28 engine access

[seatime]

I was wondering if anyone else has problems accessing their motors in the 28? I am a big guy so I know that hinders my ability to get down there. Looks like to me though that if you reversed the hinge system and made it where it opened towards the back it would work a lot better. You would have better access and be able to just turn around and crank the motors to see if you have the problem fixed and it would fix that problem with the bent steering wheels (or atleast me bending them anyway). Is it just me or does that sound like an idea that Mac and Keith should probably hear.

[Nicky M]

If you take your seat off you won't bend the wheel

[seatime]

Yes Sir Mr Z71. But I end up forgetting it plus my brother is part owner in the boat and he is really bad about it lol. (gotta blame it on someone)lol. But the real issue I was thinking about is if the hatch opened the other way just looks to me like the motors would be much more accessible along with the generator if you have one and the hydraulics. But I am just a business major in college and know nothing about this subject I am sure there is some kind of design flaw in that idea I just dont see it.

[Capt B]

If the hinge was reversed - you would never be able to pull the engines out without removing the entire hatch I recently removed 2 Volvo 41P's and replaced them with Cummins 4 BTA's - the hatch stayed on - simply removed the pedestals and storage unit - unhooked the hydraulic pins - and opened the entire engine compartment up. There are some shortcomings with it opening the way it does - but it also gives you a worksurface to put your tools on (the cockpit deck) when you are working on anything down there.

[seatime]

Great point Capt. B. I never thought about that but like I have claimed the whole time I am still young and dumb.

[CClassic28]

If the hatch was reversed, the simple things would be quite difficult without easy access to the cockpit & off the boat. Imagine having to remove & service an aftercooler, how would you easily get it out of the engine compartment and off the boat? How about a transmission? As Capt B said, there are a few shortcomings to how the deck operates now, but I do believe the current operation is the most appropriate.

Chris

[seatime]

I have a gas boat and my fuel pumps and filters are up front. I do not have an aftercooler to take off or service so I never even thought about that. But I guess Mac and Keith did.

[TwinFin]

For me the trick was learning how to get in there.

I'm a bit over 6'5" and 225 lbs and once I learned to go in backwards - feet first - I was able to work my way in and sit fwd of either engine. It's not spacious but I can get to everything now. I could not do it if I had a generator though.

[Capt B]

I know the feeling - being 6'6" & 275 lbs

[seatime]

Came up with an idea the other day. We are thinking about putting an access hatch between the 2 chairs up front. Not large enough for me to crawl into but for me to get my arms in. I am also a really large guy. 6'3 280. I do not fit very well into tight places either.

[Petty Cash]

I know what you mean. I'm 6'4" 275 and I tried to shut the washdown seacock,no way. I thought of rigging a rope or wire where I could pull it shut. I'll never get to the belts. Just have to be more selective on your crew.(short and skinny)

[InTheNet]

It sounds like you have to be a big guy to own a Carolina. I am "IN". 6'2" 280 but currently shrinking.

[seatime]

Way to go on the shrinking.

[Bullish]

I thought I had it rough at 6'3". I don't know how the guys with gennys change those belts. I agree that backwards and feet first works best. Can't tell you how many times I have bonked the back of my head on the electric outlet though.

[Capt B]

When I got the boat - I had 2 volvo 41P's in there and a 5 KW generator in front of them. One could physically not get in there to change the oil and filter on the generator. After changing out to 4 BTA's, at least I now have access to everything. I could not imagine having 6 BTA's in there with a generator.