Can not open engine hatch on 360 Sundancer

S

Steve H

New Member
Dec 10, 2014
4
Virginia
Boat Info
2002 360 Sundancer
Engines
8.1 Horizons
I have a 2002 360 Sundancer with dead batteries and can not open the engine hatch. I have tried to jump it from the panel below the dash to no avail. Does anyone have a suggestion?
 
So when you say "jump it" I'm guessing you are applying power via the "cigarette lighter socket"? Maybe try the emergency start button as well while power is being applied to the socket. I don't know which bank the socket is connected to.
The only other option is to remove the cover in the center of the engine bay hatch to pull the pin out of the actuator and lift the hatch manually. It is VERY heavy.
 
"Jumping" the backside of the switch only eliminates the switch from the equation. It does not supply power to the motor - nor should it, as the wiring is not large enough to carry the proper current. The only way jumping the switch would work is if it was broken. As mentioned above, try the cig lighter (12V accessory outlet). In most cases, this jumper harness was included with the boat from the factory.
 
Look for "jump plugs/posts" usually with a Reb/Black designation in cabinets,hatches, under seat, etc. If none are found consider wiring in jump wires from the lift motor to a convenient place so you can attach a jumper battery.
Can also try the shore power battery charger system
 
Last time my batteries died, I plugged in shore power (ran extension cord to a 15-30 amp plug) then turned on battery charger. Waited, and eventually everything started working again, including hatch. Of course, if the batteries will it hold a charge, might not work.
 
I think I've tried every thing and so far to no avail. The small cover plate in the hatch only allows me to touch the top of the starboard engine cover. I could not find the hatch ram and even if I could, the hole is so far back, I'd never be able to lift the hatch. I've tried jumping and charging via the lighter socket. Is there anything else????
 
Is the stern door open and lined up with the magnetic safty switch. Hooking up a fully charged battery to the 12volt cig litter should work.
 
When you do get it to open either electrically or manually wire in a power feed to the motor(s)
and run the wires to a convenient location .
 
If you can touch the top of the starboard engine cover from that access hole, you can reach the actuator rod and pin. Move your hand to the port side, towards the center of the hatch. You should be able to feel the pin, bracket, and actuator rod. I know I've tried it and, while it is a blind search, it was doable.
These may be connected somehow to the port and starboard systems switch on the electrical panel, so make sure your those are on as well (just guessing...)
And, when you do plug in, make sure the battery switches are on. If they are dead, they might have turned off by default and require you to activate again (just guessing here too...)
 
I'm getting closer. I've found the ram for the hatch but unable to pull the pin. It will turn and move back and forth but will not come out. Does anyone know what keeps this pin from falling out? I can not feel any kind of keeper clip.
 
Steve H said:
I'm getting closer. I've found the ram for the hatch but unable to pull the pin. It will turn and move back and forth but will not come out. Does anyone know what keeps this pin from falling out? I can not feel any kind of keeper clip.
Click to expand...
Should be just one of those detent balls keeping it from coming out. Pull harder! Also, you should have 2 rams, so you'll need to pull 2 pins.
 
I've got pins on my boat that have a 'button' on the end that must be pushed otherwise the 'ball' won't let the pin be pulled through.
 
JimG said:
Should be just one of those detent balls keeping it rom coming out. Pull harder! Also, you should have 2 rams, so you'll need to pull 2 pins.
Click to expand...




Gat it. Thanks for all the advice. A wire to my ram motor was broken. On the 36', there was only one ram, could not have done it with out you guys. Steve
 
Steve, take a look at those four small bolts that hold the bottom of the ram to the stainless mounting plate. All four of mine, the nut had fell off of each bolt and only by the grace of God, one of the bolts had bent and was allowing the ram to open the hatch. There were no lock washers of any type used to help keep the nuts tight!
 
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