You are all on the right track. I sucked out the engine beds, and all surrounding areas. Did it the hard way with a shop vac. I disposed of the oily water properly at a recycling center. So far, and I am almost done, the total yuck removed is in the 120 gallon range! Some had the distinct smell of rotten eggs, the rest was oily water (with Detroit 671's I don't wonder why) and the previous owner who recently passed away at age 91 most likely did not even know there are hatches under the salon deck (He most likely did because he was the original owner). No worries though, other that the suspected lazy captain, things look great down there. I am in the process of laying down wood floors in the salon exposing every hatch rather than the carpet which was a bad design choice by Hatteras. I want to have access to everything every day, and we are going to modify (slightly) the hatches design, especially over the A/C units and the generator, another poor choice by Hatteras. We intend to combine the two hatch system over the ER port and starboard to one hatch with strong arms and piano hinges to lower the grunts and groans trying to open them, and add a prop stick if necessary. Yes Odoban is working, and I opened her up and set a box fan that has been blowing full blast for days. The plan is to paint everywhere the sun don't shine, and I am taking pictures of the progress which I will post. Sorry for the delayed response but I have been trying to wash the smell out of my work clothes, but wound up trashing them to end the complaints in the house!
It's not work when you are aboard!!! I'll shoot picks and post of the salon floor when it is done also.
1977 Hatteras DC "Theyachtwegot"
Dania Beach Florida
