I am trying to gain access to the rear of my starboard engine on my 1997 355 Aft Cabin so I can adjust the gland nut on shaft log, drain the transmission fluid, keep my bilge clean, etc. I am a small person and can get access to just about anywhere except there. I have tried moving the charging unit and wooden stand it sits on out of the way which gained me about one foot. Looking at the stairs going into the aft cabin from the engine compartment, it looks like the second stair tread is wood and not fiberglass like the rest of the stairs. I am thinking about removing the tread and see if that gives me any additional room. I don't know why Carver did not completely think this through when they designed the boat. I say completely because the Port engine can be accessed through the panel in the aft cabin.
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Access to Stbd engine on 355 Aft Cabin
- Thread starter tim f
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2007
- RO Number
- 28240
- Messages
- 1,772
They only have so much room to work with...if they give you excellent access, there will be something else mising that you'll "need". Also, look at other brands, Carver thinks these things through more than just about anyone else. Try to get at the batteries in a Sea Ray aft cabin! The 420 comes to mind.
I think you will find the tread section of the steps does remove. Look for screws in the carpet, I found 4 on mine, this will give you the access you were looking for. I just wish I was smaller so I could get to the front of that engine!
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2007
- RO Number
- 27798
- Messages
- 96
Maybe I'm missing something here. I have a 2001 356, which I thought was basically the same boat. I have several hatches in the salon floor that allows me to drop down into the engie room. One is right in front of the TV that gives me perfect access to the rear of the starboard engine and the transmission.
Does the 355 not have this?
Does the 355 not have this?
The 355 does have several hatches including the one in front of the TV. I have a FWC system installed that attaches to the back of the engine, which severely limits how far down you can reach. For example, my transmission drain plug is at the bottom, outboard side of the transmission. I can not reach it from the top or from laying between the engines and reaching underneath. I am 5'10" and 165# so size is not an issue. Now that I have the step removed, I am going to increase the size of the opening, then cut through the sound proofing insulation. I will glue the insulation to the step to keep the insulation. This opening will allow me to acess the plug and to adjust/replace the shaft packing. Without the access through the step, I can not even adjust the packing on the starboard engine because the generator muffler and battery charger are in the way.
tim,
My access through the steps to the aft cabin may have already been enlarged by a previous owner. When I remove the 4 screwss all of the treads and risers from the stairs lift off in one piece (except for the bottom riser) giving me good access to the transmission. I might be able to get some pictures this weekend if it would help you, I have not posted any pics yet... but I am sure I can learn.
My access through the steps to the aft cabin may have already been enlarged by a previous owner. When I remove the 4 screwss all of the treads and risers from the stairs lift off in one piece (except for the bottom riser) giving me good access to the transmission. I might be able to get some pictures this weekend if it would help you, I have not posted any pics yet... but I am sure I can learn.