Storing things next to motor

[agallant80]

Anyone have any thoughts on storing things in the engine compartment? I was thinking the grill (no gas, that goes someplace else) tool box etc. Just hard non flaimable stuff.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Storing things next to motor

Ayuh,.... As many motors I Haven't been able to get at to fix, It's hard to believe there's enough space inside a motorbox to store Anything without it hittin' something, probably important...

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Storing things next to motor

Not a good idea unless you can strap it down really good, etc. Stuff just laying there will probably get tossed around and into the belts or something else that it isn't supposed to get near.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Storing things next to motor

Well, I've seen a number of runabouts that have a storage space on one side of the engine, usually partitioned off with a mesh barrier. However, most of the items I've seen commonly stored there are life vests and items which aren't easily damaged and aren't likely to damage the engine components. I'd want that grill strapped down for sure. Obviously nothing flammable anywhere in the engine compartment.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Storing things next to motor

And don't take up all your airspace with stuff because it already get pretty hot back there and less air means more heat.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Storing things next to motor

Ayuh,.... As many motors I Haven't been able to get at to fix, It's hard to believe there's enough space inside a motorbox to store Anything without it hittin' something, probably important...

Couldn't agree more!

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Storing things next to motor

If the OP has a boat configured like mine, with a full width sunpad that is over a motor hatch, he may have plenty of room on either side of the engine. My Stingray has at least 2'x3' of storage on either side of the engine with hinged carpeted boards that either lift up perpendicular to the deck to prevent things from sliding into the engine and/or bilge, or fold flat to the deck to allow you to work on the motor.

I store lots of stuff in my engine compartment; tube (deflated) and tow rope, grill accessories (not gas), my washdown pump in box setup, spare prop (in a tie down), tool bag and detailing bag, and my removeable table. Bimini top also goes in there if its not up. Tons of room left. I pay for all this with a smaller cockpit then I would get if I had the motorbox version with jump seats on either side.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Storing things next to motor

If the OP has a boat configured like mine, with a full width sunpad that is over a motor hatch, he may have plenty of room on either side of the engine. My Stingray has at least 2'x3' of storage on either side of the engine with hinged carpeted boards that either lift up perpendicular to the deck to prevent things from sliding into the engine and/or bilge, or fold flat to the deck to allow you to work on the motor.

I store lots of stuff in my engine compartment; tube (deflated) and tow rope, grill accessories (not gas), my washdown pump in box setup, spare prop (in a tie down), tool bag and detailing bag, and my removeable table. Bimini top also goes in there if its not up. Tons of room left. I pay for all this with a smaller cockpit then I would get if I had the motorbox version with jump seats on either side.

This is exactly the set up I have. I have the battery on one side & the trim pump on the other. Kinda thinking of putting a Plastic storage box on one side to keep smaller stuff that might rool around.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Storing things next to motor

I use old automotive seat belts to buckle in the stuff we store in the engine compartment. My engine compartment is below the rear deck. Even with a 20 gallon tank on each side there's lots of storage space.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Storing things next to motor

This is exactly the set up I have. I have the battery on one side & the trim pump on the other. Kinda thinking of putting a Plastic storage box on one side to keep smaller stuff that might rool around.

Yup, forgot to mention, I have one battery on each side, all the way back against the transom.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Storing things next to motor

I gave up on this. Figured it was not worth it and to add the whole bottom deck including the rear bench seat fold up with the motor cover, it is very deep and just seams like more of a PITA than its worth.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Storing things next to motor

Engine compartments are NOT storage compartments... If you have extra space in the engine compartment and want to use it for storage then BUILD a sturdy partition and you will then have a storage compartment... Take into consideration the air flow and the fact that you might need to do some duct work.

I once heard a horror story about a boat bursting into flames just after hitting a wake a little too fast... apparently an anchor had taken out a fuel line and a spark plug.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Storing things next to motor

Engine compartments are NOT storage compartments...

My boat came with a first aid kit, battery, light pole, floatation cushion, anchor, rope, and owners manual/paperwork (in a waterproof container) all stored in the engine compartment. I commonly store life jackets, a tube, inflator, 2 collapable oars, and a repair kit. The compartment itself is obviously quite large, and there are mesh dividers. Also, my engine has zero external moving parts (no belts/pulleys) other than the throttle lever/timing arm, and the flywheel is covered by a close fitting cover.

(not my boat, same model though... The other side that isn't shown is 100% open, no oil tank, so there is even more room.)

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Storing things next to motor

You have just illustrated my point... "sturdy partitions" and "separate compartments"

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Storing things next to motor

I have lots of room to store items in the engine room. I choose not to unless its down between the inner stringers with no ability to move.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Storing things next to motor

I have sturdy partitions on either side of my motor, carpet covered marine grade plywood in fact, I have both batteries on one side with battery switch and inverter, I also keep the bow and cockpit covers, inflatable tubes on this side (starboard).

Port side I have all spares, fluids and tools which is a lot, I have enough fluids to change all fluids in the boat, motor oil, outdrive, power steering etc, spare filter, spare impellers and spare serpentine belt, and the tools required to change them, I also have all my wash down fluids and microfiber rags on the same side, I have enough room on this side to include a 10" subwoofer. My Bimini goes across the top of the motor in its factory stow position and I can accomplish all of this while not blocking airflow from the air inlets on both sides of my boat. Finish the area off with a huge sundeck to cover everything and the Admiral has a place to sunbathe.

I keep nothing in the area where the motor itself is between the two sturdy partitions, I also have netting that goes on the back of each storage compartment this allows airflow from the inlets to go through the storage area through the netting, over the side exhaust and into the motor compartment from the back of the motor, excess airflow has two vents on the transom above the swimdeck, at speed this airflow is excellent, one of my transom vents also serves as the blower intake.

I think when it is done properly you can take advantage of the space around your motor, but there are multiple issues to be careful of, almost all of those will destroy a boat if not taken seriously so please be careful.

Here is the Starboard side while I was working on some of the electronics setup