[Public-List] Access hatch for cockpit

[Don Campbell]

Hi Winslow:
     You will find that whatever you do to access the stuffing box area, 
you will have that trouble of good grasp and leverage.. It will always 
be difficult to get two arms in through any opening with any ability to 
see as well. And then you will need to have some sort of wrench to help 
to get the tension you want on the stuffing box threads so it leaks by 
the droplet if you use conventional flax. I found that two small pipe 
wrenches could work over the motor. And it you do not like 4 spark plug 
indentations on your sternum, you can remove those,  but have them 
numbered so you get the firing order correct. You could also make flat 
wrenches out of 1/8 steel  to fit the nuts on the stuffing box, or you 
may find some like that that would do  in plumbing hardware that 
plumbers use for working on traps. I think in the end, you will have 
more leverage more easily  by going over the motor than one handing it 
through access from the lateral lockers. If you do the lateral locker 
modification, and get into the locker to "see what you are doing" make 
very sure you tie up the lid extra securely before you get in and block 
off any way the hasp can catch if  the lid closes. Otherwise , you are 
trapped in that locker and Safety First is the motto!!
     I have been in both the lateral lockers and the lazarette, and none  
is very comfortable, or easy to manoeuver in,  or easy to get out from, 
especially if you are of any size over 6 feet tall.
Don


Original Message ------
From: "Winslow Ayer via Public-List" <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
To: "Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all" 
<public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
Cc: "Winslow Ayer" <135sleddinghill at gmail.com>
Sent: 2020-06-28 9:55:27 AM
Subject: Re: [Public-List] Access hatch for cockpit

>The big problem I have is loosening and tightening the stuffing box nut. Just can’t get a good grasp and the leverage.
>
>Winslow
>#283 Tinkers Damn
>
>>  On Jun 28, 2020, at 9:23 AM, americo silva via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>>
>>  i am contemplating doing like the Albin Vega and making a big Hatch Cover
>>
>>  On Sat, Jun 27, 2020 at 2:04 PM John Brugeman via Public-List <
>>public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>>
>>>  I have a good hedge that I never installed on 306 I mean 305. It’s brand
>>>  new still in the box. When I get home Monday I can send you a picture and
>>>  give me the size if you’re interested.
>>>
>>>  Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>>  On Jun 27, 2020, at 11:29 AM, Don Campbell via Public-List <
>>>public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>  It is not just about watertight. It is also about the design for
>>>  watertight if the boat is hit by a wave and the cockpit filled with water.
>>>  That includes significant weight in the cockpit and in the boat. It will
>>>  change the buoyancy of the hull and if that mass leaks into the hull, it
>>>  will significantly hinder the ability to recover and manoever that
>>>  waterlogged hull.  The round access fitting  is to allow for a wheel
>>>  pedestal and access for those cable controls. Sometimes what you would like
>>>  and what is safe in all circustances is not the same thing.  For the number
>>>  of times one accesses the stuffing box and drive shaft, one can go over the
>>>  motor, or if things require major work, take the motor out. It takes me
>>>  about an hour and a half to remove the motor and about 2 1/2 hours to put
>>>  it back in and realign it. Safety is the main thing here and if the boat is
>>>  compromised by adding access hatches, then the resale value is much less.
>>>  There are times when one needs to appreciate the expertise involved in
>>>  design and then respect that the designer has done things with reason and
>>>  for safety in all conditions.
>>>>  Don Campbell
>>>>
>>>>  ------ Original Message ------
>>>>  From: "Winslow Ayer via Public-List" <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
>>>>  To: public-list at lists.alberg30.org
>>>>  Cc: "Winslow Ayer" <135sleddinghill at gmail.com>
>>>>  Sent: 2020-06-27 9:51:46 AM
>>>>  Subject: [Public-List] Access hatch for cockpit
>>>>
>>>>>  Anyone know of a good watertight access hatch to replace the small one
>>>  in the sole of the cockpit? Would like easier access to the drive shaft and
>>>  stuffing box. I can reach but not really do a lot without help from the
>>>  engine side.
>>>>>
>>>>>  Winslow
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