Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

[Tobor]

Hi can anyone tell me how to raise the Engine Hatch on my 270 CR storm damage killed batteries
Thank you

 

[QC]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

Welcome aboard Tobor. Is this your hatch?:

If so, looks tough. Usually there is some access to the connection point on the lift ram. That would allow you to remove the hinge pin and lift it. Also there is usually a way to jump the batteries from outside the hatch. If not, then Crownline is seriously dumb which I don't believe . . . Look for both, access, and jump points. Also, maybe you can remove the hinges at the back of the hatch?

I am going to move this to Boat topics so we get some more diverse ideas.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

Been there, done that . . .

Last time it happened . . . I had to get one of those special 'jumper' batteries that have the adapter to go into the 12volt auxilliary jack.

It was a slow process the charge the batteries enough so that the hatch would go up . .. but it did finally work.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

Try checking next to your battery switch. There should be jumper posts. They might be hidden behind a door.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

I did find some of the same boats as yours for sale that included verbiage:
Electric Lift Engine Hatch w/Secondary "Quick Charge" Terminal

I can't seem to find a manual though on where exactly it is located but by the battery switch would make sense.

Might be able to call them and ask someone at the factory:
618-937-6426

Mark

 

[QC]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

Been there, done that . . .

Me too. I now have a clevis pin at the top ram connection point and I can get my hand in there and remove it. At least my boat you can both jump outside the hatch and get your arm (both arms) inside. Stupid to have no method other than the 12 Volt plug, but have seen that as well. Sometimes it seems like these builders have never run a boat :facepalm:

 

[JoLin]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

I hate those things. Had an electric ram lift on my 24' Chris*Craft that was a bear to release when the battery went dead. That happened twice. When the ram itself failed, I ripped it out and replaced the whole assembly with an Attwood spring lift and a pair of latches to hold the engine hatch closed. I found a site that carried the full selection of spring lifts and all types of brackets for them.

My engine hatch was over 7' wide and about 4' long. Heavy as heck. With the ram disconnected it took all my strength to raise the hatch. With a 90lb. spring lift I merely had to undo 2 latches and give the hatch a gentle tug. The modification was well worth it.

My .02

 

[QC]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

Agree 100% ^^^^^^ Gas struts are an option too. The electric jack screw type is especially flakey. I am guessing the hydraulic types are better, but still an issue with a dead battery. Ludicrous that you can't easily (quickly) get to your engine (or batteries) with a dead battery. I consider this a serious safety issue.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

design defect.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

design defect.

That's why there are battery posts mounted near the battery switch, just for this reason.

 

[QC]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

That's why there are battery posts mounted near the battery switch, just for this reason.

Maybe, but I don't think the OP has even noted whether or not he has posts yet. Plus, what if the switch is bad? What if the lift system goes bad?

 

[Don S]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

It's a VERY POOR system that is not designed with a way to manually open any electrical or hydraulically operated hatch. Battery failure or other failed parts can prevent entry.

A small access port to a quick release pin on the cylinder end attached to the hatch,is all that would be needed.

 

[QC]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

A small access port to a quick release pin on the cylinder end attached to the hatch,is all that would be needed.

I had to add the quick release pin, but mine works this way. Previously there was a nut and bolt and it took a long time to get apart. A section of the back bench pops out and I can reach the top of the ram with my hand(s). With the quick release type pin I can do it in about 15 seconds.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

What happens when you remove batteries for the winter?

 

[QC]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

Then you can't close the hatch, duh . . .

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

Maybe, but I don't think the OP has even noted whether or not he has posts yet. Plus, what if the switch is bad? What if the lift system goes bad?

A-lot of what if's.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

Then you can't close the hatch, duh . . .

If there are posts, you can open or close the hatch with or without batteries in the engine compartment by using jumper cables on the posts and attached to a separate power source. (battery)

 

[Don S]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

If there are posts, you can open or close the hatch with or without batteries in the engine compartment by using jumper cables on the posts and attached to a separate power source. (battery)

Not if the wires are broken or corroded through, or the motor that operates the lift fails. Brand new batteries won't fix a dead motor or broken wire.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Cant Raise Engine hatch Crownline 270 CR dead battery

Don has the right attitude. Strange noise from the compartment. ??

" Lets check it out............can not ".

My 19' Chap has the lifting ring held down when the rear bench seat is down. Always can lift the big rear hatch.

The hatch is 8' wide & 4 1/2' back. Piece of cake to lift.