Belize 43: Strange opening connecting master cabin to engine compartment

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Shrew

Note in the pic in response #6. The plug looks like it is inserted from inside of the engine compartment. My guess is so that you can just jam the extinguisher hose into the port popping off the plug rather than trying to fiddle with it to pulling it out into the berth side of the port.

I wouldn't want to have to search for a pair of needle nose pliers when there is a fire onboard.

Correct. It is inserted from the engine bay so that you can just push it through from the cabin. Picture from inside port side cabin with mattress moved (I was working on a plumbing problem with the line into the hot water tank)

The little sticker beside it is a bit of a giveaway as to its purpose

[peteatbeach]

You should also consider a "fireport", which is installed in the living compartment side of the bulkhead. Vetus and Marine East both make fireports that have a plastic membrane that will split if pushed upon by the fire extinguisher nozzle. The benefit of this solution is that the plug won't come loose.

You should have a fireport between port and starboard engine rooms and the cabins in front of them. These are available from Defender:

Marine East 6860 Fire Port - White Ring (approx $10 ea)
Vetus Fireport (approx $30 ea)

We have the Marine East on our Belize.

Pete

[Chat de Mer]

Thought I'd wrap up this thread for anyone curious about how it came out...
Yes, it was, as now seems obvious!, a fire port. The plug was on the floor of the engine room. Just popped it back in, and now sleep fume-free!