A little TLC for the engine too

The vast majority of our work on C'est la Vie since our haul out in June has gone into rigging.  Being a sailboat our efforts to rejuvenate our primary source of propulsion seem appropriate, but we are not too proud to rely on our faithful Beta Marine when we need a little push.  So it only seems fair that we devote some time (and money) to the engine as well.

Our new instrument panel and wiring harness are installed.  Yes, this time the installation is well sealed with caulking.  Mike from L&M marine took the lead on this project.   I made some modifications to the engine room access below decks.

C'est la Vie's engine room access is located behind the companion way steps.  I've spent many hours cursing the wooden cross brace while installing alternators, changing oil; replacing the starter, etc.  My assumption was that a brace this obtrusive must be vitally important to the structural integrity of our vessel.  Via discussions with Mike, a fellow M34 owner, and a closer inspection, I believe this brace can be removed.

Why have I not done that years ago?  With the brace removed the panels on each side of the opening are more fragile.  When the lower panel is screwed into place it serves with same function as the cross brace.  To provide adequate purchase for screwing in the panel, I created new, enlarged braces on either side of the opening (lower, right below fire extinguisher in image above.)  

The additional room in front of the engine allows us to relocate the raw water pump from the rear to the front of the engine (shiny, bronze object in center of image above.)  This move will make changing impellers much easier.

P.S.  Must admit I'm a bit embarrassed by the stained oil pad in the first image of the engine.  I am compelled to state we do not have an oil leak,  I keep this pad in place to catch any drips from changing or checking the oil.  It is also a sure method of identifying if leaks occur.  So we keep a clean oil pad under the engine.  The stains on the pad in the image below are from work replacing the temprature gauge sensor and the oil pressure sensor.