Getting at the engine

For all that I like to think I'm a practical boat owner, I took one look at the Beta 20s in Jazzcat and decided to get someone a bit younger and preferably equipped with two elbows per arm to do the service. That was when I had confirmed my suspicion that the previous owner had taken one look at them and decided not to bother for the last few years.
 
I have a 3gm30f in a Bavaria 350. Access for all servicing is excellent. The only internal anode is in the saildrive and is also a doddle to get at.
 
Most modern boats, particularly with saildrives have excellent access because the cockpit soles are high (to allow berths underneath), wide beam with cabins either side of the engine and easy access from the front. Most of the access problems are with older designs with narrow beam, low cockpit soles and shaft drives that disappear into the inaccessible nether regions of the boat.
 
It's unusual that access on older boats can't be improved by cutting a hole and fitting a hatch, although thought needs taken before doing the cutting to avoid undue loss of strength or stiffness and fire safety considered when making the hatch.
 
My Furia 332 was built with a Sole Mini 27 27HP, three cylinder engine but a previous owner decided that big is better and fitted a four cylinder Mini 34 at 31 HP which is squeezed into the engine bay and makes it really hard to get at anything. Many times I have indicated my displeasure at his choices.
 
colind3782 said:
My Furia 332 was built with a Sole Mini 27 27HP, three cylinder engine but a previous owner decided that big is better and fitted a four cylinder Mini 34 at 31 HP which is squeezed into the engine bay and makes it really hard to get at anything. Many times I have indicated my displeasure at his choices.
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Tranona said:
Most of the access problems are with older designs with narrow beam, low cockpit soles and shaft drives that disappear into the inaccessible nether regions of the boat.
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Sounds like a modern catamaran to me. :(

I solved the access to the oil filter (as fitted replaced by lying over the top of the engine head down) by fitting a remote location. Sadly access to the top of the sail drive and SD dipstick could not be improved, again lie on top of the engine.

Engines as designed to be very uncomfortable to lie on.

Jonathan
 
All this comes for boat designed for pleasure,a proper working boat if it had an engine would he space around it,all the fancy settees would e given lessimportance
 
I change my pencil anodes every year. Beta 25 which I chose in preference to other makes because of easy access to items for maintenance, pump for oil change, access to Jabsco pump, high rise exhaust and Beta made mounts to suit my old bearers. Other suppliers just said 'no changes to original spec' and of course Beta back up and spares readily available with a phone call.
 
My Yanmar 2QM15 is about 4 billion years old and has 2. I check them every year. They last about 4 years. Access is easy enough even on my tight installation as I can reach over the top.
 
Many racing yachts will have their engines amidships, over the keel in the saloon. Access from above and all four sides. (y)
 
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