges were way too big.I got the idea from you guys so this is a belated thank you.Fair Winds,Sanders

 

[Ed Schenck]

Only 12 x 12!

Sanders, that is hardly worth all that work and bruises! When I was in Florida recently I visited Ed Allen. He had cut his as we discussed here over the years. But his opens up almost end to end, about five feet I think. Mine is about three feet.And your tank lid was glassed! That would make it really hard. I have that lid off a couple times a year to run wires or hoses for some new project. Were you able to make it easily removable?Next is to modify the q-berth end bulkhead. Either to make it removable or to insert a big hatch. Removable opens up lots of storage and gives you access to under the winch and cleat.