Engine Box

[JustMrWill]

Bought my first boat recently - 1987 21' Regal Majestic Cuddy Cabin. I have a couple of structural questions. The interior vinyl and wood was in bad shape so I ripped it out. The engine box was BARELY intact so that is gone. I salvaged the upper most "trim" boards on either side and re-vinyled it.<br /><br />My questions - <br />Do I need to add any struturally to the inner sides? (had cubby/shelves before)<br /><br />Is there any clearance specs for the engine box?<br /><br />Can I use pressure treated plywood (1/2" or 3/4") to build it?<br /><br />Do I need to insulate it and with what? (old one looked like it had some screening and high temp paint)<br /><br />Can I just pad and vinyl it or should I attempt to learn how to glass?<br /><br />Thanks in advance.<br /><br />-JustMrWill

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Engine Box

Originally posted by JustMrWill:<br /><br />If the boards you pulled off were (thought by the designers) to be required for the hulls integrity, they would most probably have been attached VERY! securely, or more nearly 'glassed' in like the stringers under the floor. <br /><br />You'll catch alot of heat from the 'pureists' for doing so; but I've found that using the green pressure treated plywood--- dried in the Sun for a few days first --- is the only way to go if you'll be keeping the boat several years and don't want to re-do this work again.<br /><br />And yes, If you work on your own boat as much as you possibly can, and don't plan to keep it past about 5 years since its date of manufacture,,,,, you will need to learn how to use & work with fiberglass mat and resin.<br /><br />.<br /><br />As far as engine box insulation:<br /><br />Sound is normally what you want to deaden more than heat.<br /><br />I've found that scrap carpet glued/stapeled on its insides works really great. Boat engines shouldn't get much hotter than what is comfortable to hold your hand on. <br /><br />However; Yes, carpet is flamable. The proper insulating material (that works almost as well for killing sound, and costs a few bucks a square foot) isn't. But if you ever have a fire, you can throw a towel on the burning engine cover, grab it, and toss it overboard.