300 Sundancer questions.

Re: 300 Sundancer Mj 2002-How to open engine hatch w/o power

I have a Sea Ray 300 Mj 2002.
How can I open the engine hatch w/o electrical power? Just if batteries are down or hatch actuator is defect?
There is no handle to lift the hatch nor an access point to pull the pin in order to release the hatch actuator tube.
 
Assuming your Mj is like my DA, there is an access port about in the middle of the hatch to reach the acuator release pin and operate manually if needed. It is a beast to lift though. Search the forum or your manual and you will find answers on how to operate the hatch with auxialry power.
 
I would get a portable battery charger with cigarette adapter and use that to lift your hatch. Or get 3 other guys to help you lift it. Like Brian said, there is a round access hole that unscrews. The pin should be within reach. Good luck.
 
Bridog said:
I would get a portable battery charger with cigarette adapter and use that to lift your hatch. Or get 3 other guys to help you lift it. Like Brian said, there is a round access hole that unscrews. The pin should be within reach. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advise guys.
Has anybody tried this? Did anyone had this experience?

Because, yes there is a port. but far from the pin to reach. At least for my arms
 
Uwe, I'll add that I've never actually tried to reach the pin from that opening but I have tried the portable battery charger option with the batteries shut off to see if it would work. And it does. I think for less than 100 dollars it's good to have one for this reason alone.
 
And if the hatch doesn't go up with a jump....check the AFT EIM breaker on the main panel where the battery switches are located. The 20 amp breaker for the hatch is on the EIM of the forward bulkhead in the bilge. If it is tripped, you'll need a long stick (rod) to try to reset it...or pull the pin and l-i-f-t Then pick up a tube of Icy-Hot for your back for the next day!
 
I would only recommend opening the hatch manually as a last resort. Very poor design for this operation. Even if you have help, the only place you can position yourself to lift the hatch is the narrow isle next to the sink with not a single handle or indent to grab. I did manage to pull this off by myself but I was almost crushed, literally. The pole I was using as a brace bent and the hatch slowly closed on me while I was in the engine room. Someone less scrappy then myself would have been screwed. As it was I had to use my body as a wedge to slither out. Not a proud moment as I almost had to yell for help. The wife was more than curious about the scratches down my back too....."oh sure you were almost crushed".

I like the portable jump start box idea, though I have tried it.
 
Bel_Mar_Pointe said:
I would only recommend opening the hatch manually as a last resort. Very poor design for this operation. Even if you have help, the only place you can position yourself to lift the hatch is the narrow isle next to the sink with not a single handle or indent to grab. I did manage to pull this off by myself but I was almost crushed, literally. The pole I was using as a brace bent and the hatch slowly closed on me while I was in the engine room. Someone less scrappy then myself would have been screwed. As it was I had to use my body as a wedge to slither out. Not a proud moment as I almost had to yell for help. The wife was more than curious about the scratches down my back too....."oh sure you were almost crushed".

I like the portable jump start box idea, though I have tried it.
Click to expand...


No scratches on the back, no back pain the next day but ....
see your self. ............My buddy who helped me to lift the hatch was just too weak and my self....I could not hold the hatch alone.
You see the pic and know why I have started this post
 
Last edited:
It's a done deal ... the surveyer found no major problems so we now own a 2003 300 Sundancer. We just have to do a general cleanup, get the drives serviced and replace one of the exhaust bellows, prime the AC water pump, and take care of a fuel issue with the generator.
On the down side ... we have to sell Froggy ... asking $42,500 ... only 90 hours listed with Onset Bay Marina.
 
Bel_Mar_Pointe said:
Congrats Charlie! The 300 is a great boat.

Only 90 hours on your 2004?
Click to expand...

Thanks, we're looking forward to it. It handled great during the sea trial.

Right ... 90 hours on our 260DA... we didn't get out much last year. I bought it 2 years ago with 18 hours on it. It's in great shape.

-Charlie
 
Another fun mod, and question......

I'm getting ready to install 2 pairs of JL Audio 770's in the arch :thumbsup:. Last year I installed a JL amp in the V-berth to accomodate the future speakers. The ventilation is good where the amp is but since I will be running new speaker wire anyway, I was thinking about other possible amp locations.

Anyone installed or have a good amp installation location between the V-berth and the electronics cabinet? Is there space behind the crescent couch? I could just leave it where it's at but wanted to check with you guys before finalizing the install. Only downfall to the current location is cable length and I probably have to pull the unit to make wiring connections (odd shaped space).

I'll also be adding an Aux plug in the cockpit. Any pros or cons as to location?

Thanks.........
 
Anybody has/had problem with the water heater (leaking)?
On my 300 I need to replace it. And dam I need to remove thee engine exhaust before:smt013
 
Uwe - So far mine is dry. But you're right about tearing the manifold riser off to get it out of there....can you tell where the leak is coming from?
 
Stray Cat said:
Uwe ....can you tell where the leak is coming from?
Click to expand...


Thats exactly the thing, even if you want to look were the leak is, you need to remove the cover of the heater. To remove the cover you need to remove the manifold riser. So what I did is, to exclude all other thinks that could leak. Left is the heater. I haven't removed the heater yet. Will keep you updated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,248
Messages
1,429,275
Members
61,128
Latest member
greenworld
Back
Top