Different engines and accessibility.

[pcatterall]

Our group is still looking for their 'ideal yacht' thanks for related advice to date.
Previous yachts have had access from the top but the (slightly) more modern ones we are looking at tend to have access only from the front often behind the companionway steps.
I read recently that some engines ( one was SOLE A Mitsubishi base I think?) have important service areas toward the rear,
Are there some other engines to avoid? Do folk ever build hatches over engines to access them. Im thinking of something bolted down over a seal rather than day to day use?

 

[PabloPicasso]

Yes, cut a hatch in the bulkhead where its needed.

Loads of boats have had this done.

Some marinised installatiins have very poor access to regular service components.

 

[Tranona]

The Kubota based brands - Beta and Nanni have most on the front. Mitsubishi based Sole and Vetus have fuel pumps and water pumps on the left hand side looking aft. Volvo have water pumps on the front and filters/fuel on left hand side. Yanmar mostly have filters and pumps on the front. Electrics (starter, alternator) and exhaust are both normally on the right hand side looking aft Fortunately most modern boats, particularly those with wider sterns recognise this and provide access to the service points through hatches in aft cabins or toilet compartment or both. Squeezing modern engines into older narrower boats can create access problems.