Hatch Won’t Lift

Skipno6

Member
Apr 25, 2018
47
West Michigan
Boat Info
360 Sundancer 2002
Engines
Mercruiser 8.1S Horizon
Hello - I’ve searched threads and haven’t found one that fits my issue. 2002 360 DA hatch switch works, hatch won’t lift, but I can hear it trying (fairly loud clicking sound under hatch).

Tried to pull pin (talk about a bad design), too much pressure and it won’t budge.

Thought there’s not enough juice - tried running power (battery and a power pack) w/aux outlet at helm using OEM part (brand new never used).

Tried transom door both open and closed.

I don’t think it’s a power issue (could be wrong).

That’s all I got! Any ideas on how to get the hatch open?

Thank you!
 
Try having someone actuate the switch both up and down while you are trying to pull the pin?

Do all the rest of your 12V accessories work right now? Is she plugged into shore power?
 
Thanks - we’ll give that a try.

Everything else DC works shore power is live/working.
 
I had that happen on my 330. We were able to get a small amount of leverage on the hatch to raise it just a bit but that was enough to take the pressure off the hydraulic ram so I could pull the pin.
 
Thanks! We’re going to try and see if that works. What was the issue with your hatch after you got it manually lifted?
 
Did you look at the edge of the transom door to make sure that the little magnet hadn't fallen out.

Look at this thread for a picture. The piece without the wire is just pressed into a hole in the edge of the door.
 
Update: I was able to open the hatch last night - toggled the switch (open and close) about 100+ times and it finally gave way.

First, I checked the magnet idea on the transom door - I've seen varying comments about DA's here with or without this safety feature. I don't think my 360 has it, unless I'm really missing it. It would be nice if it did have it! I'm going to further investigate under the hatch/wiring. Although, I did test it when the hatch finally worked (hatch opens and closes if the transom door is in the way).

I then pulled out all of the fuses and put them back in, made sure the switch connections were solid, etc. Not 100%, but I think it was the hatch seal - moisture/pressure had built up and it finally released (made a sucking sound when it finally opened), or the switch itself wasn't making a perfect connection (but why would I the motor then?).

I'm not really sure how it got fixed, but relieved. I'll check on it again today and report back. At least all of my sea strainers are now cleaned of which is what I was trying to do in the first place!

Thanks again for everyone's input - very helpful.
 

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