SLX 280 Engine Hatch Won't Open

PugetHound

New Member
Aug 2, 2022
19
Boat Info
2022 SLX 280
Engines
Mercruiser 8.2 MAG ECT w/ Bravo III X
Hi,
I recently purchased a 2022 SLX 280. Loving the boat so far, but having an issue where all of the buttons on my Windlass/Engine Hatch control panel are dead (picture of the panel below for reference).
Obvious first thing to check is the fuse, but of course the fuse panel is located in the bilge and access to the bilge is controlled by the dead engine hatch buttons.

Dealer told me where there is an access port under a seat in order to reach a pin that couples the engine hatch to the electric lifting mechanism and that pulling the pin will allow me to manually lift the hatch. Unfortunately, the pin seems to be completely stuck in there. I pulled so hard it bent and yanked the retaining ring right off of it, tried using a channel lock get a better grip, and had some friends also try, but none of us can budge the pin at all.

Am I missing something or does this mean I am not worthy enough to pull it out?

(Trying to avoid bringing it in for service unless absolutely necessary until later in the year so I don't miss any valuable summer days on the water!)

Huge thanks in advance for any advice!
JT

IMG_3199.jpg
 
I just pulled the pin on one side of my engine hatch. It was a PITA to get out and I had the hatch open. I had to close it partially and then remove pressure from the pin by lifting while pulling the pin. It definitely made me think it would be a total cluster if I had to reach down from the top.
 
Thanks for the quick and helpful reply! This makes sense- maybe I should have someone try and lift on the front of the hatch to reduce the static pressure while I try to pull the pin from the back.
 
Just to close off on this for future reference: dealer came out to my boat and performed a mobile service at the marina under warranty. Turned out that the connection to the control panel was loose and caused a short, which blew the fuse.

Also, the fuse for those controls was not in the bilge like they had told me- all of the fuses for the helm controls are accessed deep inside the large bow storage compartment on the starboard side (in front of the helm).

And I asked the technician what he would have done if he had to remove that stuck engine hatch pin manually. He said he would have had to use a hammer. So I guess now I know should that need arise.

Anyways, all systems are working now!
 

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