Need new engine cover for E27- does anyone feel like measuring/photographing theirs?

The PO of my E27 removed the engine and we're running on an outboard off back - left in the engine's space is a couple gaping holes and a sizeable amount of space behind the stairs. However, it's ugly, and I like the idea of building a new engine cover. I think it makes the most sense to build it out of three pieces of teak plywood with some latches to hold it together, and I assume this was roughly the idea of the original. E27 owners! Do any of you want to help me out and measure the sides of your engine cover and maybe snap a few pics?

Thanks!

Hi Andrew,

I can give you a hand. Wino Country Safari is a 1975 right? The interior should be mahogany on a 1975.

'74 I think - I'm *pretty* sure the interior is teak; at least it's a little lighter than dark. Also what seems to be the primary difference between some of the newer/older models is that the quarterberth is the same height as the starboard settee - most of the interior shots I've seen have the quarterberth raised up by ~6" from the height of the starboard settee.

You can see it here: http://instagr.am/p/nD1RF/

Tiller / Wheel Steering

Andrew Means said:

'74 I think - I'm *pretty* sure the interior is teak; at least it's a little lighter than dark. Also what seems to be the primary difference between some of the newer/older models is that the quarterberth is the same height as the starboard settee - most of the interior shots I've seen have the quarterberth raised up by ~6" from the height of the starboard settee.

You can see it here: http://instagr.am/p/nD1RF/

Click to expand...

Not sure the reason, but I believe you will find that the Tiller model's aft quarter berth is level with the engine compartment, while the steering (T-cockpit) model, the aft quarter berth is lower than the cover. I suppose the engine compartment cover could be the same. I scavenged a picture of an E27 with tiller for comparison (2nd picture)

OK...after taking a look at the picture in your link, it looks like that is a T-cockpit, so I guess as long as there is no engine in the compartment, then you should be able to add a flush cover.

One other thing about the the different models is that the berth configuration is different. Someone gave me a aft quarter berth cushion from an E-27 tiller model and it did not fit in my boat.

BTW, my 1976 shown (1st Picture) is Mahogany, but I think Teak was offered around that time as well, but not sure.

Yeah! Looks like you've got the same as mine. How would I know specifically if my interior was teak vs. mahogany? I always thought mahogany was super dark, but yours looks like the same color as mine...

How is the box held together on yours? Is there latches? Hinges? Is it one piece or is it multiple? Any chance you feel like measuring it for me? : )

Not a Wood Expert, but.....

Andrew Means said:

Yeah! Looks like you've got the same as mine. How would I know specifically if my interior was teak vs. mahogany? I always thought mahogany was super dark, but yours looks like the same color as mine...

How is the box held together on yours? Is there latches? Hinges? Is it one piece or is it multiple? Any chance you feel like measuring it for me? : )

Click to expand...

I believe mahogany tends to be more of a honey color, while teak is generally darker and more grainy. Take a look at the E-27 brochure here:

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/local_links.php?catid=82

I am pretty sure that is teak in the 2nd brochure, while the 1st brochure shows mahogany.

My engine cover is one piece and just sits on the pieces of wood. There are 2 sliding bolts to keep it secure. I think you can barley make them out in the picture.

If I were to do this project, I would consider keeping the cover flush with the aft quarter berth. This gives a little more "elbow" room if you are going to use the berth as a berth.

You should be able to use a mahogany veneer plywood and should be pretty simple construction.

Hi Andrew,

The mahogany in my 1976 E27 is quite light colored. The engine cover as built at the factory is one piece. You might think about modifying the cover to incorporate an extension of the galley. Doug designed one that looks great search around and you might find something you like. http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/showthread.php?9143-E27-Galley-Countertop

Interesting idea about the quarterberth height - I actually like the idea of having it a bit taller so I can store the anchor and a couple other things in there. I guess I'll just figure out the angles myself - kind of thinking that I'll do a two piece setup - where the top and side are one piece and the front nests into the top and side, so most of the time you just have to take off the front to access the storage. Maybe put some vents in there or something...

I ended up building my own box:

Dry-fitting the mahogany plywood after cutting them out:



Varnishing the side and top (decided to make the side and top one piece). I added teak quarter round to keep stuff from rolling off:



Here it is installed:



We're going to store the anchors and life jackets in there:



Using the same holes for bolt latches to secure the front:


Overall I'm really pleased with it - it was pretty challenging, as there are virtually zero straight lines, and there's a number of spots where things aren't *quite* flush, but overall it really cleans up the space behind the stairs, and it matches the other interior wood pretty well. I'm happy.

Great Job

Andrew,

It looks great. Sometimes you just have to get in there and just do it! Looks like you got a pretty good match too. I recently built a settee table using the mahogany plywood, but I ended up staining it with a "Golden Mahogany" stain prior to varnish. I was truly amazed at how well it matched the existing mahogany.

Andrew Means said:

'74 I think - I'm *pretty* sure the interior is teak; at least it's a little lighter than dark. Also what seems to be the primary difference between some of the newer/older models is that the quarterberth is the same height as the starboard settee - most of the interior shots I've seen have the quarterberth raised up by ~6" from the height of the starboard settee.

You can see it here: http://instagr.am/p/nD1RF/

Click to expand...

The woodwork in your photo looks like mahogony. And mahogony (either veneered plywood or solid wood) is a lot cheaper than teak.

toddbrsd said:

Andrew, It looks great. Sometimes you just have to get in there and just do it! Looks like you got a pretty good match too. I recently built a settee table using the mahogany plywood, but I ended up staining it with a "Golden Mahogany" stain prior to varnish. I was truly amazed at how well it matched the existing mahogany.

Click to expand...

Woah, that looks awesome! My box is a tad lighter than the rest of my woodwork, but overall it's pretty close. Good call on the stain, that looks pretty much perfect!