Barrier between cockpit lockers and engine

[Della and Dave]

One if the things that really bugs us as being an inelegant solution to a problem is the pegboard separating the cockpit lockers from the engine. We've been debating what to do about it and have formed many, progressively more complex and costly methods. These range from saying "what the heck" and just replacing the old pegboard with new, to building some sort of high tech super shiny easily removable liner from titanium or some other space age material Dave thinks is cool (I'm holding out for unobtainium).

So our question is this: what methods have you found that works well for separating the locker contents from all that moving machinery down there? Ideally, we'd like a way to keep the lockers relatively organized and enhance the ability of those of us with short arms to be able to dig stuff out of the bottom without climbing in first. Thanks for the ideas I know are out there!

[Jim S]

On Phantom we replaced the forward pegboard section with 1/4" plywood.  We simply left the aft section out with no problems.  We saturated the plywood with linseed oil to preserve it from the moisture.

[Dale Tanski]

I agree. For years I have had the desire to install a level flat false floor in those compartments to eliminate everything stored in there jamming down into the forward inside corner. The plan was to make a wooded removable slat floor.  Spare stuff you don't need quick access to could be stored underneath and things you need could go on top.  This would also solve the depth problem.

I also would like to close off the engine compartment to minimize noise.

Dale

[SV Alfresco]

I have wondered if Azek building material would be a good solution to problems like this on a boat. It's made from recycled milk bottles and is impervious to just about anything.

Mike

[Randy]

did the boats originally come from the factory with pegboard? Mine has 1/4" plywood with sound insulation on backside nearest the engine. I thought the plywood was original?

Dale, I too have always wanted to make a wooden seat/bench in the lockers, but with all the angles found it too much of a project.

Cheers,
Randy

[Jim Cozy]

Yes, the pegboard was standard at least by 1977 when I bought a new P-28. The last owner of my 365 built flat floors for the after portion of the cockpit lockers to within about ten inches from the seacocks. they are kept from sliding forward (downhill) by a small cleat epoxied to the hull. They are a simple plywood plank fitted to the hull and supported at the forward end by a riser also shaped to the hull. I would have made them longer, close to the seacock, but all in all, they work very well and I especially appreciate them when I am in the locker working. Jim

[PeteW]

My pegboard with the exception of a small piece in the aft port locker is all gone. Access to the alternator, water pump, belts etc.  would be impossible if those panels were still in there. Not to mention the steering quadrant stop beam which was broken and needed to be replaced.  My motor, starter and exhaust manifold are accessible through under the galley sink. Whatever panel that may have been in there is also gone.

I built a plywood shelf into the aft floor of the port sail locker to hold 2 AGM house batteries (200 AH total). There is also a shelf up under the port cockpit coaming. It mounts to the chain plate ribs. The compressor/condenser for the reefer sits on that. There is also one flat step around the middle of the locker. this step simplifies getting in and out of the locker and also makes for a seat when working on the electrics on the port bulkhead.

The starboard locker has a forward shelf for the water heater. There is a plywood panel up under the starboard cockpit coaming that holds the charger/inverter and the Icom AH-4 SSB antenna tuner. As I build out my house battery capacity I will duplicate the aft shelf for 2 more AGM batteries.

My stern locker has a large plywood floor in it. There used to be batteries in there but now it houses a vented plywood propane locker for a single small horizontal propane tank leaving room to store a kedge anchor and lines.

I know that as soon as I enclose the engine compartment I'm going to have to get in there for something and at the worst time most likely. I have the added engineering problem of how to remove the Westerbeke's head in-situ. I have on 2" of head room up under there.  My plan will be to drill 3/4" access holes through the cockpit floor and mizzen bulkhead beam  that will allow me to extract the forward cylinder push rods. The head will lift off the block and slid out horizontally after that. My motor has head bolts not studs.

Pete