Engine Access Hatch, Fuel Pump Replacement Advice

[ahalfon]

I own a second generation (1986) Pearson 28, and I'm considering installing an access hatch to the engine through one of the bulkheads.
In this boat the head is sharing a bulkhead with the engine, as it's located aft on the starboard side. So this would "only" require cutting a hole through the bulkhead and fitting the hatch, and would provide much better access for checking the oil level and maintaining the fuel pump, etc. (which require contortionist acts at the moment).
This being one of the first alterations to the boat I'm attempting, I'm obviously hesitant and would really appreciate a word of advice, especially if you've done a similar project.

One of the main reasons for taking on this project is that I have a leaky fuel pump that needs replacement - quite difficult with the current access... This is the primary pump on a Yanmar 2GM20F. And any advice on that would also be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,

Amir

[sailingdog]

Amir-

Sounds like pretty simple project, but if the bulkhead is structural, and it probably is, you'll need a pretty sturdy hatch that can provide most of the lost rigidity that cutting a hole big enough for it will cause. Photos of the area in question, both side if you can, would help. How big an access hatch are you talking about. Bomar makes one that is quite nice, but a bit expensive, being metal, with a metal frame. However, since it has a metal frame, it can contribute a fair bit of strength to the bulkhead, which will be weakened when you cut the hole into it.

[Boasun]

If you do cut through the bulkhead and want to install a wood hatch you might as well install a 'carling' around the hatchway to re-enforce this area.
Think of the carling as a wood frame that surrounds that hole you just put into that bulkhead. This will also give you a better way of mounting the jewelry needed for that hatch.