I bought a1995 Carver with 250 HP (Cummins 5.9 Aftercooled). There is an
access in the rear bulkhead for the shaft packing (gland) and transmission.
This access works great for the port engine. However, there is no such
access for starboard. I have seen a model 404 that has removeable stairs to
access the starboard packing. But I can't figure how to remove the stairs
on the 355 (same hull, no cockpit). Anybody know how to access the
transmission and shaft packing on the starboard side?

Isn't that an aft cabin model?

Assume that you mean you have access through the rear bulkhead of the engine
compartment to reach the port packing gland. The companionway steps from the
salon to the aft stateroom terminate in front of a hanging locker, correct?

Some SWAGS:
Could it be that the access to your packing gland on the starboard side is
vertical, rather than horizontal? Look for a removable panel in the base of the
starboard hanging locker in the aft stateroom. That's just aft of the bulkhead,
and should be in the general area where one would expect to find a stuffing
box.

Another possibility-
Is there carpeting in the aft stateroom? Is it original, or has it been
replaced? Somebody might have slapped replacement carpet down over an access
hatch at the bottom of the stairs.

Last but not least, those steps are probably not molded as part of a fixed
cube, but laid up just as a series of treads and risers. It's possible that the
stuffing box can be horizontally serviced with the steps in place, if there's a
removable panel. Any screws visible on the backside of the steps?

It is an aft cabin, I'll check the carpet, it is free in the most of the aft
cabin yet it is glued to the steps and at the base of the steps. The treads
are fast, with no visible screws. I checked the locker in the cabin and
there nothing, the locker at the top of steps has an access but it is for
accessing clamps to the exhaust hose. If I take out the battery bank and
the charger I might be able to crawl behind the engine. It is hard to
believe that this was Carver's intent. I emailed Carver, but I suspect
unless I am buying a new 57, they wont respond!

Thanks


"Gould 0738" wrote in message
...
Isn't that an aft cabin model?

Assume that you mean you have access through the rear bulkhead of the
engine
compartment to reach the port packing gland. The companionway steps from
the
salon to the aft stateroom terminate in front of a hanging locker,
correct?

Some SWAGS:
Could it be that the access to your packing gland on the starboard side is
vertical, rather than horizontal? Look for a removable panel in the base
of the
starboard hanging locker in the aft stateroom. That's just aft of the
bulkhead,
and should be in the general area where one would expect to find a
stuffing
box.

Another possibility-
Is there carpeting in the aft stateroom? Is it original, or has it been
replaced? Somebody might have slapped replacement carpet down over an
access
hatch at the bottom of the stairs.

Last but not least, those steps are probably not molded as part of a fixed
cube, but laid up just as a series of treads and risers. It's possible
that the
stuffing box can be horizontally serviced with the steps in place, if
there's a
removable panel. Any screws visible on the backside of the steps?

"Michael Forbis" wrote in message ...
It is an aft cabin, I'll check the carpet, it is free in the most of the aft
cabin yet it is glued to the steps and at the base of the steps. The treads
are fast, with no visible screws. I checked the locker in the cabin and
there nothing, the locker at the top of steps has an access but it is for
accessing clamps to the exhaust hose. If I take out the battery bank and
the charger I might be able to crawl behind the engine. It is hard to
believe that this was Carver's intent. I emailed Carver, but I suspect
unless I am buying a new 57, they wont respond!

let us know what (if) they respond. I emailed them several weeks ago
to request a hardcopy of their "Waypoints" magazine that had an
article celebrating their 50th anniversary. The article featured our
1986 Santa Cruz. I received a personal response the same afternoon,
and they express-mailed the magazine the same day. I was very
impressed.

You might want to see who the nearest Carver dealer is in your area
and try giving them a call. I'm sure they could help you out.

Good luck.

Coff