Access Panel in Head

[crieders]

Anyone put an access panel in seat in the head?

[Dave Spencer]

Not yet but it's on the plan for a small winter project.  Several years ago, I put an access hatch in the wall behind the toilet seat lid.  It's amazing how much space there is back there.  We stowed at least 6 full size rolls of paper towel plus toilet paper for the whole summer with room to spare. 

[Noah]

Yes, I did.

[Ron Hill]

Cliff : Look in the old Mainsheet tech notes (early 1990s) and you'll find my article on extra Head Storage (w/pictures)!!!

I installed a 8" Beckson port under the teak seat in the head and another Door/frame the same size as the factory door (toilet paper holder compartment). That new door is behind the head seat - I used a small plastic waste basket as a liner/holder inside that door!!

Guys, there are all kind of C34 modifications made over the years in the Mainsheet tech notes.  However, you have to read them and then decide if you want to copy them on your boat!?!   

I see that Noah has read my article - good for him!!

A few thoughts

[Dave Spencer]

Nice Noah.  Your access hatch behind the head is much more attractive than mine but I imagine function is the same. The space back there is amazing. The Beckson Plate on the shower seat is next.

[Jon W]

I added an 8" Beckson earlier this year. Lots of project ideas in the Tech WIKI also.

[crieders]

Thanks
will read them

[Ron Hill]

Guys : I also made a cutout on the opposite side (starboard) of the boat.  Behind the Aft cabin seat cushion - I store light line in bundles.  Used a similar trim like that used behind the salon back cushions!!  Extra storage 

A thought

[Geoffreykwright]

I like the Beckson on the shower seat.  Does it just facilitate access to the space below?  I can get in there thru the door under the head sink, but this looks WAY easier.

[Jon W]

It gives easy access to the area under the seat, and better access to the shower sump/drain pump. To keep stuff under the seat from sliding into the pump/motor and seacocks I added a removable divider.

[Ron Hill]

Jon : It looks like you or a PO put a strainer in the shower sump line that I recommended (Mainsheet tech note article) many years ago!!
Good for you      
That strainer keep all the junk from clogging up the one way valve that stops the water from back flowing up the drain. You'd be surprised how much stuff that strainer catches!!

A thought   

[Roland Gendreau]

Can you point me to where I can find such a strainer?
That would save me some digging time.

Roland

[Jon W]

The strainer in my photo is a Jabsco Pumpgard In-Line 20 mesh strainer PN 36200-0000 (3/4" in/out hose barbs) that I purchased from a local San Diego marine store a few years ago. There's also a 46400-0000 with a different shape and a 40 mesh strainer available.

Check your local marine store, or a search of the 36200-0000 on-line shows it's available on Amazon, Defender, Fisheries Supply, Go2Marine, West Marine, etc...

[Roland Gendreau]

Thank you Jon!   
I would think the coarser 20 mesh should be adequate in preventing pump issues.
Has that been your experience or would you recommend the 40 mesh?

Roland

[Jon W]

For this application I believe the 20 mesh is fine. It's purpose is to keep the big stuff like hair from entering the pump. There shouldn't be much else in the shower drain. Others may feel different.