Not Impressed At All - Access to Important Areas

[knotflying]

Not impressed with a 10 year old boat design.... hmmmmm

Ok, I'll bite:
My previously owned 1967 Chris Craft cabin cruiser:
-no auto pilot
-no radar
-foot operated water pump
-no Nav system
-fuel gage was a yardstick
-no bow/stern thrusters
-no windlass
-no ladder/swim platform
-I could keep going, but hopefully the point has been made

Did you ever have a problem with or had to access your:
-no auto pilot
-no radar
-foot operated water pump
-no Nav system
-fuel gage was a yardstick
-no bow/stern thrusters
-no windlass
-no ladder/swim platform
Probably not! What a wonderfully designed boat! :lol:

 

[bob daily]

Mr. SV ARGO, As previously noted: It takes a lot of liquor to work on these boats, that's why I drink all the time! There such a pretty little boat you'd think they were heaven sent, it takes a lot of liquor to work on them, but when you get liquored up you'll work on them just fine! Bob

 

[H28]

Every task in my Bentley's Triumph TR6 workshop manual begins with "disconnect the battery." I think they should start with "open a cold (or warm) beer."

 

[dalecam]

Agree with Dbrumwell. Build an airplane first then the access almost all of the components in the RT-25 and RT-27 Classics don’t seem that bad. That said, your point is well taken because access to some components is damn near impossible.
Many of us have modified the boats with additional inspection/access panels or other mods to improve access. While changing the Yanmar 4BY2 impeller is physically impossible for me to do, the step cutout I did to improve front of engine access allows a marine mechanic to do the whole thing in 45 minutes.

I recently acquired a 2011 Ranger Tug, R-27 with a Yanmar 180 engine. Came across your response on additional inspection/access panels, specifically the comment on "step cutout". I am looking at that access right now as any water pump or belt maintenance is very challenging. I have gained some access through the removal of a engine/cabinsound board and the step hatch access panel, but you still have to be a very small statured marine mechanic to work thru that opening. Would you be able to describe or provide pictures of the access you created for maintenance for the front of the engine? Much appreciated.

 

[4umfreak]

@Chimo did a beautiful job with his step if you can find the pictures!

Here's mine:

 

[az9133bm]

These boats can be frustrating when it comes to access. Just wait until you have to you have to trace existing wiring or snake new wires....!! Just like most folks here, we made our own access when required using removable panels creatively. We still have no access to water tanks and dread the day that we may have to cut the cabin sole if problems in fresh or waste water develops. At least on the R23, become an expert on removing the refrigerator and the starboard "porthole panel" if you are troubleshooting or modifying any wiring.

 

[dalecam]

Thanks for sharing the pic, this looks great. Straight forward and sure beats trying to fit thru that small access hatch.