CD 30' engine access

[Ken Braden]

Thanks for reading. I have a CD 30' cutter which I love, but....getting to that engine is tough. I have a vee drive mounted Volvo MD7A, so the engine faces to the stern. I want to be able to hand crank and have good access to the engine. I am considering cutting a hatch in the cockpit sole. Understandably, I want as much info as I can get BEFORE I commit myself. Any recommendations? Also anybody know a 1-800 consumer line for Volvo?



bradenk@prodigy.com

[D. Stump, Hanalei]

Ken,

I wouldn't recommend cutting a hatch in the cockpit sole, it's balsa cored and would probably create many more problems than you need. I wonder why you are so set on hand cranking? Trouble with batteries? I do agree with you on the access problem, my CD-30 (1984) has a Universal diesel and even though it faceds forward, getting to the transmission is a real bear!

[Matthew Atkinson]

Thanks for reading. I have a CD 30' cutter which I love, but....getting to that engine is tough. I have a vee drive mounted Volvo MD7A, so the engine faces to the stern. I want to be able to hand crank and have good access to the engine. I am considering cutting a hatch in the cockpit sole. Understandably, I want as much info as I can get BEFORE I commit myself. Any recommendations? Also anybody know a 1-800 consumer line for Volvo?

Ken,
There was earlier discussion on this board concerning engine access. I recall that one person did indeed cut an access hatch in the cockpit sole and was satisfied with the results. While access is poor, I do not find it unbearable. I am 6'1" 185 lbs and not as docile as I used to be yet I am quite comfortable lying in the lockers to get to the aft portion of the engine (also a 7A 13 hp raw water volvo). I have often wondered about the hand cranking in emergencies - I believe volvo does not recommend it as a practice. But to obtain deck access to the flywheel you would have to cut in a hatch in the aft portion of the cockpit - I have doubts about such a location on my 1978 CD 30. I have pedestal steering and my emergency rudder is shipped just aft the pedestal, below deck is all steering and rudder assembly. Forward of the pedestal, I suppose, there may be just enough room to access the flywheel. Try checking the earlier messages. Do let me/us know about the handcranking if you ever get to it. Matthew



matkinson@genesis.law.pace.edu

[Steve Alarcon]

Thanks for reading. I have a CD 30' cutter which I love, but....getting to that engine is tough. I have a vee drive mounted Volvo MD7A, so the engine faces to the stern. I want to be able to hand crank and have good access to the engine. I am considering cutting a hatch in the cockpit sole. Understandably, I want as much info as I can get BEFORE I commit myself. Any recommendations? Also anybody know a 1-800 consumer line for Volvo?

Ken,
I also have a CD30 with the MD7A and Walter V-drive, and spent most of last summer on my back, in the locker, reworking the fresh water cooling system, removing and replacing the starter and the alternator so they could be rebuilt, and generally doing other perventative maintenance. I'm about 6'0", and 200lbs. and large through the shoulders and chest. It was tight, and I found it necessary to enlarge the plywood access panels. After doing that, I was able to get to the stuff necessary, although it wasn't the most comfortable. In my configuration, an access panel through the cockpit sole would be difficult as the steering gear is immediately forward of the pedistal in the space below. I agree with Dave that I would be cautious of cutting through. Also, my Cape Dory owners manual recommends against hand starting (probably because of the space restrictions) but doesn't say why. In any case, my dock neighbor has a hatch in his cockpit sole. As I recall, it is made by Bomar, made of aluminum, and is watertight. Massively built, it has caused my neighbor no problem. Unfortunately, it looks like it is bigger than our space allows. Also, it gets VERY HOT when the sun shines on it, a major consideration for those of us who sometimes shed our shoes.

I haven't found an 800 number for Volvo, but they do have a web page. I think they prefer that one deals with their local dealer representative.

Drop me a note if I can be of further help.

Steve Alarcon
CD30 Temerity
Seattle



alarcon@internetmci.com

[Ken Braden]

Dave. Thanks for you reply and advice. My previous boat was a DownEast 38' which I lived on in Rainbow Bay Marina in Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor as you may know is very narrow to enter. Depending on wind direction, I sometimes had to come in under power. I remmember too well NEEDING to get that engine started and having to resort to hand cranking before I reefed the boat. I guess thats the reason I want that as an option. Again, thanks for the input.

Ken,

I wouldn't recommend cutting a hatch in the cockpit sole, it's balsa cored and would probably create many more problems than you need. I wonder why you are so set on hand cranking? Trouble with batteries? I do agree with you on the access problem, my CD-30 (1984) has a Universal diesel and even though it faceds forward, getting to the transmission is a real bear!

bradenk@prodigy.net

[denny]

The Volvo Tech Support # is 1-800-445-2628 extention 232 (for parts), Volvo is generally not very helpful, but if you get the right guy you may have some luck with good technical info.

I'm a CD28 owner with a fair amount of MD7A experience.
Good luck



denny@nations.net

[Larry DeMers]

I removed and rebuilt my Volvo MD7B last year (had it done), and we started the engine by hand cranking it. My engine was newly rebuilt, and was sitting on a mechanics creeper. We had to get her turning pretty fast for the flywheel to carry through the compression stroke..and it started right off. *But*, the truth is, that beast took everything I have..I weigh 240 / 6'0".. Also, the amount of room taken up by flying elbows and shoulders would require far more room than the CD30 cockpit could provide without effecting the structural rigidity of that section of the boat (IMHO of course..). Figure that you will be facing forwards while turning the crank. You will need at least your shoulders width of clearance while standing. That destroys the cockpit and the seats too.. There must be a better way to do this..maybe put the funds saved into an extra starter and Heart Monitor system/charger to make certain that there is battery power available.

I don't know..everybody to his own. But lastly, think of the resale value that you probably throw away here.

Good Luck,

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer



demers@win.bright.net