Hello,
I found this post after starting my holding tank and hose replacement for my E32-3. I, too, found the free space under the aft position of the V-Berth, and I plan on adding a 6 in access port at the top of the V-berth above the free area. I'm curious if anyone has done this?
I also sanded and painted (bilge koat) the exposed wood and a formica-covered divider to the left of the two drawers and one hinged access door. I feel this has significantly impacted the residual old boat smell.
Access plate - good or bad idea
Maybe I don't understand but I don't see the benefit of adding the access plate. If you are talking about putting it in the wood cover panel, this is all that you can see when the piece is removed. Not much to see and even less that you can do without removing the holding tank.
The big wood panel MUST be removed to take out the holding tank or even to do much with the two stiff top hoses. To get to the lower hose area would be nearly impossible with adult hands.
btw - Here's the storage you get by going to a head not needing a holding tank, plus no sloshing of poo beneath where you lay your head, or the smells. The space is big enough to fit a small inflatable dingy in there.