Putting Engine Under Dining Table
 

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 ?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

The Hughes/Northstar 38 had the engine located in the middle of the main
cabin floor. A replacement engine was taller than the original and they
left their table up most of the time to hide the "trip" step thus created.

YMMV,

Jonathan

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 ?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

--
I am building a Dudley Dix, Argie 10 for my daughter. Check it out:
http://home.comcast.net/~jonsailr

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.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

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.

I think the two together (engine and dinig table) are not really compatible
or desirable. Pleasant dining means quiet and clean air - engines make noise
and emit fumes...
Look for a better solution.

--

Martin-Paul Broennimann
architecte et urbaniste
14, rue du Diorama
1204 Genève Switzerland

tél portable/cellular 0041 78 6272967

TPG : Bus 1, Tram 13 arrêt Place du Cirque
Parking : Tribune de Genève, Hôtel des Finances
a écrit dans le message de news:
...

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 ?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

I have a Dehler 38 which has the engine (Volvo 2003 Turbo) under the saloon
table. This is fully boxed in and vented through the bilge. The box has a
removable lid for minor access then it removes fully for full (unlimited)
access. The table top is a separate piece which fits on top of the whole
assembly. With adequate sound proofing material the noise level is fine, but
being a sail boat our engine has only run for 560 hours in sixteen years!!
Remember to allow for the propshaft which in our case protrudes slightly,
but again is boxed in.
Leaves plenty room under companionway for large water tank, but the main
benefit is the access to all sides (and underneath) of engine.
I can post a couple of pictures if that helps,

Rooster.


wrote in message
...

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 ?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

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 ?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
My J/37 has the Volvo 2003 under the table. I think it is a great place
for the engine. Weight distribution is close to optimum. Access is
superb. I replaced the old and heavy sound insulation with modern stuff.
The sound level is fine. Face it, running a diesel on a small boat is
not going to sound like you are in a library. As long as the boat has
enough beam so there is good room to walk past the table, I don't see
any down side to this approach.

Paul
www.jcruiser.org

Have a friend who built his own steelhulled 33 foot cutter. His engine
sits up where you have to walk around it. Its open on the sides and has a
table on top. Nice access but a little short on looks.
John is a loner and is not much interested in looks. He just got around to
painting his plywood lockers!
As for using the engine, he sailed all over the south pacific in an
engineless homebuilt wooden cat so doesn't need or use the engine much.
Gordon
wrote in message
...

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 ?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

if i recall right...some of the ericsons put the motors under
the seat...facing the bow...at the "table"...once removed...the
motor cover revealled all sides of the motor for very easy and
complete acess...rare on some sailbaots.....weight closed to
the keel may be a positive factor as well...

wrote in message
...

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 ?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

I have friend with a Newport 41. In this boat the 4 cylinder Kubota is
located at the aft end of the port settee, under a removable
countertop/drawer combo. I've never noticed any particular engine odour in
his boat and he has never mentioned engine odour as a problem. He had a
fair bit of oil leaking into the engine compartment from his front seal
before replacing it and again this did not seem to cause odour in the cabin.
If you use sound insulation and provide some ventilation to the exterior of
the boat I don't think you'd have a problem and access could be very good.

Thanks for all the responses.

If you already have some pics that would be great but it's not
necessary since you've already given a very good description :-)

wrote:

I have a Dehler 38 which has the engine (Volvo 2003 Turbo) under the saloon
table. This is fully boxed in and vented through the bilge. The box has a
removable lid for minor access then it removes fully for full (unlimited)
access. The table top is a separate piece which fits on top of the whole
assembly. With adequate sound proofing material the noise level is fine, but
being a sail boat our engine has only run for 560 hours in sixteen years!!
Remember to allow for the propshaft which in our case protrudes slightly,
but again is boxed in.
Leaves plenty room under companionway for large water tank, but the main
benefit is the access to all sides (and underneath) of engine.
I can post a couple of pictures if that helps,