H31 access to space under stbd lazerette

[SFS]

I have had no luck searching for threads related to this topic, though that may be due to my lack of creativity in search terms.

I have a 1983 H31. I would like better access to all that area and equipment below the stbd. lazerette. Right now, I would have to drop through the rectangular hole in the laz, and am concerned about getting back out, due to the depth of that area, and lack of footholds, etc. I am considering enlarging the hole in the laz, at the cost of a few inches of mostly unusable "tray" type storage, to make ingress easier, but egress is still what worries me.

There is a teak bulkhead under the cockpit that runs along the centerline of the boat, dividing the quarterberth on the port side of the cabin from the area on the stbd. side that I want to access (see pictures if I am successful uploading). This wall does not touch the underside of the cockpit floor, so I'm thinking it is not structural or weight bearing. Would there be any problem removing part or all of this wall?

What have you H31 owners done to make it easier to get under the cockpit on the stbd side?

 

[kloudie1]

Very similar to the H-34 problem with access to "The Pit". Some folks have added an access door in the bulkhead under the cockpit and have been pleased with the outcome. If done carefully, you can get good access and have it come out looking "original" Don Crowther and Claude Auger and Dan Johnson I think have done that mod. I tried searching but couldn't get the magic combination. One of those guys will reply with pictures I hope. I am 6' and 260# and can get in.. but an access door is in the works .. after twentysomething years, the door is starting to have more allure.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Here are the mods I did to gain access from the stern cabin on my 34. I cannot get in the laz through that but it has given me lots of room to reach in much easier. the opening is 30" X 15" and removable easily. Of course I have to take the white paneling off but it provides access to reach in there much easier. In fact I got the old fridge compressor out through there last summer. Hope it could work for you.

 

[Phil Herring]

Check under Boat Info -> H31 or H34 -> Owner Modifications. I'll bet someone has some info on it there.

 

[Don Crowther]

I was able to get in and out of the 31 though the lazarette ( I'm 6'1" 260lbs) It was tight but doable. But the placement of the batteries on the 34 made that impossible. I cut a door out of the side panel (it is not structural or weight bearing) and installed hinges so it just swings open. I didn't feel the need yet to finish my entry like Claude's I can service my batteries and fuel tank from the aft cabin.

 

[HMT2]

Claude, that is brilliant and nicely executed. To egress we have a small step still made from plywood to make the exit easier. We have an '83 H31 as well.

 

[SFS]

HMT2, do you have pictures of this step? Is it stand alone. If not, how and where is it affixed?

 

[HMT2]

It is stand alone. It is a single step made from plywood. My Dad uses it to help him get out of the "pit" as we call it. I don't use it so I just set it aside where it won't bother us getting in. Imagine a wooden version of this.