Engine access 400 EC

[Oh La La]

Has anyone come up with a better way to access the engines on the 400 EC. Unhinging the seats and sliding them around seems to me a real PIA. Thinking possibly of installing so type of hinge where can lift them up. Any thoughts??

 

[PlayDate]

Has anyone come up with a better way to access the engines on the 400 EC. Unhinging the seats and sliding them around seems to me a real PIA. Thinking possibly of installing so type of hinge where can lift them up. Any thoughts??

Which boat do you have? A 400 EC (thread title) is a different vintage from a 410 EC (your signature).

 

[Oh La La]

1998 400 Express Cruiser

 

[markrsimon]

It is more than a challenge; given the pins and the metal brackets that are secured to the engine hatch. Would love to change both out with something easier to use. I would also take the opportunity to put plastic runners under the fridge section - so it will slide easier and limit damage from scraping. Even then, if you have the rear bench seat you barely have room to play tetris.

For the front pins, perhaps smaller pins (reducing the need for perfect alignment), or a tapered pin permitting 'close-enough' to work. For the back, I was thinking about a flat bracket - drill a hole and weld a nut to it. Rivet that bracket to the underside of the engine cover. Then the same style bracket on the seat (omit the nut), and use a wing bolt to secure the two together.

Let me know what you come up with -- definitely looking for alternatives as well!