[dwymer64]

Hey Danny,

You are correct that you will have to line everything up with the shock extended. I already had holes that I could use as a reference point but I still wanted to make sure that the hatch would be raised enough for my liking and that the shock wouldn't hit anything when closed.

Basically all you need is a friend to hold the hatch open the height you want it and play with the location of the shock. Also, make sure that when the shock is compressed, it isn't hitting or rubbing on anything. When you get the placement eyed out, just lower the end that would be attached to the hatch and make sure that the fat black end doesn't hit anything when it is level as it will be when the hatch is closed.

The 90 degree bracket will attach to the hatch lid and the regular bracket will attach to the side of the engine wall. Like I said before, I drilled the holes larger and added a hole to the 90 degree bracket so I could use larger screws. Let me know if you need any more help. Good luck.

Dave

[ShabahZ280]

Originally Posted by spinks99

OK Chris,

I finally got the shocks in the mail after they mailed it to the wrong address the first time. After reading the back of the package it says do not try to compress these shocks by hand. How do I know what angle and where to mount them if I cant compress them? Any ideas?

I'm thinking I will line them up extended, mount them, and then shut the hatch. I just don't know where they will end up when the hatch closes. Am I over thinking this?

Danny

Yes, it's pretty tough to figure out the geometry without compressing the shocks, the reason I believe they say not to do it by hand is probably from the risk of injury. Those things take 60-90lbs of force to close and stay closed!

You've got the right idea about lining them up extended and then figuring out where they'll be when it shuts. You might think about making a mount like the one I showed in the pics for the lower half, (this was done by the previous owner to match the OEM one on the port side). That way you can guarantee there won't be any rubbing against the sides. Just make sure and use some heavy duty screws in the starboard to mount it to the fiberglass and make sure it's secure.

[spinks99]

OK guys,

I got the shocks in. They work perfectly, but it takes a little effort to get the hatch closed. I think I should have gone with 60 pound shocks. I will try to post some pictures.


Thanks for everyone's help.
Danny

[rajjneef]

If its super easy for that hatch to pop up you may want to consider having a way to secure it down. I test drove a boat that had put larger shocks on it because he was older. He had some straps made that he secured while under way. Well for the test drive he forgot to replace them and scooting about 40 MPH across the water a few waves made the hatch slam open. Pretty scary thing so keep that in mind your first time out to see how it responds.

[spinks99]

I think I will try to exchange the 90 pound for 60 pound. I want my kids to be able to open and shut the hatch with ease. The hard part is finished thanks to you guys. Now all I have to do is just swap the shocks out.

Danny

[ShabahZ280]

Looks great, glad we could help you get this fixed!

[spinks99]

Hi guys,

I got the 60 pound shocks today and installed them. They are the perfect strength for my 202 deck. The kids can open and close the deck with ease.

One thing I'm concerned with. What are you guys grabbing when you open and close the hatch. It seems like this could put a lot of undesigned stress on my head rests. It seems we are using the head rests to open and close the hatch as there's really nothing else to grab onto. Maybe I'll have to reinforce them some how.

Danny