Electric Hatch upgrade (retrofit)

[Captn TJ]

Has anyone installed an electric hatch lift? My 2005 280 ER hatch is lifted by hand and it sure is heavy. I'd be interested in knowing if there is a kit available also if the electrical connection already exists in the ER.

Also for those of you with a 280. Does anyone have an electric lift already? Not sure if this was an option in 2005. The EIM has a button for it but then I know that the EIMs were shared between different models.

 

[Lazy Daze]

It was never an "option" on that boat. However, it did become a standard item somewhere along the model run. I'm not sure when (what year) Sea Ray started doing it, but it definitely was something that the later model years had. I'm not sure, though, if anything "special" was done to the underside of the hatch to receive the mount. But that wouldn't be hard to fab up, if needed. The wiring between the dash and the EIM is already done - you'd need to run the appropriate size wire from your hatch motor to the EIM and install the correct fuse. The wiring run/access on that boat is pretty straight forward. You'll also want to cut an access plate into the hatch deck (to reach the quick disconnect) in case you lose power or the hatch motor fails.

On the other hand, maybe your gas springs are just getting tired and in need of replacement. Or, possibly up the poundage another 10 or 20 lbs.

The downside to installing it... at only a 9-1/2' beam, and twin engines, it's a cramped engine bay. Now there will be another thing that is in the way.

 

[Captn TJ]

It was never an "option" on that boat. However, it did become a standard item somewhere along the model run. I'm not sure when (what year) Sea Ray started doing it, but it definitely was something that the later model years had. I'm not sure, though, if anything "special" was done to the underside of the hatch to receive the mount. But that wouldn't be hard to fab up, if needed. The wiring between the dash and the EIM is already done - you'd need to run the appropriate size wire from your hatch motor to the EIM and install the correct fuse. The wiring run/access on that boat is pretty straight forward. You'll also want to cut an access plate into the hatch deck (to reach the quick disconnect) in case you lose power or the hatch motor fails.

On the other hand, maybe your gas springs are just getting tired and in need of replacement. Or, possibly up the poundage another 10 or 20 lbs.

The downside to installing it... at only a 9-1/2' beam, and twin engines, it's a cramped engine bay. Now there will be another thing that is in the way.

Thanks - I always think of these type of shocks as "softening" the closure. Do they also ease or enable the opening of the hatch?

 

[Blueone]

Yes... just like your car engine hood.. if equiped

 

[wyrman]

I was looking for a ram kit to put on my arch when I hinge it and ran across this a few weeks ago.
https://bennetttrimtabs.com/product/hatch-lifting-systems/

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yes... just like your car engine hood.. if equiped

Ditto.

The first few inches of lifting the hatch will be a bit heavy, but the help from the gas springs should take over pretty quickly and eventually finish lifting the hatch the rest of the way.

 

[glenncal1]

I had an electric hatch lift on a Formula 280ss (it lifted the whole back deck and bench seat so it was needed). Sure was convenient. I would still replace your gas struts even if you go with the lift, it will be easier of the lift itself and if you loose power it will be much easier to manually lift the hatch.

 

[DWABoat]

On my 280, I tug about 4 inches up then the struts push it up the rest of the way on their own. Admittedly, that first few inches is quite heavy, but I will not admit I am getting to soft to handle it.