Chris Craft 281 engine/deck hatches?

[Laguna Jim]

Does anyone have any info (or a photo to show) of how the engine deck hatches are supposed to stay open?<br /><br />I recently bought a 1979 Chris Craft Catalina 281 and it has nothing to keep the doors propped open so that engine/bilge access is easy. It looks like there may have been straps at one time, but that is a guess.<br /><br />I have begun doing some upgrades and refurbishing, and am having a blast. I just need the darn doors to stay open safely, and I am very curious about how they came set up from the factory. <br /><br />Any help is appreciated!<br /><br />Laguna Jim

 

[LargoDon]

Re: Chris Craft 281 engine/deck hatches?

Jim, <br /><br />There is a strap that is connected to the hatch that is just the right length to reach around the seat support leg and is set up to snap to itself. <br /><br />the hatches are held open like this / \ instead of completely vertical.<br /><br />I will see if I can get a picture of mine to show it better.<br /><br />-Don

 

[LargoDon]

Re: Chris Craft 281 engine/deck hatches?

here are the photos

close up of the strap and hatch

Profile view of hatch, strap and seat.

-Don