[C320-list] How do I access the space behind RAM mic connector?

[heynewt--- via C320-list]

I have to switch out my RAM mic cable, and I can't for the life of me
figure out how to get to that area behind the RAM mic cockpit plug and
plate. On my 2003 C320 the RAM mic connects to a plug/plate on the
starboard side of the cockpit just forward of the manual bilge pump. Am I
blind? I don't see access to that space anywhere through the aft berth,
and you can't get there, as far as I can tell, through that aft locker on
the starboard side, can you?

Robert Newton
Halcyon
#944

[Mark Seyler via C320-list]

On my 1995 #232 you can access that area from the starboard lazarette, but you have to lie on your back on the starboard cockpit seat and slide your torso head first into the lazarette, then reach up on the outboard side. I had to develop that particular form of "boat yoga" when I was replacing the deck fill for my aft water tank and the fill and vent hoses for the fuel tank and the water tank.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality,
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA

[Greg Arnold via C320-list]

Yikes, I can't imagine going head first into the lazarette.

My technique was to open the starboard lazarette cover, and then using
my arms I would let myself down into the opening until I was standing
the plywood on the top of the fuel tank.  Stand their facing the propane
tank on the port side.  Just inboard of your feet there will be a
vertical opening maybe a little over a foot high just above the plywood
and below the cockpit sole.  You need to get your legs into this opening
-- slowly lower yourself using your arms. You will end up sitting on the
plywood.   Then lean backwards and tilt your head to get it under the
outboard fiberglass.  You will end up sitting on the plywood with your
back against the inside of the hull.  This actually is fairly
comfortable.  You may want to use a pillow or two.

To get out of the lazarette, reverse the process.

I am 6' with a long torso, and I did this when I was in my early 70's. 
It is wise to have someone there who can get the tools you forgot, can
help you if you get stuck, and can call 911 if you get hurt.

Your arms do need to be strong enough to support much of your body
weight, and they cannot give out half way through this process.  If you
can't do 10 pushups (it is OK to cheat by putting your weight on your
knees rather than feet), it may be best to pay a boat worker. Cheaper
than time in the hospital.

[Mark Seyler via C320-list]

In my boat, the air conditioning compressor and aft air handler are sitting on top of the plywood shelf above the fuel tank, so I don't have any other option than going in head first. It does help to put a cushion of some sort on the edge of the access hatch to the lazarette. This may be an argument in favor of those who locate their air conditioning units in the port cockpit locker. But my air conditioner was already in place when I bought the boat.

[heynewt--- via C320-list]

Guys,

My port cockpit locker and aft port lazarette are the only two I can
actually get into. The starboard lazarette on my 2003 C320 is small-ish,
and it's walled off just foreward of the hoses for the manual bilge pump.
Just on the other side of that wall is the RAM mic mount. There is a
small, like 9" rectangular ceiling cover in the aft cabin that I may
remove. It's a few feet from the back of the RAM mic mount, but at least I
might be able to feed the new cable to it. Just FYI, my AI model told me
that I wouldn't have to replace the RAM mic cable when I upgraded my VHF
and RAM mic. "The good news is, it's completely compatible with your
existing cable run. Just plug and play!" it said. LOL.

Robert

[surprise thompson87.com via C320-list]

This discussion reminds me of the time I was replacing some wiring on my old boat (not a Catalina) and had to go head and arms first into a cutout for the propane locker, which I had removed. On a Sunday morning. I was unable to back out. Took quite a while for someone to notice my distress and help me maneuver out. Lesson learned: Don't do boat yoga without having someone nearby who can provide or go for help if you need it.

T. Scott Thompson
Catalina 320 “Surprise,” #653 (1999)
surp...@thompson87.com

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Greg Arnold via C320-list
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2026 1:24 PM
To: C320...@Catalina320.com
Cc: Greg Arnold <1gregor...@gmail.com>