We have a 2008 Hunter 33. The primary engine access is by lifting and moving the relatively bulky and heavy stairs (which are too big to move very far and bang up all the wood finish around them). I plan to modify the stairs by adding a piano hinge along the top and some type of hydraulic assist so that it will open straight up like the newer model Hunter 33s do. Has anyone else in the forum ever done this on a Hunter 33 or similar boat? Thanks in advance for any advice/tips.
Modify / Add Hinge to Stairs for Better Engine Access
- Thread starter JoeP
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I'll second that idea as I've had it with WWF fight night whenever I remove the heavy stairs and start battering every piece of woodwork :cussing: in sight.
I guess I am not alone.... There some solace in that. We are going down to the boat now. I will start really working on the design this weekend and ask around the local boatyards. I figure if i don't want to get thrown overboard by my significant other, I had better get the plan ironed out and reviewed by a few folks before I start hacking away our new baby with a saw...
I thought about doing this on my boat and still might but the problem I see is that with the steps hinged up I can no longer get out of the boat without trying to climb out the forward hatch. This may not seem like a big issue but when I am working on the engine I find I am in and out a lot getting tools or parts or having to get at it from the other side. I can climb out with the steps out of the way but if they were hinged it would be impossible. This has kept me from making this change to date. Maybe a set up where you have the option of easily removing the the steps from the hinges if need be. Just something to consider before making the change.
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