Battery Operated Hatch - Release Mechanism

*EBO* · 01-26-2008, 12:06 AM

I'm a newbie and one thing that has me concerned is that the hatch is battery operated which is cool but for one thing. If my battery dies, how do i get back to the battery? (Shabah Z202) My mechanic has suggested taking out the hinges, and or running a separate line from the battery (so I can attach a spare to it just to get the hatch open). Isn't there some type of release mechanism I just can't see (possible like under the floor boards or somewhere else sort of novel). Thanks

***WetWilly*** · 01-26-2008, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBO

I'm a newbie and one thing that has me concerned is that the hatch is battery operated which is cool but for one thing. If my battery dies, how do i get back to the battery? (Shabah Z202) My mechanic has suggested taking out the hinges, and or running a separate line from the battery (so I can attach a spare to it just to get the hatch open). Isn't there some type of release mechanism I just can't see (possible like under the floor boards or somewhere else sort of novel). Thanks

Hi EBO,

Lenco makes a special hinge for just this kind of problem!

The upper hinge is slotted which allows you to lift the hatch enough to get to the pivot bolt. If you install a pull pin instead of a bolt, then it’s as easy as pulling the pin and manually opening your hatch all the way up.

Here is their link: http://lencomarine.com/hatchlifts.html

There are two Lenco distributors in Houston Texas:

Donovan
130 Pawnee St.
Houston, TX 77054
Phone: 713-734-4171
Fax: 800-747-5836

Land ‘N’ Sea
10001 Fannin, Suite 500
Houston TX 77045
for orders and general information
Phone: 800-432-7652
Fax: 800-942-1947

Looks to be about a couple of hundred miles from San Antonio so the shipping shouldn't be too bad.

Good luck,
WetWilly

***indykoch*** · 01-26-2008, 12:49 AM

Actually, mine came like this. The electric ram attachment (at the bottom) has a slot that allows the hatch to be opened just enough to reach in and pull the pin at the top of the ram. Then, it's just a matter of wrestling that heavy SOB hatch cover up while finding something to hold it once it's up! I'm pretty sure this is the ram that came with the boat (not added or upgraded later). I imagine all of them have this sort of access by law... you MUST be able to access the engine compartment for fire, what if the electical system caused it?

***WetWilly*** · 01-26-2008, 02:32 AM

Hi indykoch,

I know what you mean about how heavy the top is!!! It just scares me to think of opening the hatch if there was a fire under there because of the weight, lifting from the middle is almost mandatory and when you lift it, guess where all the flames are going to go.....

I'm looking into either an automatic suppression system or one I can engage from the helm in the event of a fire!

Right now I’m looking at the “FireBoy” systems (http://www.fireboy-xintex.com/Default.htm). Their systems use oxygen displacement agents that leave no residues. I like that over the dry powder systems, what a mess!

WetWilly

*EBO* · 01-29-2008, 07:06 PM

Thanks for the responses. I will check into all of these.

***dwmax*** · 02-02-2008, 01:09 AM

Speeking of fire hazards. Have any of you guys looked under the back bench seat?When you tilt the paddig of the bench seat forward to access the storage under the seat there is a little hole so you can put the nozzle of the fire extinguisher through to put out any fires without oppening the hatch and letting in any extra oxygen. My Mariah came with this feature. I don't know if infact all the Mariahs came with this ? but I would have to think so in order to be coast guard/consumer safe.

***dwmax*** · 02-02-2008, 01:40 AM

Sorry guys for my post. I did not realize that you talked about the fire port already. I just now read those posts and came back to this one to say oops.