We picked up our Conquest on Friday and as seems to be the norm for this hull it did wander a little bit with constant input needed. I've since fitted an add-on rudder yesterday and it's much improved.
My question is based around how easy or not the engine is to access on the Conquest. Ours has a fixed vertical window, then the sloping area underneath is a galvanised steel plate which is screwed in place, which means the only way I could lift the engine was to straddle the back of the boat while I talked to it nicely and persuaded the engine to lift without throwing me into the wet stuff.
What access do Conquests normally have to the outboard? I have seen various images with windows at different angles, or a fabric panel instead of the steel one but I am not sure what would be standard. I am now coming up with various ideas of how to fit a door into the rear to either replace just the steel panel or a 2 piece structure with opening window and lower panel. Has anyone got a similar setup they would be kind enough to describe or provide pictures of?
I have just rebuilt my conquest aft bulkhead. My window was fixed but I have restored its opening function. I have incorporated an 8inch twist lock panel beneath the window to increase access to the engine and facilitate the pull start, should it be needed.
By leaning through the window, it is just possible to tilt the engine.
I think originally the boat had some sort of canopy material in position...lots of old studs in the area. A plywood arrangement has been replaced by another but I have cladded this with aluminium chequer plate.
The boat is still undergoing a total revamp. I also heard about the steering and have the clamp on rudder ready for when we float.
Hi, Thanks for the info from both of you, I have since found some images online of what I assumed was the original fabric cover so that ties up with Adi mentioned.
Jeff, it sounds like I am going to have to come up with a similar solution to yours. Prior to your reply I wasnt sure if the windo should open or not, there are the remains of a rather old looking hinge on part of the window so I will now investigate a bit further and see how much needs to be done to convert it back into an opening window. Think the next step will be to pull out what is there so I can at least take proper measurements and see what I have as a starting point.
Access to the outboard
Posted - 09 Apr 2012 : 16:18:49
