Engine Well Access Hatch

Saturday, 24th of April, 2010

After what seemed like a never ending process of bringing the engine well back to its original design (structural repairs to the stern and hull, adding fiberglass cloth in areas to add further strength, and endless fairing and sanding sessions), I was ready to install an access hatch on the aft portion of the well. The 6" round hatch would provide access to the stern chain plate, as well as other deck gear that will require backing plates for reinstallation. This first picture gives you a good idea of the layers of fairing compounds (all West System products) applied during the process of bringing the surfaces of the well to fair. As mentioned, aside from the fairing process, I structurally filled a few notches taken out of the stern and well floor during the process of rebuilding (see picture at bottom for the "before" look).

Here is the access hatch opening after material removal. I used a cordless Ryobi 18v Spiral Saw to cut the opening, after tracing the base plate circumference onto the well surface. You can see that the well wall is a solid 3/4" marine grade plywood, with fiberglass outer skin.

Here is the base plate held in place to show how final installation will appear. I tested out my reach through the opening, and am pleased with my "Go-Go-Gadget" arm reach - allowing me access to the deck for backing plate installation for cleats, fiddle block, eye straps / fairleads, etc.

The "before" shot of Froonie's stern and engine well.