Piece of plywood of unknown use LM27 mk1 1979

[alanfareham]

Hi all
Can anybody throw any light on this conundrum.
Below the lower companion way step hinged lid let into the hull moulding is a piece of ply about 2ft x 1ft it has timber battens on one side and about 3 screw eyes on the other side facing upwards, the board is removable and would seem meant for a particular purpose but i have no idea.
Any ideas?
Alan

[Sula]

If I remember correctly, it's just a cover for the shallow sump/void beneath it, and makes the space under the step (I currently keep my tools there) more usable, giving it a flat bottom and keeping the contents out of any moisture in the sump.

I don't think mine has battens, and I'm a bit confused by your reference to 'screw eyes facing upwards'.  I'm guessing that either (a) the battens were intended to be underneath, to support more weight than the ply alone, and the screw eyes may have been for securing something on top; or (b) the battens were intended to be on top, and were for mounting something in particular, or to stop it sliding around, and the screw eyes I don't know.

I'll be at my boat in a few days and have another look in there to remind myself and see if I can shed any light on your arrangement.   

[alanfareham]

Thanks Sula i'll see if i can take a photo of the board and post it here, it's just that it does look like it is designed for another purpose other than a sump cover, i have to say i've only owned the Lm for 4 months and found that these boats are so thoroughly well thought out it ain't true.

[alanfareham]

Had a detailed look today at the area concerned, i got a few things wrong i'm afraid with this post.
Where the piece of ply is, is located in the compartment alongside the two seacocks for the heads and sink - where you stand when doing the washing up.
The ply sits in a recess in the hull moulding, facing up it has four small battens fixed to it with one eyelet screwed to each, it also has a lifting hole drilled in the board.
I can't upload photos at the moment from phone.

[oceandancer]

Hi Alan,
To upload photos you first have to write the text then post it and then edit it. At that point you will see the "add attachment" button to upload pictures.

Regards

Mick

[stevespring]

I'd hazard a guess that an extra battery was at some time placed there and held in by lashings to those eyes...

[Sula]

I think Stevespring is on the right lines there.

I have checked and my ply there is just an unadorned piece of ply, with a finger hole for lifting it out, covering the shallow sump underneath (same as the one under the step into the saloon just ahead of it).