In reviewing various threads from the
Forum Archives, one thing that keeps coming up is the complaint regarding what a pain it is to remove the cockpit floor and gain access to the engine compartment of the W32. While not all W32s have the same configuration, most do have a very heavy cockpit sole that is, at best, difficult and heavy to remove. I found a need to create a way to assist in removing the floor. This was especially needed when the boat is in the yard where it may be opened and closed several times a day due to rain, etc.
I devised a method that was originally intended as a temporary solution, but with some modification, it will become a permanent solution to the problem. I installed 4 eye straps in the corners of the floor, to which I can quickly attach a special harness for lifting the hatch. (Initially, the eye straps were placed between the teak strips. But the teak has been removed and will not be replaced! As such, I will eventually move the eye straps closer to the corners, where they will be less obtrusive.) I simply clip snaps from the harness onto the eye straps of the floor and lift. The once difficult job then becomes a very simple process. The floor doesn't even feel all that heavy when lifted this way. Because my instrument cluster and Morse controls are somewhat in the way, the harness was made such that it naturally lifts the hatch at an angle that allows the hatch to clear these obstructions easily. This makes the entire process as simple as lifting the hood of your car. Once it's out, I simply lean the floor against the boom gallows frame.
When I'm finished with my refit, the instruments will be inset into the cockpit wall. This will simplify the removal even more. Of course the floor will have the holes patched and all will be refinished as well. It's likely that I will remove the teak strips from around the top of cockpit well also. Any thoughts on this?
OK, now that we have easy access to the engine room, I could help but notice what a pain it is to do anything inside. Perhaps those who have a liner might be in a better position, but without a liner there is no place comfortable to stand or sit while working on the engine (or anything else). I also found that I was constantly standing on the transmission and all too frequently on the shifter. Bad idea!
Upon removing the fried batteries, I found that I also needed to rebuild all the battery shelves. While I was in the process of doing this, I decided to redesign the rest of the shelving also. I ended up with two horizontal sections, both of which are removable for access to the shaft, as needed. One of the sections provides a very comfortable seat. Beneath this seat, you will notice a step that sits atop the transmission, resting on the tranny itself and on the walls of the hull. This gives me a very flat, stable standing position, without fear of damaging the shifter linkage. This step easily lifts out of place, as needed.
One final addition was a 7" wide step that is place in the forward edge of the cockpit hole that was once occupied by the floor. It was cut to the exact width of the opening, and since the cockpit narrows as it goes aft, this naturally locks it in place. I put this into position after the floor is removed to give me a very safe and easy way to get in and out of the engine room.
All of the seats, steps, etc were made from 3/4" plywood, then epoxied and painted. (Some still need to be painted.) I can't tell you what an incredible difference this addition has made to my engine room work, turning a dreaded chore into an easy task!
Although it might look as though I have limited my access to the shaft for inspection, such is not the case. By simply removing the back from one of the companionway steps, I have an excellent view of the shaft.
Hopefully others will find these ideas helpful as well. The improvement in access will surely make it much easier to monitor and maintain batteries. Combined with a good locking system, I also anticipate that the ease of access to engine compartment (and subsequent re-securing thereof) will add substantial convenient storage area that would otherwise be only wasted space.
Jack Webb
