Access hatch on a 420 Aft Cabin

[Ray420DS]

We have a 1999 420 Aft Cabin. I find it extremely hard to access the port side batteries. I have to remove the port engine fuel filter and then slither inch by inch between the port engine and the genset to get to the area of the batteries. I have heard that on later models Sea Ray provided a hatch in the floor by the dinnett table. Can anyone verify this? And if so picks would be nice. Thanks.

 

[New Horizon]

I feel your pain for sure. Here is what I know to answer your question. My 97 420 is set up like yours, a pain to replace those batteries and no access hatch. Another guy in my marina with a 2000 420 had a hatch cut in the dinette area to address your concern and it works great. I will do the same. They re-enforced the area underneath with a pole to support the floor after the hatch was cut to prevent any problems with weight. Perfect solution. I would recommend it highly. I have seen other 2001 and 2000 420's and none had that hatch from the factory. Hope that helps a little.

 

[Ray420DS]

Thanks for the info. With a great deal of planning and making many measurements. Then double checkin time and time again, I found the nerve to cut a acess hatch by the dinette table. So glad I did. The new hatch works great. I can now easily acesss the port side battery area. The area I cut has a sub floor of 3/4 inch plywood. I found no need for a support pole.

 

[New Horizon]

Glad you did it. How about some pics when get time? I need some confidence building before I cut and your pics would do it...LOL.

 

[Ray420DS]

Frist time sending pics. Not sure how this works.

 

[EKM]

I just bought a 2000 420 AC and it has a 12 x24" factory installed (I was told) hatch. Plastic hatch with std t bars to lock it down. Without this, most people can not get to the port batteries. When I was at sea trail, the cummins mechanic was able to wiggle from the center to outboard side. I'm pretty thin and can't fit but can fit down the factory hatch....just barely. I like the above pics better as this access is pretty roomy. Mine does not have a support pole

 

[New Horizon]

Ray 420- I am very impressed for sure. That looks great and much better than I saw on another. A couple of questions if you don't mind. What did you use to cut the hatch? Did you tape first then use a fine tooth saw or start the initial cut with something like a mult-tool? Are those screws on the top outside? Why did you elect to do that? I noticed the bolt to pull the hatch up which works great. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I hope mine turns out as good as yours.
EKM-Congrats on your new purchase. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have enjoyed ours. Glad to see you both on this thread. Thanks to you both.

 

[k9medic]

Wow. I never thought of that and I have replaced the port batteries as well as added a second mufler in that same area.


The only hatch that I have ever cut was on the back side of the generator so I can reach the impeller.

 

[Ray420DS]

Ray 420- I am very impressed for sure. That looks great and much better than I saw on another. A couple of questions if you don't mind. What did you use to cut the hatch? Did you tape first then use a fine tooth saw or start the initial cut with something like a mult-tool? Are those screws on the top outside? Why did you elect to do that? I noticed the bolt to pull the hatch up which works great. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I hope mine turns out as good as yours.
EKM-Congrats on your new purchase. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have enjoyed ours. Glad to see you both on this thread. Thanks to you both.

 

[Ray420DS]

I laid out the hatch with a straight edge, tape measure, and a pencil. When your done the pencil marks will wash off. My tools are limited. I used a standard Jig Saw with wood cutting blade. I bought a 3” blade to cut through the 3/4” deck plus the 2” insulation. I drilled a small hole for a starting position. The fiberglass floor is tough and I burned up 3 saw blades making the cuts. Stopping every few inches to cool off the blade with a wet rag. The screws hold up the hatch support lip, which I also glued. The support lip is 1 1/2” wide with 1/2” extending into the opening. In hindsight I wish I had counter sunk the screw heads more, and then filled them with white expoxy.

 

[New Horizon]

That is what I needed to know and again, you did a great job. Many thanks. I am trying to figure out how to pm you with my phone no. Would love to get some other owners here to chat and compare our boats.

 

[Ray420DS]

Yes! That would be great if you can figure that out. I always like discussing boats and boat projects. Makes it real nice if it’s a 420 Aft. I do plan on cutting another hatch for the starboard battery’s. But not just yet. I have seen it done on another 420. But from what I had seen I thinks improvements could be made. Thanks for your post. I look forward for more.

 

[EKM]

BTW...there is a 420AC thread.

 

[Dream Chaser]

We have a 1999 420 Aft Cabin. I find it extremely hard to access the port side batteries. I have to remove the port engine fuel filter and then slither inch by inch between the port engine and the genset to get to the area of the batteries. I have heard that on later models Sea Ray provided a hatch in the floor by the dinnett table. Can anyone verify this? And if so picks would be nice. Thanks.

We have a 2002 420 AC.Has anyone cut out an additional access through the floor for the engine or the generator? The engine room has limited space for repairs. We thought about going through the stairs in the galley.