[milemarker60]

Greetings,

We just bought a 2000 Z302 over the weekend but it does not have an electric engine hatch lift. The switch is wired in the dash and illuminates when turned on and brackets are present both on the hatch itself and the mounting point on the boat. This boat does not have trim tabs so I was wondering if Bennett was the supplier and since I don't have tabs, I obviously wouldn't have the hydro pump thus no hatch lift.

I'm planning on adding tabs over the winter and wanted to use Lenco since they are strictly electric but I do want something to either lift or at least hold the hatch up when accessing the area. I've also considered simply adding two nitro filled lift shocks to the sides to at least hold it up once opened.

Any ideas? Who was the vendor of the hatch lift? Did Bennett supply the trim tabs on this boat?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

[ShabahZ250]

I believe the OEM hatch lifts were made by Hardin Marine, (can someone confirm?). I have the same situation on my boat, it was wired for it with brackets, but the actuator isn't there anymore! Here's the Hardin setup.

Hardin Hatch Lifts

I was going to replace it, but decided against it for numerous reasons, mainly price, and convenience. My battery switch is located under the hatch, and I wondered if I turned the battery off, how would the hatch go down? So I just stuck with the nitro shocks that are on there now. I can lift that hatch up quickly, not have to wait for it... Although there is a certain "James Bond" feel that comes with pressing a button and watching it lift!

For your trim tabs, Mariahs came stock with Bennett Tabs on them, and once again, I'm in the same place as you, I'd like to add Lenco's. Let me know if you decide to install them!

[milemarker60]

Thanks for the quick response and info. I agree, if I were to put back an electric ram then I'd relocate the batt switch to have access in the cabin. Actually, I plan to do that anyway as I am not a fan of its location.

My boat does not have any nitro shocks on it yet but I have a set on order and plan to install one on each side of the cover. Do you have any pics of yours installed that are easy to send?

Thanks,

Dave

[ShabahZ250]

These photos are pretty terrible (they're from my initial sea trial, and the boat was filthy then), but it'll give you kind of an idea on placement of the hatches. I can snap some pics later this week when I take the boat out.

BTW, I don't think my bracket for the hatch lift is there anymore, (I can see where it used to be mounted) if you have the capability to, can you snap a pic of yours?

Also, would you be willing to identify some of the OEM parts used on your boat and help me update our Mariah Parts List? It'd help everyone out!

[indykoch]

The electic lift has a certain amount of "play" in it to lift the hatch manually just enough to unlatch the connector. There isn't an issue of dead batteries and not being able to access them. If I remember right, the bracket on the floor is where this "play" is located - there's a slot that allows it to move up enough to access it. Sorry, don't know the manufacturer.