Improved Engine Access
Friday - October 29, 2004•Views: 4887••
On the 31, it is very hard to reach the starboard side of the engine. Unfortunately, there are many things on this side that need to be frequently accessed (oil dipstick, mechanical fuel pump, on engine fuel filter, etc.). I decided to cut a hole in the bulkhead that seperates the quarterberth and the engine compartment thus giving access to that side of the engine. There is no noticeable increase in noise level when the engine is running. The inspection hatch seen fitted here is a Bomar G8812-W and has a single rubber gasket to make a tight seal. Bomar also makes a G8812-22 that is off-white and would probably be a better match. They also make an access hatch (G7812-W or G7812-22) that is double gasketed.
Installation was super easy. I simply made a paper template and traced the outline on the bulkhead. Then took a 1-5/16" hole saw attached to my drill and drilled/cut-out the four corners. After this, I used a small Dewalt cordless circular saw and did a plunge cut on each of the four sides. Before starting, make sure there is nothing on the other side of the bulkhead that is going to get cut!
Now, working on the mechanical fuel pump, throttle linkage, checking/changing oil, etc. are no longer the chore they once were.
Installation was super easy. I simply made a paper template and traced the outline on the bulkhead. Then took a 1-5/16" hole saw attached to my drill and drilled/cut-out the four corners. After this, I used a small Dewalt cordless circular saw and did a plunge cut on each of the four sides. Before starting, make sure there is nothing on the other side of the bulkhead that is going to get cut!
Now, working on the mechanical fuel pump, throttle linkage, checking/changing oil, etc. are no longer the chore they once were.
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