Quick release solution for top of engine compartment?

bitbaltic

bitbaltic

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Boat in Milford Haven
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My Penta MD2020 lives inside what must be one of the most carelessly designed and cramped engine compartments in yachting history. Some things (belts, dipstick) can be got at by taking panels off the sides (as Hanse intended) but other things (strainer, coolant reservoir) can only be got at by unscrewing the lid (which doubles up as a bit of additional worktop).

This is a pain in the proverbial so I’m wondering if any forumites know of a ‘quick release’ solution that could replace the screws. I’m thinking of some sort of popper button thingy (apologies i don’t know what I want really). Any ideas? Or is there some RCD or design reason why access must be awkward that I don’t know about?

here’s a picture of the compartment top.
B2E0B4B7-9F06-4F04-9200-402092CE6C29.jpeg
 
My engine 'box' which doubles as the steps in / out of cabin - uses the over-centre catches. This means the catches hoop is put over the tang .. lever pushed flat tightening the two together.

Have a scan through this lot ....

over-centre catch - Google Search

Here's my 'box' :

67OabNE.jpg


The whole box .. both sides, front and top are held together by over-centre catches. The bottom edge of the sides sit into channels to align. You could in theory lift the whole box out as one .. but would be difficult as the divan support provides a stiffener ...
 
Do not screw it down. Put some plastic Kitchen assembly blocks on the underside, such that they come just inside the outer vertical sides. This will stop it moving about & to remove it one just has to lift it up. If you are worried about it rattling then put a bungee fixed low down & have a hook on the underside of the lid.
 
Four screws?
May I suggest a better screwdriver.

I cheap battery driver will have them in and out in a flash.

Not trying to be a smartarse.

gary
 
I repeat Dsuz fasteners. These quick release panel fasteners have been used for securing panels to aircraft and cars since the 1930s. There are two in my old car (the D ring type, not needing a screwdriver) holding the boot floor panel over the spare wheel well. They prevent vibration, unlike the pin suggestion.
 
We have same boat. Our lid is only retained in place by own weight. I have added two block
bitbaltic said:
My Penta MD2020 lives inside what must be one of the most carelessly designed and cramped engine compartments in yachting history. Some things (belts, dipstick) can be got at by taking panels off the sides (as Hanse intended) but other things (strainer, coolant reservoir) can only be got at by unscrewing the lid (which doubles up as a bit of additional worktop).

This is a pain in the proverbial so I’m wondering if any forumites know of a ‘quick release’ solution that could replace the screws. I’m thinking of some sort of popper button thingy (apologies i don’t know what I want really). Any ideas? Or is there some RCD or design reason why access must be awkward that I don’t know about?

here’s a picture of the compartment top.
View attachment 119844
Click to expand...
We have the same boat! The top step and engine cover is held in place by two wooden blocks at the rear fastened onto the inside of the cockpit liner vertical face. The step simply slides under these. Two more blocks fastened under and inside the front of the engine compartment help keep the top from sliding forward. . It can be removed in an instant for easy inspection of the engine . Previos owner had fitted over centre catches underneath to the front and side but I found these worked loose with heavy foot traffic!
I happen to store a small tool kit on the back of the step that is a perfect fit between it and underneath the cockpit gangway above it . This ensures the lid is held firmly closed without the need for catches.
Steve.
 
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