Steps

Mine do not seem to be attached very well, and creak and move a fraction. 

I might use a seam of sealant/adhesive around the contact points to help it, or should I tab it in with glass matt and epoxy? 

Exact same configuration which is standard from build. Boat is 24 years old now and no issues with movement or weight on the steps whatsoever.

Strongly advise the OP against bonding the steps to the engine box as it is the only practicable access to the engine. That said, to check the raw water strainer still requires removing the shelf above. I’ve meant for years to find a quick release solution for this but done nothing as yet.

Hi, In general I would not expect the service agents to remove the full engine box to access the engine, as all the key components are accessible through the 1) steps, 2) stb hatch, 3) aft hatch and ultimately as Bitbaltic mentioned 4) the top hatch. The only reasons to remove the full engine box could be (just guessing) change of engine, or change of S-Drive, or potentially change of S-Drive rubber sealing. Anyways a major rehaul should be needed to remove the full engine box. However, still I would not suggest laminating the box as there might come the time where you want to get it off... And it would be bloody difficult if you have laminated it.

Maybe as a first step I would check how the compartment is attached to the port wall. Likely those screws are bit loose now so maybe just fill those holes with epoxy to get better grip?

I take off the top white board (4 screws) of the step setup when I'm servicing the engine as it give more light in, you are right though, for regualry maintenance, unhook the steps (2 clips and a wooden bar to hold in place) and usually I'll removed the full fibreglass sunnound to the aft of the engine (again 6 screws) otherise the 2 hatches and steps is more than enough.

My set up is a wooden frame screwed to the 2 bulkheads and its quite secure.

Cheers

Stu

Like others have said I also remove the top cover screws to access the raw water filter, 4 screws are not a problem.

Pete