Engine Hatch Actuator

[scarbs]

I am converting my engine hatch on my 1999 SAN to a three-hatch system using gas shocks. I have already installed the two main shocks that hold the entire hatch open so I pulled the actuator out today. Anyone interested? If I understand correctly, these things cost a ton to replace. Make me an offer if you're interested. Buyer pays shipping.

[Brichter14]

Keep us posted on how that turns out. I would really like to do this as well

[flipflop]

x2 on the gas shocks. They are great and you get rid of the bulky actuator. However, some have concerns with the hatch opening while driving, but nothing a bungy cord or latch can't solve. Good luck with the three piece hatch.

[s_kelley2000]

Yes, if you get a chance please post up how you did your initial conversion to gas shocks as I may do that at some point. I don't have the stones to attempt converting to the 3-peice deck especially since I had my sunpad reupholstered when I bought the boat last year so I would not want to go through that expense again during the conversion. But adding gas shocks and a latch might be worth it get back the space the actuator takes up and making maintenance on that side of the motor much easier.

The hatch is heavy so I am not sure it would blow open on the highway but probably not worth the risk. Earlier this summer when the relay on my actuator died I disconnected the actuator. During the 2 weeks I was waiting on new relays I didn't think twice about trailering the 5 highway miles to and from my lake with nothing holding the hatch down but it's own weight. I got lucky and would certainly strap it down if it happens again because of what happened to a friend of mine later that summer. He forgot to latch the sunpad on his I/O and it flew up and snapped off on the highway and then got run over by an elderly man right as he was jogging back to retrieve it.

Sorry for the thread jack and good luck with your sale.

[TX-Foilhead]

I think there's a good chance that the weight would keep it down, but if it came up your replacing the sunpad and fixing the transom.

[scarbs]

For those who had interest, I posted some info on the initial conversion in the DIY section.