Inspection Hatch in Fiberglass Companionway Steps

GorillaToast

GorillaToast

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Sep 2, 2011
1,041
Hunter 27 Cherubini Alum Creek State Park
Hi All. I'm considering installing a small inspection hatch in one of the steps on the bulky fiberglass unit that serves as an engine cover / stairway on my 1981 H27. It would be used to access the raw water intake seacock for the inboard, rather than pulling that whole thing out every time.

Anyone foresee problems with that?

Thanks.
 
woodster

woodster

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Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
i would think as long as you don't weaken the structural integrity it should be no problem
 
GorillaToast

GorillaToast

.
Sep 2, 2011
1,041
Hunter 27 Cherubini Alum Creek State Park
Thanks guys!

It's amazing I've had the boat a year, dragging that stupid chunk of frp off and on twice a day, and didn't think of it sooner. I'm usually much better at quickly coming up with labor saving ideas!!
 
C

Capt jgw

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Feb 8, 2014
1,300
Columbia 36 Muskegon
Anything that makes pre-underway checks like checking the oil and coolant easier, so that you actually perform them every time, is worth doing. Oil should be checked before starting EVERY TIME, so you want it to be as easy as possible.
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,050
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Inspection hatch? Have you considered getting a small door? We have one for our rw intake and another for our dipstick. Easier and less unsightly than a hatch. Could probably get one from Home Depot and stain it to look like teak.
 
GorillaToast

GorillaToast

.
Sep 2, 2011
1,041
Hunter 27 Cherubini Alum Creek State Park
Door, Stu?

How much room have you got on that 34?

But, thanks for prodding my imagination. It would be better to install a drop down door on the front riser if it's tall enough. An inexpensive rectangular inspection hatch would be better than trying to rig up something from HD...at least for me.
 

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seadaddler

seadaddler

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Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Steps

I know it is a pain removing my wood steps that cover my Yanmar
but I get to check everything including looking at the belts and under
the engine for any possible leaks and check coolant and just look
over everything making sure everything is good.
My 07 H-36 is in very good shape but recently noticed one belt looked
loose and after looking closer found a crack in one of the belts and the engine was running really well.
I take the 2 rubber straps off and lift and slide it to the side.
Nick
 
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