Cutting a hole in to engine compartment?

[Mac]

Hi,

 

I want to know if it is safe to cut a hole in the steel bulkhead between engine compartment and below deck.

 

Want to do it so I can get to front of engine when required!

 

Go on tell me I'm mad!! It does sound a bit drastic, doesn't it?

 

Regards

Mad Mac

[Guest]

Hi,

 

I want to know if it is safe to cut a hole in the steel bulkhead between engine compartment and below deck.

 

Want to do it so I can get to front of engine when required!

 

Go on tell me I'm mad!! It does sound a bit drastic, doesn't it?

 

Regards

Mad Mac

I once considered the same thing on our last boat, cause the engine was a **** to get at. If you make a steel plate of at least the same thickness, that overlaps the hole and use a fire/waterproof gasket and bolt the plate in place then why not? It will take a fair bit of cutting, but is possible. I have been on a yacht with a very similar setup, and that was as manufactured.

Edited November 17, 2006 by Guest

[Mac]

I once considered the same thing on our last boat, cause the engine was a **** to get at. If you make a steel plate of at least the same thickness, that overlaps the hole and use a fire/waterproof gasket and bolt the plate in place then why not? It will take a fair bit of cutting, but is possible. I have been on a yacht with a very similar setup, and that was as manufactured.

 

 

Cheers Catweasel! Seems a lot of bother, don't it?!

[John Orentas]

You could hire a nibbler or plasma cutter to cut the hole.

[Guest]

Cheers Catweasel! Seems a lot of bother, don't it?!

I never did it 'cause we ended up selling that boat for a bigger one. It would take a while and a bit of work, but if the engine in your boat is anything like ours was, it would be luxury being able to get to the drive belts etc. through an inspection hatch. I used to have a Reliant car with such hatches, but please don't tell anybody.

[ChrisPy]

If you make a steel plate of at least the same thickness, that overlaps the hole and use a fire/waterproof gasket and bolt the plate in place then why not?

let's be honest, if you bolt it in place you'll never be bothered to remove it for routine inspection access.

 

I'm lucky having a widebeam, but all the same I insisted on LB making the engine access deck hatch as wide as possible. The hatch is 63" wide and I can comfortably stand or squat down on either side of the engine and in front of it.

[Tony Brooks]

Hi,

 

I want to know if it is safe to cut a hole in the steel bulkhead between engine compartment and below deck.

 

Want to do it so I can get to front of engine when required!

 

Go on tell me I'm mad!! It does sound a bit drastic, doesn't it?

 

Regards

Mad Mac

 

 

Not mad - very far sighted I would say as long as you leave a good upstand to prevent bilge water creeping through.

 

I expect you could use a jigsaw at slow speed, metal cutting blade(S) and lubrication. It worked on my rear bulkhead where I fitted and instrument consul and also the roof.

 

Silicon sealer shold be fire proof enough (it resists molted lead) is readily available and fairly cheap.

 

As for fixing. I find self driling and tapping 5mm sheet metal screws (NOT SELF TAPPING SCREWS) ideal. They come with a nylon sealing washer and if you fit a socket in a drill are easy to fit originally andnalso easy to remove and replace subsiqently.

 

Tony Brooks