Bayliner 4788 engine access hatches

[ksanders]

it’s time to get serious about engine access on my 4788.
Now is the time because I am replacing the carpet in the next 60 days so I have this one opportunity to modify things.

In the photo the red lines represent the current hatches on my boat.

The green lines represent the hatches I’d like to add

I remember someone posting thast they had done this, or at least the port side ones.

anything to share regarding this?

Thanks!

[Oakland4788]

After seeing this done on Steve's boat (Woodsea) I added an access hatch on the port side when the flooring was replaced. Mine is a single hatch and longer than what your conceptual drawing indicate. Steve's is designed as two narrow hatches, combined the opening is about the same size as mine. It Makes it very easy to access the far side of the port engine. I did not do the starboard side as I have the stock couch and it is bolted down.

[ksanders]

After seeing this done on Steve's boat (Woodsea) I added an access hatch on the port side when the flooring was replaced. Mine is a single hatch and longer than what your conceptual drawing indicate. Steve's is designed as two narrow hatches, combined the opening is about the same size as mine. It Makes it very easy to access the far side of the port engine. I did not do the starboard side as I have the stock couch and it is bolted down.

That is pretty much exactly what I want to do! Thanks!

I have the stock couch as well. The problem is that when I need to get to the outboard side of the starboard engine, I would gladly unbolt the couch as opposed to squeezing in around the exhaust hose. The need does not come up often, but when it does, it does. We also do not have the stock holding tank right there. We have a small holding tank and treatment system at the forward end of that area. The other hatch in my photo is to access the top of the treatment system, easing maintenance.

[Oakland4788]

Adding the starboard side makes sense. I could have used it recently, I had to convince my mate to crawl around the starboard side and I am still hearing about it. I found some more photos. My hatch is contiguos to the engine access hatch and the length corresponds with the two engine hatches combined. Bob

[Destiny_4588]

Love the flooring, what did you use? teak & holly sheets of PlasDeck like material?

[Kwood]

it’s time to get serious about engine access on my 4788.
Now is the time because I am replacing the carpet in the next 60 days so I have this one opportunity to modify things.

In the photo the red lines represent the current hatches on my boat.

The green lines represent the hatches I’d like to add

I remember someone posting thast they had done this, or at least the port side ones.

anything to share regarding this?

Thanks!

Image not showing. Clicking leads to "Invalid File Specified"

[Woodsea]

Kevin,
my hatches are identical to what Bob’s done except the port hatch is in two pieces. The two hatches are easier to handle. The single hatch eliminates a seam. If I was doing it now, I would probably go with a single.

I do not have outboard S engine hatches. I do have some 1/2” plywood boards that I can lay over the S shaft sump making a flat surface to crawl across. Not ideal but workable to get at the S starter. I have similar board up front of the motor. I have my belt guards at home. That provides a little more room without them there.

[JMistress]

Kevin, I may have posted this previously, but I will try to attach pictures of the hatches I created on the port side of my 2000 4788. I have removable insulation between the two hatches(not shown). I also cut a smaller port access hatch just above the port location of the battery charger, and a starboard access hatch to the rear of the original waste holding tank. Easy access on the port side. The carpet is permanently fixed along the center hatch between the engines (which I also cut out at the same time). The outer edge of the carpet (port and starboard) is removable from the spiked carpet stretchers.

[ksanders]

Kevin, I may have posted this previously, but I will try to attach pictures of the hatches I created on the port side of my 2000 4788. I have removable insulation between the two hatches(not shown). I also cut a smaller port access hatch just above the port location of the battery charger, and a starboard access hatch to the rear of the original waste holding tank. Easy access on the port side. The carpet is permanently fixed along the center hatch between the engines (which I also cut out at the same time). The outer edge of the carpet (port and starboard) is removable from the spiked carpet stretchers.

Very nice!

Thanks!

[Woodsea]

Kevin,
Did some digging in my archives this morning and found these pics showing the two hatches on P side. You can see the two hatches leaning up against the battery switch cabinet. One nice thing of two hatches are the size.

[ksanders]

Kevin,
Did some digging in my archives this morning and found these pics showing the two hatches on P side. You can see the two hatches leaning up against the battery switch cabinet. One nice thing of two hatches are the size.

I really like the removable support.

im going to use that!