Has anyone cut the shaft access lid on MKll?

[Jim Hardesty]

Has anyone cut the shaft access lid/cover?  I'm not sure what to call it, the big piece of plywood/signboard underneath the aft berth mattress to access the end of the transmission, filter, strainer and shaft log.  I adjusted the shaft log the other day and thought that I could do a lot less unloading if it was cut in half, about where the mattress splits.  I use the v-berth for sleeping and the aft berth for storage, so there's usually a lot of stuff there.  And that cover is so big.  Most things I need to access are forward of the mattress split, so it makes sense to me.  But, thought I'd check if others have done this and had unforeseen issues.
FWIW.  When in a rush, ie the strainer plugs underway, I partially unloaded and lift the big cover with the aft end still loaded and slide it over the engine box a little sideways.  Gives me enough room to do my thing quicker. 
Jim

[Stu Jackson]

Yes, Jim, I cut mine in half, fore to aft.  I sometimes leave the starboard side part way out and still don't have any issues with the cushions.  I, too, sleep in the V berth but on our six week trip from SF to BC I slept aft while my son was up front.  Never an issue even when part way out.  What I suggest though is to add a fingerhole to the section you lift most, I didn't and keep reminding myself to do it someday!

I also cut my V berth boards and the section over the thru hulls and macerator pump.

[robbjd]

Jim, cut mine last week after wrestling with our one piece mattress. I cut the piece that butts up against the engine access cover at the two foot mark and drilled an 1 1/4" hole for one finger removal. Now I can slide the mattress a few inches, and access the strainer, Racor, and shaft seal.

[Ron Hill]

Guys : I also leave mine ajar like Stu.  Then easy to slide and get at the packing gland. I take a throwable and bend it in half to keep the cushion up. Unlike the MK II I only have a 4" cushion not a mattress in the aft cabin to deal with.

A thought