Access to the engine is tremendous. Normally, the dog house is removed after moving the companionway ladder. As provided by the manufacturer, it is a pain to figure out where to put the doghouse while working on the engine. Spirit's dog house has been cut into 3 pieces that fasten together with pins, for easy removal and storage.

Engine access with 1 doghouse side still in place

The ladder, doghouse top and sides lift out of place easily and can be stowed forward while servicing the engine. This makes it quick work for routing maintenance such as checking or changing the fluids, changing the zinc in the heat exchanger, or replacing the fuel filters.

For access to the seawater pump, alternator and belts, access to the back is provided by 4 screws in a removable bulkhead. On Spirit, an additional 4 bolts with wing nuts must be removed to remove a shelf unit that has been added.

The picture below is of the full access.

Spirit's Westerbeak 58 HP Engine

The dog house reassembled