H310 aft cabin aft bulkhead access to fuel tank

[canyon]

I have a 1999 H310, and was wondering how to gain access through the rear bulkhead of the aft cabin, where the fuel tank etc. are located. The bulkhead is is a single piece of wood, no screws securing it, with only what looks like caulking around the perimeter. Do I have to cut an access hole in it, or is there a way to remove it intact?

Thanks,

ken - kloc@swiftwireless.com

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I've often looked at this area with the view of how to attack a leaking fuel tank should it ever occur (and pray I'll never need the info).

My impression is that the upper deck was lowered on to the bulkhead and it sits within a groove and is adhesed in place. As it also provides structural support in that area, I would be reluctant to even try to remove it in total.

As an alternative, you may want to cut an access hole to gain access to this area. I would look at substantial reinforcement in the access panel.

Just out of curiosity, what is your interest back there ? In the past I've needed to run a few wires back there and sent the little grand daughter in. Had a hell of a time coaxing her out again as it was soooooooo cool in there. Kids ! ! ! ! !

 

[canyon]

I've often looked at this area with the view of how to attack a leaking fuel tank should it ever occur (and pray I'll never need the info).

My impression is that the upper deck was lowered on to the bulkhead and it sits within a groove and is adhesed in place. As it also provides structural support in that area, I would be reluctant to even try to remove it in total.

As an alternative, you may want to cut an access hole to gain access to this area. I would look at substantial reinforcement in the access panel.

Just out of curiosity, what is your interest back there ? In the past I've needed to run a few wires back there and sent the little grand daughter in. Had a hell of a time coaxing her out again as it was soooooooo cool in there. Kids ! ! ! ! !

Ralph,

The fuel tank access would be the primary reason, also, I believe the sending unit for the autopilot is located there. Every other Hunter close to that size has an access panel, and the 2000 H310 has a removeable panel. Hunter did finally respond, saying I would need the cut my bulkhead if service is required in that area. Apparently they have seen the value of being able to service their products in other models and later production year's. Or maybe the 1999 year model is constructed of superior materials so that maintenance is not required.

ken

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

The fuel tank access would be the primary reason, also, I believe the sending unit for the autopilot is located there.

Hi Ken,

Mind revealing just just what you're looking at on your fuel tank ? As previously mentioned, this is one area of the boat that has given me endless sleepless nights .

Having to replace the fuel tank would require at least a chain saw and a jack hammer to get through the deck from above if full access were not possible from the bulkhead below.

In addition, if you have an Autohelm ST4000 Plus Autopilot, the only sending unit (controller) is the "Control Head" as shown in the attached layout. The fluxgate compass (on ours) is mounted in the bottom of the hanging locker. Only the dark black wiring (as shown) was used in our construction. Yours may be different.

Let me know if you require any material from the manual(s) as I have all of them from the original purchase of the boat in 1999.

 

[canyon]

Hi Ken,

Mind revealing just just what you're looking at on your fuel tank ? As previously mentioned, this is one area of the boat that has given me endless sleepless nights .

Having to replace the fuel tank would require at least a chain saw and a jack hammer to get through the deck from above if full access were not possible from the bulkhead below.

In addition, if you have an Autohelm ST4000 Plus Autopilot, the only sending unit (controller) is the "Control Head" as shown in the attached layout. The fluxgate compass (on ours) is mounted in the bottom of the hanging locker. Only the dark black wiring (as shown) was used in our construction. Yours may be different.

Let me know if you require any material from the manual(s) as I have all of them from the original purchase of the boat in 1999.

Yes, I was referring to the fluxgate. I have the same Autohelm, but mine is not in the hanging locker, so I assumed it was behind the aft bulkhead as in many of the other models. I have no immediate need to access that area yet, but when you do, it usually happens when you do not have access to extensive tools. So I'll probably make two vertical cuts to open the whole area and finish it with some teak strips, like Hunter did in later years and other models, to provide an access hole near the tank. I do have the original manual as well, but it just meets the minimum requirements of providing something, usually leading to a false sense of security.

ken

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I do have the original manual as well, but it just meets the minimum requirements of providing something, usually leading to a false sense of security.

Truer words were never spoken.

And not to generate a false sense of security here, but to date (knock on wood) we haven't had any glitches with the fluxgate compass.

PS ................... if you can find any small kids wandering around the dock, maybe stuff one down there to ensure the compass is located where you suspect. Parents shouldn't mind .