First of all, Roger should have included an arm to hold the hatch open.
Does this mean that your forward hatch is either open, or closed. Am I misunderstanding that there is no sliding strut to hold the hatch partially open. What am I missing? What is the arm you refer to? I understand how an electrical strut would be cool to have.
Yeah, it appears that several years of MacGregors came without a front hatch prop rod.
A PO installed a BWY twist clamp adjustable prop rod… it sorta works but requires the use of a pair of pliers to get it clamped and un clamped. Can be a PITA though…..
One of the next offseason TBD Mods is replacing it with something more practical and useful.
Hi Russ!
The 12 VDC actuator is a novel approach! I like it!
If you go that route I’d love to see how you chose to implement it!
NiceAft wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 7:21 pm
Does this mean that your forward hatch is either open, or closed. Am I misunderstanding that there is no sliding strut to hold the hatch partially open.
To creat boats that were affordable with a low price point, Roger kept hardware to a minimum. Boat came with no accessories allowing dealers to customize them.
My boat came with no strut to hold the hatch open. The latch was also one of the cheapest/junkiest I've ever seen. So I replaced the latch and added a strut.
We keep the hatch open all the time until we deploy the headsail where sheets can get tangled in the hatch.
These actuators I found on Amazon appear to be similar to the hatch arm, so I thought maybe it would work as a hatch arm.
Here is someone who did it with an engine cover hatch. https://www.instructables.com/How-to-ma ... atch-Lift/
My 2012 doesn't have any kind of arm either. Never realized that some did. I have the same problem with jib sheets getting tangled up in the locking knob/latch when the hatch is opened. Some times I prop it part way open by just jamming a handle section from a kids aluminum oar in there, but usually it's either open or closed.
Love the actuator idea and interested to see how you end up mounting it. I say go for it!
This project (hatch prop) is on my list too ... never thought of power. I did consider pneumatic briefly after messing with a 100ml syringe clogged with cured epoxy. Currenltly my plan is two or three rods on a swivel, and a stop. Each rod is a different length. Short, medium, long, each props the hatch open progressively. Would require two holes.
But this linear actuator idea tickles my geekery. I like it. I think the 6" version would work. 12" might be too big. Doesn't need to be at the end of the arm.
though…..
I like it!
doesn't have any kind of arm either. Never realized that some did. I have the same problem with jib sheets getting tangled up in the locking knob/latch when the hatch is opened. Some times I prop it part way open by just jamming a handle section from a kids aluminum oar in there, but usually it's either open or closed.