Project: Folding steps for the engine room

LaRea

My 370 engine room was built with a single U-shaped step bolted to the stringers.  Today I replaced it with two folding steps mounted to the bulkhead -- a much better solution.  It's safer and easier to use.  If they are in the way, I can fold them up.  And now I can reach into the bilge (which was not possible with the original step).  


In the first photo (forgive the leaves and mess) you see the original step (this is aft looking forward).  Normally, the fire extinguisher bottle is mounted to the bulkhead just forward of the step.  The new steps are on either side of the fire extinguisher.  Here's the product I used:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G6JYNC

If you attempt this mod, double-check what's on the other side of the bulkhead (in case a screw pokes through).  

aero3113

 Very nice upgrade!

Handymans342

Safer!

LaRea

Definitely.  The original step was way too low.  I always hated making that "leap of faith" to get my foot onto the step.  

I used the new steps a lot yesterday.  Much, much better.  

Liberty44140

Nice! Those steps remind me of climbing the mast on my dads sailboat. 

Dream_Inn

Very nice.  I know my bulkhead would be a little too forward to do that.  But, my step down is a little higher and works ok for now.  I like that upgrade!

davidbrooks

Step down.  I always thought that is what risers were for.

Willhound

davidbrooks said:

Step down.  I always thought that is what risers were for.

On my 270 they sure were. Bulkhead too far forward for those steps. Have seen and used them on trucks I drove as a younger man though.

LaRea

What do you mean by the bulkhead being too far forward?  The hatch opening has an overhang on the forward side?

I always liked the nonskid they put on top of the risers.  Not.

YYZRC

On my 330 there is probably 16” of depth from the edge of the hatch opening to the bulkhead. 

Willhound

At least a foot or more on the 270.

Dream_Inn

LaRea said:

What do you mean by the bulkhead being too far forward?  The hatch opening has an overhang on the forward side?

Yes, I have an overhang.  My step is a bit different than what you had and it's not too bad.  Maybe when I get to your age I'll think differently

echandler1971

I'm late to the show on this thread. I just have a question about  how the steps attach. Can one just use screws rather than bolts? I'm just wondering if the force of 200+ lbs of weight on a step could rip screws out of the fiberglass. It's an awesome idea I'm thinking of taking on myself, but just want to plan it out.

LaRea

Hey, welcome to the forum. 

I used four very stout screws into the fiberglass ... #10, maybe #12 but I'm not certain.  I'm 185 lbs on a good day, and if I bounce on the step it feels solid and safe.  

Drill the right size pilot hole.  Too big, the screw might pull out under load.  Too small, the screw will bind and could shear off.  

Might be a good idea to trim off the insulation under the mounting area.  I didn't, so there's just a tiny little bit of give when under a heavy load.  

LaRea

@echandler1971 - instead of Phillips head screws, consider using a lag screw with a washer, so you can tighten it with a socket instead of a screwdriver.  

Grahamu

Great idea. I have no problem getting in to the engine compartment but at my age and flexibility getting out is a problem, I will be looking behind the bulkhead to see what's there.

Handymans342

Grahamu said:

Great idea. I have no problem getting in to the engine compartment but at my age and flexibility getting out is a problem, I will be looking behind the bulkhead to see what's there.

You need to do more boat Yoga

Grahamu

@Handymans342, I think I am pretty active at 80 years old so I doubt I'll be doing yoga LOL

LaRea

If anybody buys exactly the same steps I bought:  you might need pry bars to open the hinges for the first time so you can install them.  It's not a high-precision casting.   

Also, the top edge of the step is kinda sharp.  It's great for traction, but about a month ago, I slammed my elbow - hard - right on the edge.  Then there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth.  

echandler1971

Just ordered one step for my 360. 

echandler1971

Same step, but just did one. Cut the insulation so it’s against the wall. Used 1.5” lags. Also, installed an Arlo camera with spotlight in the engine room to monitor the engines while running and to see the bilge levels. It also will sense motion (like fire) and alert me. 

downunder

this is a great idea and wish i could do it in my 340 FV. No room at all in front of engines!

The engine bay in my boat is just plain horrible and mechanics have to be super fit and flexible. When did Rinker introduce the model with space in front of engines. What model was it? Hey Grahamu i am impressed and agree it can be a real mission to get out!!

LaRea

The 2002 342 is the first model with the redesigned stern.  

raybo3

No no my 2002 does not have the redesigned stern. There is no room for anything in there. I believe that redesign was 2003 or 2004. Lots of room in those ER.

davidbrooks

Not 2003. Maybe 2004 or 2005.

LaRea

Oh -- right you are, @raybo3.  But my '03 did have it.  

echandler1971

It’s an 05 360 FV. The space in front of the engines I rent out for weddings and banquets.

aero3113

echandler1971 said:

It’s an 05 360 FV. The space in front of the engines I rent out for weddings and banquets.

LoL! I love the space I have in the engine room of my 330. Very user friendly!

raybo3

There is not enough room in my ER to fart...lol

downunder

thanks for the info , looks like 2004 onwards is a good guide.

Raybo3 , great description lol