I've recently bought a '79 H33. There's a small round plastic port in the inboard wall of the head that I assume is supposed to be used for access to dipstick. Doesn't look big enough. I've heard that other H33 owners have cut a larger panel in this wall for easier and better access to the dipstick. Anyone have advice and pictures of a completed job? I'm considering enlarging the hole & making a wood panel with latches and insulation. There may be other articles in the archives specific to this, but I couldn't find them. Newbie to H33, plus first boat. Any/all help will be appreciated. As a general comment, I find the owners' site and the knowledge and resources available for these boats to be incredible. You guys are phenomenal. I've got a bunch of running rigging to rework. This is the first of many questions. Thanks for the help.
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Hey Roger, congratulations!
What a nice boat for a first boat! My Hunter 33 is a 1982 model and I am the original owner, that makes almost 21 years I have enjoyed mine. The area in the head you speak of is a supporting wall which helps share the load of the aft part of the cabin. Mine has about a 12"x16" opening where I am able to get to the dip stick as well as the water pump on the front of the engine. I thought all H-33s have this access panel, but from what you have written, sounds like yours is setup different. I will try to take a pic in the next 2-3 days and post it here so you can see what Hunter designed into the model I have. You will truely enjoy this site and the H-33. To me, it makes such a difference when you have support of other owners with "real world" experience. My boat is "Freebird" and you will find many post and pictures of some projects I have done in the past and some I plan to post that I'm just finishing up on. Congrats again, David Underwood
What a nice boat for a first boat! My Hunter 33 is a 1982 model and I am the original owner, that makes almost 21 years I have enjoyed mine. The area in the head you speak of is a supporting wall which helps share the load of the aft part of the cabin. Mine has about a 12"x16" opening where I am able to get to the dip stick as well as the water pump on the front of the engine. I thought all H-33s have this access panel, but from what you have written, sounds like yours is setup different. I will try to take a pic in the next 2-3 days and post it here so you can see what Hunter designed into the model I have. You will truely enjoy this site and the H-33. To me, it makes such a difference when you have support of other owners with "real world" experience. My boat is "Freebird" and you will find many post and pictures of some projects I have done in the past and some I plan to post that I'm just finishing up on. Congrats again, David Underwood
Load bearing bulkhead?
Dave, thanks for the reply! I was concerned that care should be given to not weaken the bulkhead by removing too much material. My aviation background dictates heavy reinforcement anytime something is modified. Sounds like these boats can take a lot of modification, but it's hard to make a hole smaller once you get started cutting. My guess is that Hunter took a bit of criticism from the early models being so tough to get to the dipstick and water pump, so maybe they made the hole bigger in 82. Is your access panel made of fiberglass or teak? 12x16 sounds plenty big, if I can get away with removing that much material. Maybe other owners can add more. I appreciate your help. I'll be back with more questions, and yes, I'm really excited about the boat. More later, thanks again, Roger.
Dave, thanks for the reply! I was concerned that care should be given to not weaken the bulkhead by removing too much material. My aviation background dictates heavy reinforcement anytime something is modified. Sounds like these boats can take a lot of modification, but it's hard to make a hole smaller once you get started cutting. My guess is that Hunter took a bit of criticism from the early models being so tough to get to the dipstick and water pump, so maybe they made the hole bigger in 82. Is your access panel made of fiberglass or teak? 12x16 sounds plenty big, if I can get away with removing that much material. Maybe other owners can add more. I appreciate your help. I'll be back with more questions, and yes, I'm really excited about the boat. More later, thanks again, Roger.
Follow up...
Roger, my bulkhead there is of 3/4" plywood if I'm not mistaken. The area cut out is low, almost on the floor right beside the toilet and is simply a rectangle cut in a "portrait" format as opposed to a "landscape" and the corners are kinda rounded. The cut carefully and the same piece cut out is the piece used as the inspection / access door. I'll take some pics and give you more exact specs. David
Roger, my bulkhead there is of 3/4" plywood if I'm not mistaken. The area cut out is low, almost on the floor right beside the toilet and is simply a rectangle cut in a "portrait" format as opposed to a "landscape" and the corners are kinda rounded. The cut carefully and the same piece cut out is the piece used as the inspection / access door. I'll take some pics and give you more exact specs. David
Re: Feedback
I just read one of Pat McCartin's "updates" listings, with a pic of pie-plate cover to a quarter-berth hidey-hole he's made use of. My boat has a round plastic cover just like his low down on the wall of the head. Maybe I can enlarge that hole to your dimensions and make up a teak drop-in panel cover with latch at top. Thanks again for the ideas. Pics appreciated when you have time. R.
I just read one of Pat McCartin's "updates" listings, with a pic of pie-plate cover to a quarter-berth hidey-hole he's made use of. My boat has a round plastic cover just like his low down on the wall of the head. Maybe I can enlarge that hole to your dimensions and make up a teak drop-in panel cover with latch at top. Thanks again for the ideas. Pics appreciated when you have time. R.
H33 oil dipstick access
That oil stick is insanely inaccessible. I had to ask somebody where the thing was when I bought my 79 H33. I have the round access port that Roger describes but it is essentially of no use. Not having the head side access described by David Underwood, I had to develop a tactile familiarity with the blind side of the engine. After getting over the steep learning curve, access is a no seeing- no thinking automatic thing now...at least until I have to changeout to a different engine.
That oil stick is insanely inaccessible. I had to ask somebody where the thing was when I bought my 79 H33. I have the round access port that Roger describes but it is essentially of no use. Not having the head side access described by David Underwood, I had to develop a tactile familiarity with the blind side of the engine. After getting over the steep learning curve, access is a no seeing- no thinking automatic thing now...at least until I have to changeout to a different engine.
Need to make acess if it doesn't exist
My two cents worth...I think you need the large access on the side of the head for more than oil dipstick access. There would seem to be no way to change the water pump impeller or fuel lift pump unless there is an access panel. Seems like it could be a safety issue to me.. An adequately sized access port (13"x20") works well for me, and doesn't seem weaken the structure of the engine box/deck support.
My two cents worth...I think you need the large access on the side of the head for more than oil dipstick access. There would seem to be no way to change the water pump impeller or fuel lift pump unless there is an access panel. Seems like it could be a safety issue to me.. An adequately sized access port (13"x20") works well for me, and doesn't seem weaken the structure of the engine box/deck support.
h-33
I have had a 33 for about 3 years and use it for pleasure and chartering If you would like to get together and look at my boat call me or e mail me 904 261 6858 or donald@express56.com. looking forward to hearing from you.
I have had a 33 for about 3 years and use it for pleasure and chartering If you would like to get together and look at my boat call me or e mail me 904 261 6858 or donald@express56.com. looking forward to hearing from you.
agree with Jim
I have to agree with Jim Logan. I recently repowered with a 3GM30F on my '78 33. The more engine access the better. I now have a reinforced 21 inch by 21 inch engine access hatch in the head made of 1/2 inch white starboard. Yes it takes a bit away from the "decor" but access is everything as most of what you need to get at on the Yanmars is on the starboard side. To each his own though.
I have to agree with Jim Logan. I recently repowered with a 3GM30F on my '78 33. The more engine access the better. I now have a reinforced 21 inch by 21 inch engine access hatch in the head made of 1/2 inch white starboard. Yes it takes a bit away from the "decor" but access is everything as most of what you need to get at on the Yanmars is on the starboard side. To each his own though.
Thanks!
I'll send pix when I chop the new hole in the head wall. Planning to fabricate a teak access panel cover. I liked the looks of Pat McCartin's inset medicine cabinet behind the head. As long as I makin' holes, ......
I'll send pix when I chop the new hole in the head wall. Planning to fabricate a teak access panel cover. I liked the looks of Pat McCartin's inset medicine cabinet behind the head. As long as I makin' holes, ......
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