Has anyone done anything creative to their 365 to improve access to the front of the engine?
Cliff Mann
S/V Free Rein
I just removed, rebuilt and replaced the freshwater pump, thermostat housing, water cooled manifold and all the hoses on my Westerbeke engine.
After a lot of yoga experimentation I found the best access was gained laying on my back in the starboard sail locker with my legs tucked in along side the motor and then sliding in over the top of the fuel tank. And then with some more bending at the waist my arms were able to get to every bolt on the front of the motor. If you don't put some cushion over the edge of the fuel tank you will bruise your ribs.
This led me to think that relocating the fuel tank would open up the cavity in front of the motor for better access and create an all new cargo hold area. 2 tanks aft either side of the rudder shaft might work.
Pete W 365 Ketch hull#6
Pete
I had to replace my water pump too. I did something similar to you, but didn't lay on the fuel tank... no room there. The previous owner repowered the boat with a Nanni 37.5 HP 4.150. He also replaced the fuel tank with a custom 53 gallon one. I think that made distance between the tank on my boat even tighter than most 365's. My problem is belt access to the alternator. This is complicated by the fact that there is a Sea Frost refrigerator compressor belt mounted in front of the alternator belt.... must be removed to replace the alternator belt. I have thought about making access thought the cockpit floor with removable panels, like some early Island packets and Pacific Seacrafts have. The Mizzen mast complicates this. Your idea of the fuel tank relocation is a good one. I wonder if would leave enough room to get at the rudder post. I also thought about cutting out some of the bulkhead behind the stairs, where the top removable piece is. This way you can get your body in better from the back side. Lots of wiring located there on my boat. Just some thoughts. I'm in my 60's and not as agile as I once was.
Cliff
S/V Free Rein
Cliff,
Here a link to video I posted featuring my Westerbeke W58 crammed into the 365. Of interest to you might be the cut-out (removeable) section of the galley cabinet. This access allows you crawl up alongside the motor. I'm sure this was done to get the motor in there initially.
http://www.myspace.com/video/rid/110080175
Ultimately I think a restangular deck hatch behind the mizzen bulkhead makes sense. All my wiring is routed forward of the bulkhead. I am hoping to get around to building a 2 piece removeable teak grate that would then cover up the whole mess.
Pete W. 365 Ketch hull#6
Pete,
Interesting clearance notch in the sole. How did they hide that?
Dale
Pete
I think the previous owner did the same thing to the galley in my boat to get the Nanni in. I noticed a cut out in the same area. He put it back together... I'll have to look at it good again. I am determined to figure out some way to improve the front access. I posted the same question when I bought the boat last year. I go only one response. That owner did something too radical for me. He relocated the fuel tank in the sallow bilge. He cut out the cabin soul to do it. Now he can probably sit in front of the engine. I am going to if there's room for your 2 fuel tank idea. I still like the idea of access through the cockpit floor. I can do most jobs myself, but if I do that, I may want to have a pro glass guy do the cutting and make the removable pannels. Will keep you posted.
Thanks for the response.
Cliff
Cliff,
One of these hatches look like they might work and should be easy to install. Just make sure you leave a few inches of core material around the perimeter for strength. On a big hatch in aluminum seems better than plastic.
http://www.heatercraft.com/category.aspx?categoryID=36
Freeman marine makes super highend hatches that are cast. Looks like something you would find on a submarine.
http://www.freemanmarine.com/Hatches2400Square.htm
I think any of these should solve your engine room access problem. I'm sure there are others that might work better. I'll keep an eye out.
Heck, clear out that area in front of the engine and you could put a berth in there. With a skylight to boot. Ha!
Pete W
Pete
Thanks for the links. I am going to explore the fuel tank option. Going to do some measuring.....I'll let hyou know what I come up with.
Cliff