So the starter on my starboard engine decided to just spin. No previous signs or problems starting. The boat is new to me though with about 12 hours on it since I purchased. I, (Like i'm sure most of us have) went to knock the hell out of it and discovered it was going to be a little tougher than I thought to access it. So, have any of you had to change or fix a starter on a 36? What did you end up doing to gain access to it short of sending a gnome with a wrench up under there?

You'd be money and time a head hiring a little circus carny, it's gonna be a PITA, I did it on my 33 OL not fun

I can't directly speak to your boat - but the "few" times that I had to play in the bilge area -- My advice-- start the day off with taking 1/2 a bottle of Tylenol - between the skinned knuckles, scratched knees and general muscle issues -- It won't be fun!!

Some saving grace- is the bad starter on an engine that you can access - it maybe less expensive to just take it to a marina have them pull the engine and be done with it-- Oh I know I really upset the pure wrenchers -- MEA CULPA

3pointstar

All I all it would probably be easier to pull the engine than to try and get to it in the boat.

Positive post on my port starter broke off in my 30 OL. No reason at all, no warning. 30 has even less room to work than the 33. Mechanic said he could do a better and quicker job pulling the engine, so he did. He had 5 guys on the project, not one sign of the engine being pulled. I thought for sure something would get scratched, torn, whatever, but none of that happened. I think you should resort to an engine pull.

Taking the rear seat backrest out helps with engine room access...then take off the ex manifold or header ( which ever you have) and you should be able to get at it.

Thanks everyone for the responses! I'm just gonna leave it to the mechanic who tells me taking off the manifold should give him enough access. I sure feel like a chump not being able to replace a starter of all things but I don't want to have someone else have to fix my mistakes either.

have laid on top of engines with an exercise mat taken off exhaust riser and then exhaust manifold then with a bunch different wrenches and slip on wrench extenders to remove the starter. I would not do the job for less than 350 to 500 dollars labor only depending o set up plus the cost of the starter and new gaskets. Yep the ones that *****ed about the price beforehand I handed them a couple of wrenches and said have at it or have an engine that can not be started. All changed their minds within 5 minutes. It is NOT a hour job to complete. It really is a PITA.

Have a bunch of old pillows in what i call the bad deal box just for stuff like that. And foam matts. Takes it from beat down status to reasonable. Just have to make sure its all nice and dry in there.

My bilge is dry and oil free. I gave thought to the body pillows as well. Still gonna leave it to the mechanic though. I'd rather save the cussing for the gas stations!