Passage 42 diagonal engine room brace

[Wanderwind]

Hi, I am considering purchasing a Hunter Passage 42. While looking at several units, I have noticed that most have a diagonal brace in front of the engine but some do not. Does anyone know what the significance of this is?

The attached picture shows one with and one without, same model year.

I searched the forums and recalls and couldn't find anything so I apologize if this question has already been answered elsewhere.

Thanks!

 

[Rick D]

Interesting. I wonder if it has anything to do with a generator?

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Does anyone know what the significance of this is?

You might try contacting the factory. Back when it was just "Hunter" I found they would talk your ear off (by phone no less) on any subject related to your boat. Now that it's "Marlow Hunter" a few here have mentioned "not so much".

 

[KD3PC]

my 1991 had the brace, and back when it was Hunter, they told me that it was added when the generator option was selected - mine had a gennie above and towards the bow - on the shelf above the engine. Mine also had the fridge compressor and a tray of batteries on that shelf towards the aft cabin.

Between the brace and the shelf, one had to squeeze in - and on top of the engine for starboard side maintenance, as well as to work the center cockpit drains...not much room for either.

 

[Terry Cox]

Our 1991 model has the brace and it also has the 8kw Genset. Perhaps related. Does the one without the brace have a Genset? Unable to tell from the photo. Ditto on maintenance access. PITA!

 

[Wanderwind]

Interesting. I wonder if it has anything to do with a generator?

That would make sense because it seems like it would provide some reinforcement to the engine room bulkheads, especially the area weakened by the large door.

Does the one without the brace have a Genset? Unable to tell from the photo.

They both have generators.

they told me that it was added when the generator option was selected

I believe the generator on the one without the brace was installed at the factory as it is the identical model and the boat is otherwise very well-optioned. (in-mast furling, A/C, microwave)

I am getting a survey on it in a couple weeks and may be able to find out then. I'm mostly just wondering if this is something I should be concerned about. I may contact Hunter as was suggested.

Between the brace and the shelf, one had to squeeze in - and on top of the engine for starboard side maintenance, as well as to work the center cockpit drains...not much room for either.

Ditto on maintenance access. PITA!

Is the maintenance really that bad? The apparent difficulty of access to the thru-hulls and starboard side of the engine (where the oil filter, dipstick, throttle linkage) is one of my reservations about this model.

 

[Terry Cox]

Is the maintenance really that bad?

No. I would not let the minor inconvenience of access to the starboard side of the engine override all of the many other positive attributes of this vessel. Knowing what I do, no hesitation about doing it all over again.

 

[Wanderwind]

No. I would not let the minor inconvenience of access to the starboard side of the engine override all of the many other positive attributes of this vessel. Knowing what I do, no hesitation about doing it all over again.

That's good to hear. I am looking forward to the survey and hopefully sailing her home over the next couple months.

 

[Terry Cox]

That's good to hear. I am looking forward to the survey and hopefully sailing her home over the next couple months.

Please keep us posted on your progress.

 

[splax]

It may be a change in the engine mounting, redesign may have given better stability.

 

[lyleh]

I have the brace on mine (1994) with no generator. Agree on the starboard engine access - not a big deal. Love my P42 - they are a great boat for the price.