Engine hatch access

[PuddleJumper]

Just put in new heavy gauge wire and relays for my hatch actuator. Worked GREAT. Went for a boat ride and hit some big cruiser wakes along the way. When I got home the hatch actuator wouldn't open. Did some quick troubleshooting and I'm pretty sure one of the butt connectors at the actuator must have come apart. I'm considering removing cushion and making a hole with a hole saw to get access to the release pin. Anyone here have any less invasive options to get the hatch open?

 

[oops!]

Re: Engine hatch access

it depends on the boat....but there is not much you can do if that stupid actuator goes out....usually there is a seat or storage above the area where the pin is....

if you cut your hole there....you can put an inspection cover over the hole....that way if the acuator fails again...you can easilly release the pin.

you might try and bypass the switch......just hook 12 volts directly.....if it does not work first try...reverse the polls....

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Engine hatch access

I checked with my multimeter. When the switch is pushed the output of the approriate relay becomes live. I'm pretty sure the loss of continuity is at one of the splices near the actuator.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Engine hatch access

Most boats with an actuator (mine included) have an access port from the cockpit to the hatch pin. Usually about 6-8 inches with a pryoff cover.

 

[oops!]

Re: Engine hatch access

you also said wire nuts....???....do you nean the twist on caps called muretts?

these are way wrong in a boat.....you need a proper connector shrunk wrapped and sealed.....then tied down to the boat so the wire does not /cannot move

 

[rbh]

Re: Engine hatch access

you also said wire nuts....???....do you nean the twist on caps called muretts?

these are way wrong in a boat.....you need a proper connector shrunk wrapped and sealed.....then tied down to the boat so the wire does not /cannot move

+1, no muretts.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Engine hatch access

Wire nuts? Where did you read that? I used crimp type butt connectors.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Engine hatch access

Most boats with an actuator (mine included) have an access port from the cockpit to the hatch pin. Usually about 6-8 inches with a pryoff cover.

That would be sweet if I have one. Once I start getting cushions detached, maybe I'll luck out and find an access cover.

 

[oops!]

Re: Engine hatch access

Wire nuts? Where did you read that? I used crimp type butt connectors.

lol....sorry pj....im reading too many posts.

there really should be an access hatch somewhere

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Engine hatch access

FIXED.
Behind center cushion was a metal plate with 2 screws that held the actuator pivot. Unscrewed them while pulling up at the same time and lucked out that the nuts on the other side fell off. After getting hatch open, found one of the wires to the actuator had pulled out of the connector. Apparently when I zip tied all the wires I didn't leave quite enough slack for the hatch movement.
Thanks to all for your suggestions