Our Tartan 34C (1970) is fitted with a Universal Diesel and is set up
with the engine under a settee near the centerline in the main cabin.

The fiberglass engine cover has sound insulating material inside and a
settee cushion on top. The engine itself is half above the sole and half
below it.

Noise is not excessive, but present. Heat is possibly the more serious
problem. With a quiet blower and some forethought, that could be reduced
substantially. There is no more odor than would be present with the more
traditional location of a diesel, I think. The blower would help there,
also.

There is no way that I would give up the convenient, immediate access
just to reduce the noise or heat. The engine can be kept cleaner and
routine maintenance is a snap, including valve adjustments and injector
replacements.

Can't comment on installing the engine under the dining table. If it
rises above the sole, wouldn't it interfere with leg room? If it is
completely in the bilge, then the access advantage is a lot less, but
still considerable. Some 40 footers have quite good access in the
traditional locations, as you know. But if you are mainly interested in
saving space, the under-the-companionway storage you would gain is a lot
more valuable than the bilge space you would give up, as you also know.

Chuck





Jere Lull wrote:
In article ,
wrote:


I'm designing a 40' sailboat and was wondering if it's a good idea to
put the engine under the dining table to save some space.

If the engine isn't used that often then the noise may not be a
problem but I'm still a little worried about the smell.

Does anybody know any boat made this way ?



Have chartered boats set up that way and loved it. Engine access was
outstanding though we couldn't use whatever was centerline at the same
time.

BUT, the engine will be used, fairly heavily, by cruisers. If you also
design in proper ventilation, you'll be gold.

Ignore powering only at your peril.