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I’m always raising and lowering the forward hatch.

I want it open when possible but it gets caught in headsail sheets so I need to go up and close it

First of all, Roger should have included an arm to hold the hatch open.

I was thinking about a 12v actuator arm.
Could be wired to operate from the cockpit.

Doable or crazy?

https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Actuator-M ... B0CWNBRKWB

Russ you said

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.

Hi All!

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!

Best Regards
Over Easy

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/

This is what I have now.

Crazy like a fox! I love it! Hope you try it.

Mine didn’t come with any sort of prop rod either.

Russ wrote: ↑Fri Jun 14, 2024 1:28 pm I’m always raising and lowering the forward hatch.

I want it open when possible but it gets caught in headsail sheets so I need to go up and close it

First of all, Roger should have included an arm to hold the hatch open.

I was thinking about a 12v actuator arm.
Could be wired to operate from the cockpit.

Doable or crazy?

https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Actuator-M ... B0CWNBRKWB

Just the right kind of crazy.
Let us know how it works out!

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.

Do it!