Dead Batteries-Hatch wont open

Richard Johnston

Richard Johnston

New Member
Sep 10, 2019
2
Boat Info
2018 Sundancer 280 Raymarine GPS
Engines
single screw 350 Mercruiser with bravo III Drives
I have a 2018 280 Sundancer. The last person that put the boat away about 1 month ago left the battery switch in the "Both" position. Today I went to get the boat and the batteries were dead. The hatch would not open. I tried to access the hatch opening to pull the pin from the hydraulic actuator, but it appears to be under stress and wont come undone. I pluged in the shore power and turned on the battery chargers, but after 3 hours, the juice was not sufficient to raise the hatch. Suggestions??? Also once I have access to the engine bay, I want to put in some sort of shortcut to the hatch actuator so that I can access it with out having go through all of this BS. Suggestions??????????? Thanks for your help in advance.
 
I'd check the hatch fuse/ circuit breaker to make sure it didn't trip. Happened to me and i spent hours.
But otherwise, you may need to leave batteries on charge all night.
As for access, i would put a 12v cig lighter adapter where your kill switches are, wire it right to the lift cylinder. This way, regardless of your batteries, you'll be able to supply 12v independ of main system to ensure you'll always be able to open the hatch. Just a thought.
 
Richard Johnston said:
I have a 2018 280 Sundancer. The last person that put the boat away about 1 month ago left the battery switch in the "Both" position. Today I went to get the boat and the batteries were dead. The hatch would not open. I tried to access the hatch opening to pull the pin from the hydraulic actuator, but it appears to be under stress and wont come undone. I pluged in the shore power and turned on the battery chargers, but after 3 hours, the juice was not sufficient to raise the hatch. Suggestions??? Also once I have access to the engine bay, I want to put in some sort of shortcut to the hatch actuator so that I can access it with out having go through all of this BS. Suggestions??????????? Thanks for your help in advance.
Click to expand...

What's the current medical condition of the dude that screwed the pooch on this deal
 
My friend that left the switch in the “Both” position is more mentally depressed than physically.
To follow up, after 8 hours on shore power, I was able yo open the hatch & put a “real” charger on the batteries. 1hour later the engine fired right up.
I like the suggestion about putting the 12 V cigarette lighter adapter in. I will do that tomorrow. Thanks for everyone’s input!!!
 
Richard Johnston said:
My friend that left the switch in the “Both” position is more mentally depressed than physically.
To follow up, after 8 hours on shore power, I was able yo open the hatch & put a “real” charger on the batteries. 1hour later the engine fired right up.
I like the suggestion about putting the 12 V cigarette lighter adapter in. I will do that tomorrow. Thanks for everyone’s input!!!
Click to expand...

Sorry to bust on your buddy. I think Stephen and I were both thinking it was a yard guy/marina that left the battery switch on.
 
I have one of these in my boat. When I pull the batteries for winter I set a battery on the floor and hook jumper cables to these posts to raise/lower the hatch. Can also use them to jump it. Not sure if this is a Crownline thing or if you can buy these off the shelf for any brand?

 
That's cool. Don't think I've seen that rig before. Great idea
 
Many manufacturers use that set up, it is a good design.
 
Did you happen to try plugging a battery into the 12V outlet near your dash? For many of the Sea Rays, they are wired such that it will power the hatch motor. Often, in the owner's packet, there is a jumper cable. I can't say for 100% with your boat - but that is, generally, the case.
 
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I don't know if you can do this on your boat but I can on my current boat and my previous '01 310DA. Your boat is very new so YMMV.

Open the access hatch below the helm and attach a new battery, jump box, or >=20amp charger directly to the power buss. This will supply power directly to the helm which will allow you to open the hatch. If the batteries are as dead as they appear to be, then you should probably do this with the battery switches off.
 
They should make it rather easy to open a power hatch with a dead battery. Happens all the time. With the jump packs available these days, you should be able just to plug in and go.
 
Lazy Daze said:
Did you happen to try plugging a battery into the 12V outlet near your dash? For many of the Sea Rays, that is wired such that it will power the hatch motor. Often, in the owner's packet, there is a jumper cable. I can't say for 100% with your boat - but that is, generally, the case.
Click to expand...
Indeed. If you have a battery jump box and a male/male cigarette lighter adapter cord, you should be good to go. Works on the 2001 and 2002 310 and 380.
 
Use the setup in post 7 or an equivalent connected directly to the battery that power the lift motor or directly to the lift motor
 
I made up a small light weight battery pack from 2 6volt emergency light batteries wired in series. Charges from my cars lighter socket. Easy and works great. I use this after I disconnect my batteries for the winter to close the hatch and open it in the spring. I assume you have a lighter/power socket on the boat.
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