Shelf below cockpit sole

[EdWard3]

Has anyone replaced the plywood shelf below the cockpit sole on a 1980 Hunter 30? My shelf currently holds the diesel fuel tank and a pair of house batteries. The plywood was the recipient of a faulty fuel sender leak and was saturated with diesel fuel. Not sure if this shelf was an aftermarket mod or not, but would like to hear if this is a DYI project.

 

[ggrizzard]

I have a 79 that has the same layout. Never needed to change or remove the shelf, but the engine may have to come out first unless you can manouver through the cockpit locker.

Let us know how it goes if you do replace it.

 

[John T1594]

Shelf

I had the same shelf on my 1980 H30. There is no reason why you could not remove and replace it. There should be enough room and access through the starboard lazarette. I did remove my fuel tank once and was able to lift and remove the cockpit floor panel between the bridge deck and the pedestal. If you have such a panel it gives easy access to the entire space behind the engine. Just make sure you reseal it well and bolt it back down or it will leak rain into the bilge.

 

[jwitczak]

Its not a [relatively] difficult job. I accessed through the port-side quarterberth. Plywood engine casing wall/cover can be unscrewed and removed (via small access panel forward and from space aft of quarterberth). Removed batteries and fuel tank (helps to be near empty) to access shelf - again all through quarterberth. Rails supporting the shelf were also rotted and replaced.

If its like mine, it is a good chance to check out your exhaust muffler/lift as well - found a pinhole that was leaking water into bilge. Imagine it would have been near impossible to examine or get at in a pinch should it have leaked worse at some point.

I think in all it was two days and two-four.