Cockpit access direct to rear cabin of a SO 43DS

[ptdubai]

I am looking to buy a SO 43DS for long-term cruising in the Med - 6 month stints - based in Turkey.

I wish to create a workroom out of either the port or starboard aft cabins - check out the Catalina Morgan 440 or 445 for the idea.

Both these yachts have direct access to the workroom via the starboard (440) or port (445) locker in the cockpit. Open it and access via a ladder. Also accessed direct from inside the yacht.

The workroom contains a washer/dryer and massive space for sails, warps, fenders, folding bikes, tools, oils, spare water, etc., and also has a workbench with vice.

What is required is to cut through the floor of one of the lockers to create access to the workroom. The locker lid has additional sealing for water-tightness.

Has anyone done this?

Can it be done? Any Jeanneau designers out there that would have the answer?

You may well say that if the boat inverts there is additional opening for water ingress - if that were to happen as a coastal cruiser in the Med, I can assure you my mind would be on survival and nothing else!

All help appreciated. Thank you

[electricmonk]

It has been done, but not with 43DS, my SO43 shares the same hull as the DS but has a conventional topside layout. The interior is arranged with two cabins, 1 large 7ft x 7ft aft berth about 1.5 times the size of an aft cabin in the twin aft cabin version and a bow cabin with a dressing table and hanging wardrobe so we are set up for 4 people. The starboard side is a workroom that is accessible from the galley and some owners of this layout have made a walk through to the vast cockpit locker and established a workshop. I haven't done that but the cockpit locker is an excellent storage area (I don't like fenders tied to the rail when I sail) and it has also swallowed the diesel generator. The galley workroom houses my dive compressor and it has in the past had a washing machine - but Turkish regs now forbid this so we have space!

[ptdubai]

Thank you 'electricmonk' for taking the time to reply. Have you met anyone that has cut down from the cockpit to the 'workroom' through either side cockpit locker?

This is my intention.