I installed a cheap actuator for my forward hatch. I need to clean up the cable management and run a remote switch back to the main cabin.
So far I'm impressed. Seems to work well. I'm hoping this will allow me to close the hatch without going down into the cabin when I open the genny and have sheets in the way.
Power remote forward hatch
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Be Free
- Admiral
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- Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:08 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Steinhatchee, FL
Re: Power remote forward hatch
Interesting. Can it stop partially open/closed? Where did you get the actuator?
Bill
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
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Russ
- Admiral
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Re: Power remote forward hatch
It can stop at any point. The boat is on the trailer with mast above so I can't open it FULLY. Testing opened only partially
Actuator from Amazon. Came with the switch. I had to modify one of the brackets to mount sideways. I'm not sure I did it the best way but it works.
--Russ
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kmclemore
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Re: Power remote forward hatch
Very cool, Russ! Can you post a link to the bits needed?
- Kevin McLemore, Mac Site Admin
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Russ
- Admiral
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Re: Power remote forward hatch
I basically replaced my hatch arm with an actuator.
I think this one is a bit too strong for the hatch. It will lift 330lbs which scares me if something gets stuck.
The next job is to run a switch back to the cockpit area so I can close the hatch before unfurling the jib. I did see a remote control fob that I might try instead of a hardwired remote.
Actuator
https://www.amazon.com/RVMARINEPAT-Actu ... RWC56?th=1
Remote ?
https://www.amazon.com/Actuator-DC7V-48 ... pl_dp&th=1
I think this one is a bit too strong for the hatch. It will lift 330lbs which scares me if something gets stuck.
The next job is to run a switch back to the cockpit area so I can close the hatch before unfurling the jib. I did see a remote control fob that I might try instead of a hardwired remote.
Actuator
https://www.amazon.com/RVMARINEPAT-Actu ... RWC56?th=1
Remote ?
https://www.amazon.com/Actuator-DC7V-48 ... pl_dp&th=1
--Russ
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Russ
- Admiral
- Posts: 8460
- Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:01 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Bozeman, Montana "Luna Azul" 2008 M 70hp Suzi
Re: Power remote forward hatch
So, rather than fish another pair of wires back into the cabin, I found this little diddy. Wireless remote control.
It works great. I can open/close the hatch from anywhere. Even OFF the boat. In the cockpit. In the cabin.
So far I'm liking this mod. I like to keep the hatch open until we are under sail and the jib sheets get in the way. This will allow me to close it from remote and open it back up later.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFGRXGPJ?re ... title&th=1
It works great. I can open/close the hatch from anywhere. Even OFF the boat. In the cockpit. In the cabin.
So far I'm liking this mod. I like to keep the hatch open until we are under sail and the jib sheets get in the way. This will allow me to close it from remote and open it back up later.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFGRXGPJ?re ... title&th=1
--Russ
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LordElsinore
- First Officer
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OverEasy
- Admiral
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- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: NH & SC
Re: Power remote forward hatch
PRETTY SLICK RUSS!!!
REALLY PRETTY SLICK!!!
What a great mod!
That’s something the Admiral would appreciate!
Nice!
Best Regards,
Over Easy
REALLY PRETTY SLICK!!!
What a great mod!
That’s something the Admiral would appreciate!
Nice!
Best Regards,
Over Easy
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OverEasy
- Admiral
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- Location: NH & SC
Re: Power remote forward hatch
Hi Russ!
Are ya gonna post this in the Mods Section?
It would be great if you could also include the links there for those in the future who will find your Mod valuable!
I showed your Mod to the Admiral who really likes this Mod as it saves a good bit of the hassle getting the hatch open and secured when we launch and land. The variable opening is a nice feature to allow venting while still maintains shade.
The old wing nut clamp we have been using that came with our boat is past its prime. (It’s slipped a couple of times which has resulted in less than Admiralty like vocabulary on thos occasions.
)
That remote control aspect is nice too for the reasons you mentioned.
I can see that this would be a popular upgrade!
Best Regards,
Over Easy
Are ya gonna post this in the Mods Section?
It would be great if you could also include the links there for those in the future who will find your Mod valuable!
I showed your Mod to the Admiral who really likes this Mod as it saves a good bit of the hassle getting the hatch open and secured when we launch and land. The variable opening is a nice feature to allow venting while still maintains shade.
The old wing nut clamp we have been using that came with our boat is past its prime. (It’s slipped a couple of times which has resulted in less than Admiralty like vocabulary on thos occasions.
)That remote control aspect is nice too for the reasons you mentioned.
I can see that this would be a popular upgrade!
Best Regards,
Over Easy