260 Sundancer hatch lift actuator ripped out

[Jimbo2624]

I recently purchased a used 2006 260 Sundancer. Yesterday, when lowering the engine hatch, it dropped quickly when it was about 2 inches from being fully closed. When we got it re-opened, I found that the screws that secure the lower bracket of the actuator had pulled out of the fiberglass. I was surprised to find that they were just lag screws. I was quite lucky that it didn't fail while I was in the compartment!! Has anyone had a similar failure? First thoughts is this is a bad design. It should be through bolted with a plate on the other side of the hull.
Looking for short and long term repair suggestions. I note that when this occurred, the actuator got pushed back against the steering cable and couldn't steer boat to port. Suggest to all owners that have this hatch actuator set-up to inspect the lower mounting bracket screws on the actuator. COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

v/r,
Jim

 

[Nehalennia]

We've heard it before with this and other models. Call SeaRay and ask them what they think.

 

[Jimbo2624]

Thanks for your reply. Plan on calling sea ray as well. I was surprised that when I Google'd the problem, nothing came up so I thought I was an isolated case. Will post what Sea Ray has to say.

Jim

 

[villain style]

Check this thread - May be some similarities.

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/36257-300-da-hatch-warning

 

[Dave S]

I haven't had any problems with mine yet but I will be checking the mounting flange to see if it is loose at all. Here is a picture of the actuator in my 260DA.

I don't see any way to thru bolt the mounting flange because of it's location. I would guess there is a stringer under the fiberglass liner at the mounting point but I am not sure of that either. If you are going to fix it your self I would email Sea Ray a picture of the flange area and ask their recommendation for a fix. Here is the contact information http://www.searay.com/Page.aspx/pageId/9931/Contact-Sea-Ray.aspx As a 260DA owner, I would also like to know what they tell you.

Thanks.

Dave

 

[KP49]

Engine front mounts held in with lag screws as well..

After reading the sticky of the hatch falling on another boat I looked at mine and everything looks tight and secure on mine, my guess is if someone kept cranking on the switch when the hatch was closed its possible the actuator could pull the lag bolts out if there is enough travel. There is a clutch thats supposed to slip on the actuator when the load gets too high to avoid ripping things out but its possible it failed. Could have been mounted at the wrong angle as well, or it just came loose and years of it pushing forward and back finally opened up the holes enough to rip the screws out.

Nothing a couple new holes nearby and maybe some 5200 for insurance wont fix. After reading about one falling I put the pole down before sticking my head in there or climbing in these days, that hatch weighs a ton.