Gas Shocks not holding hatch open (replaced w/larger and still not holding)

Bonnie's AWOL

New Member
Jul 24, 2019
10
Salisbury, MD
Boat Info
2011 260 Sundancer
Engines
2018 350 MAG V8 w/Bravo III
I bought a 2011 Sundancer 260 DA, first year I owned it, I could lift the hatch and it would stay open. Also - I realized while driving it, the hatch lock was broken and the hatch was bouncing open. I replaced the hatch lock so it wasn't bouncing around anymore however, later that season I tried to open the hatch and I couldn't. I finally got it open using about all the strength I have, and it will no longer stay open. I bought the exact same shocks (80lb), replaced them, not helping at all. I returned them, purchased 100lb shocks, still no go. Now up to 120lb.. not holding. I looked online and see that many hatches for this model have an actuator (some type of switch) There isn't one on this boat that I can locate and I spoke with the previous owner he swears there isn't one. There's nothing under the seat or anything I can figure out.. what am I missing?? Thanks in advance for anyone that can solve this riddle... my mechanic couldn't and it's driving me crazy lol
 
When you're comparing one particular "260DA" to another, you have to make sure you're comparing like to like. Over the years, even though the 260DA moniker stayed the same, the boat changed quite a bit - even being an entirely different (bigger) hull.

If you take a look at your parts manual, it will show the original equipment size gas spring/strut/shock. 80lbs sounds way too light, though. Possibly you got your numbers mixed up. The other thing that comes into play is cold weather - they lose some of their strength when it's cold out. Another variable is the brand - if a really cheap, online spring was bought, that could be the problem, too.
 
When you're comparing one particular "260DA" to another, you have to make sure you're comparing like to like. Over the years, even though the 260DA moniker stayed the same, the boat changed quite a bit - even being an entirely different (bigger) hull.

If you take a look at your parts manual, it will show the original equipment size gas spring/strut/shock. 80lbs sounds way too light, though. Possibly you got your numbers mixed up. The other thing that comes into play is cold weather - they lose some of their strength when it's cold out. Another variable is the brand - if a really cheap, online spring was bought, that could be the problem, too.

I'm not sure I follow, I have a 2011 as I stated in the post. I took a picture of the model number, attached, it worked fine with these in place the entire first season, I originally ordered attwood replacements, they didn't hold, neither did the 100lb or 120lb

IMG_0085.jpg
 
The manual posted for the 2011 260 DA shows that the hatch is opened / closed by means of an electric actuator, with a switch found on the dash.

upload_2021-2-25_14-50-52.png


upload_2021-2-25_14-52-20.png


Parts list also shows gas shocks.
 
I'm not sure I follow, I have a 2011 as I stated in the post.
You mentioned you were comparing to other models - you just have to make sure you compare to the same year/exact model.

If an electric hatch was used, there would be tell tale signs of it originally being there. Could have been an option. But, at this point, it is what it is.

If it worked with 80lbs and now it doesn't (assuming they're good), then the only other reasons that I can think of besides what I've already mentioned is that the hinges are jacked up or the core of the hatch has been compromised by improper screw installation (possibly a previous owner) and the core is now saturated with water and much heavier.
 
The manual posted for the 2011 260 DA shows that the hatch is opened / closed by means of an electric actuator, with a switch found on the dash.

View attachment 100202

View attachment 100203

Parts list also shows gas shocks.
Yes, my original post said that - mine does not and the previous owner claims it never did.
Also, I lifted it numerous times with no issue previously
 
You mentioned you were comparing to other models - you just have to make sure you compare to the same year/exact model.

If an electric hatch was used, there would be tell tale signs of it originally being there. Could have been an option. But, at this point, it is what it is.

If it worked with 80lbs and now it doesn't (assuming they're good), then the only other reasons that I can think of besides what I've already mentioned is that the hinges are jacked up or the core of the hatch has been compromised by improper screw installation (possibly a previous owner) and the core is now saturated with water and much heavier.
Oh - I had said I looked online and this model indicates it has an actuator. And as far as a heavier core - that sounds interesting. How would I find this out? Remedy?
 
I would checkout the hinges see if anything is in a bind. When you open it, does it move smooth?
 
Thank you for your help- we actually just proves one theory correct. The core in the hatch has become saturated with water. We are working to remedy it.
 
You mentioned you were comparing to other models - you just have to make sure you compare to the same year/exact model.

If an electric hatch was used, there would be tell tale signs of it originally being there. Could have been an option. But, at this point, it is what it is.

If it worked with 80lbs and now it doesn't (assuming they're good), then the only other reasons that I can think of besides what I've already mentioned is that the hinges are jacked up or the core of the hatch has been compromised by improper screw installation (possibly a previous owner) and the core is now saturated with water and much heavier.
Thank you- never thought of this- glad you did. The boat was previously a rental, they had moved the back seat cushions several times. I have about 12 holes the hatch bench. We are working on replacing as much of the wet wood as possible and getting it dried out.
 
Thank you for your help- we actually just proves one theory correct. The core in the hatch has become saturated with water. We are working to remedy it.
Well, that stinks, but at least you now have a direction to head. What is your plan? If it's as wet as it sounds, there's a good chance the you're going to have some interior delamination - either now or later - and that will compromise the strength of the hatch. The good thing is that it's removable and you can do the repair from the underside so aesthetics is not really a factor. Plus, you can cover things up with sound deadening material.

The jist of it is... remove hatch... turn it upside down... "skin" the hatch by removing the underside glass skin... remove all wood... replace with new wood or something like Coosa or Divinycell... replace skin. It probably sounds like a daunting task, but it's actually a pretty easy DIY. There's a few more little, in-between steps, but that's the main idea.
 

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