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Cutting an access panel to port side of motor

Tim Eichel

Tim Eichel

Member
I am planning to cut an access panel in the port lazarette area so I can access both the raw water strainer thru-hull valve and engine. I was wondering if anyone else has done this and how they did it. Maybe some pics? Sorry if this has already been addressed on here......

My first thought is to cut out a rectangle plywood panel with a jig saw at 30-40 degree inside angle so that once the panel is removed, I can place right back in without it falling through to the engine. Add some slide latches and I'm done.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thank you
Tim
 
Tim,
The factory location of the strainer is a PTA. I installed a Groco bronze strainer at the aft end of the starboard engine room access panel. I still have to reach across to shut off the raw water but that allows all the stuff in the cockpit locker to stay there and I can visually check the strainer as part of my preflight check prior to each startup.
Cheers,
John
 
Tim , I had my strainer moved to right in front of the engine Port side On the engine support rail.
When i purchased the boat the strainer was under the Sink ! I had Pittmans boat yard move it !
I just cant imagine any one kneeling down trying to determine whats stuck inside the strainer in the dark under the galley sink ! My sail locker has a Gen set in it ! So there is barley room for the trash can ! Large Groco bronze strainer is what i have . Boats
 
I too moved my strainer from the Port Laz to Starboard quarter berth side as well. The boat's normal water level worked out to be right at the top of the OE Groco strainer at the bottom ledge of the opening, so no flood with the top off. The Perkins plumbing allowed the move with all existing hoses which was a great benefit. The only negative to the move was a small negative buss bar was right below the new strainer location so it got moved too. Tips: Soak the strainer in vinegar and it will turn back to that nice new bronze color with a bit of scubbing. Use a Groco gasket kit to prevent to prevent leakage.
 
I so not know how your bulkheads are set up. I have a vertical panel that hangs down from the cockpit side, then a horizontal floor that covers the lower locker area. I have a small trap door that allows me to get down to the seacock through the floor. My water strainer is back below the pedestal, so I can reach it from the starboard side of the engine compartment. I also have cut two access panels on the port vertical bulkhead so I can get into the engine compartment from the port side, but they are not very useful.
They just dont provide much serious access,given the way the vertical and horizontal panels are installed.
When I need serious access to the Port side of the engine,for instance to replace a starter motor, my vertical panel and horizontal shelf come out by unbolting them.
 
I added a door replaced the deck in the port locker. I'll dig up some photos. Gave great access to the engine bay.
 
Tim,
Here are the photo's of the mods in the port sail locker.
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Just a perfect job . Nice and sharp and clean. I have a Gen set in my sail locker and the little hatch in the boottom my strainer needs to be there or its above the water intake and will not fill ! I did not design it, It was like that from PO . Except he could not get it to run !
Just needed a new fuel pump and starter ? ! runs like a top ! I have AC in Florida summer at anchor. the DB is like 61. I sound proofed best i could.
 
Tim,

I did a similar job on Pilgrim. See my album on this forum.... http://www.morgan38.org/morgan38/index.php?media/albums/pilgrim-cockpit-locker.35/

I tabbed in the upper and lower portions of the new longitudinal frame. I moved my engine raw water intake and strainer to under the starboard qtr berth. This makes accessing the thru hull and strainer much easier than the original location. See quarter berth modifications album on this forum... http://www.morgan38.org/morgan38/index.php?media/albums/pilgrim-qtrberth-to-storage-locker.40/

Jeff
 
I too moved the engine strainer to the stbd side under the Qtr berth. The access cover in the floor is for access to the Frigoboat water cooled condenser through hull.
 
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