When I bought her last summer, the 6'3" previous owner told me of his struggles getting the battery out for winter storage, from its location at the stern end of the port quarter berth. When I got in there myself, though a lot less than 6'3" I did not feel happy. Rather like Count Dracula going for a nap.
I decided that some easier access would be desirable, so online I went, of course, and found that hatch lids can be very expensive. Then again, I discovered a line made by Amarine. I ordered one that was 17.25" by 12.4", with an opening of 14" by 9.5", at only $42 Canadian dollars, with free shipping from UNoHoo. The reviews were very positive, and when it arrived it certainly seemed well made and robust. Easy to install on butyl tape, and now I have access not only to the battery, but what seems to be the original factory wiring, done on the Spaghetti Principle..... but at least now I can get at it without having to wriggle down a narrow dark tunnel and turn my multifocals upside down to try and figure out what I am looking at. A big convenience, and one I recommend highly. Note that I decided to mount the cover on the vertical surface rather than on the cockpit seat surface, where I think it would make seating less comfortable. I also could stick a tote at the stern end, though I think I'll make something a little better to fit there.
Bob
I decided that some easier access would be desirable, so online I went, of course, and found that hatch lids can be very expensive. Then again, I discovered a line made by Amarine. I ordered one that was 17.25" by 12.4", with an opening of 14" by 9.5", at only $42 Canadian dollars, with free shipping from UNoHoo. The reviews were very positive, and when it arrived it certainly seemed well made and robust. Easy to install on butyl tape, and now I have access not only to the battery, but what seems to be the original factory wiring, done on the Spaghetti Principle..... but at least now I can get at it without having to wriggle down a narrow dark tunnel and turn my multifocals upside down to try and figure out what I am looking at. A big convenience, and one I recommend highly. Note that I decided to mount the cover on the vertical surface rather than on the cockpit seat surface, where I think it would make seating less comfortable. I also could stick a tote at the stern end, though I think I'll make something a little better to fit there.
Bob