98 Super Sport, rear hatch

[jeffkukuruda]

So I went over to do some maint. on my boat this afternoon and to my dismay the batteries were dead, I have the electric opening hatch, so how do I get to the batteries to charge them and open the engine cover? Thanks alot in advance.

Jeff

[WakeSlayer]

RE: 98 Super Sport, rear hatch

The actuator is pinned to the hatch lid and the floor. Pull one and lift it up. To get to the pins, you have to remove your back seat back.

[jeffkukuruda]

RE: 98 Super Sport, rear hatch

ok, ya i knew there was the pin, i couldnt think of how to get to it! thanks alot.

jeff

[Boardboy]

RE: 98 Super Sport, rear hatch

Has anyone replaced the actuator for the hatch lid with gas shocks mounted to lift the lid instead?

[steve-o]

RE: 98 Super Sport, rear hatch

I would like to do that as well. I'd rather just have a lift handle and gas shocks than the electric actuator.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: 98 Super Sport, rear hatch

I think you would need some fairly stout gas shocks. The lids are pretty heavy. I would take the money and get a perko switch and mount it under or just behind your rear seat cushion. Then your battery won't die in the first place.

Also, in order to use the gas shocks, I think you would need to install a latch so it doesn't pop up on it's own.

[2gofaster]

RE: 98 Super Sport, rear hatch

If my boat had an electrically operated hatch, I'd install a remote plug in for a battery charger. We use them on race cars all the time so we don't have to open the car up to plug in a battery charger between rounds.

[bchesley]

Here is a pic of where to put switch. I highly recommend it.

[steve-o]

Same place as mine. I don't know how having the switch there aids in getting the hatch open without the actuator though?

[WakeSlayer]

If you shut it off for extended layups, the likelihood of your battery dying is extremely low. In my 99 I have the switch just behind the seat base, and my batteries are right there too on the ledge, one on each side. If your battery dies, and you cannot access it to put a jumper box or charger on it, you need to remove the back, and crawl in there. I have never had to do this on my SAN, but did have to once or twice on my BFN, but had one battery and no Perko back then.