Yes, it's tight. There is a small door for checking the coolant and oil level. The whole wall covering the side of the generator hole is removable. I installed threaded rods in the four corners (wood screw threads on one end and machine screw threads on the other) so I can remove the wall easily. I also made a 3/4 inch thick Starboard shelf over the port battery to lean on when servicing the generator. I have an oil change system for oil changes, so that makes it easier. Changing both the Kohler and Racor fuel filters is easy. Changing the coolant, impeller, anode, and belts aren't hard. The only problem I see is if something happens on the hidden side. I think I would cut a hole in the side of the storage area under the floor (ours is a galley down boat, don't know if the storage area is there on a galley up boat) and install a large hatch. That would give access to the exhaust side and starter motor. I hope I don't have to do that. I think the standard generator is an 8KW Kohler.