Opening Hatch with Batteries Disconnected

stg099

Active Member
Jun 30, 2013
466
Chicago
Boat Info
2013 370 Sundancer
Engines
8.2L V-Drives
This is my first winter season with our new to us 2013 370 sundancer, and it's also the first boat we've had with an electric engine hatch. We had the yard prep for heated storage which included disconnecting batteries.

I've read prior threads but want to make sure I'm correct on this before I put power to it. My understanding is that I can backfeed the 12v hatch using the cigarette lighter plug and a battery or jumper pack. My dash has the soft touch pads for the hatch open/close, however there is also a traditional carling switch for the hatch underneath the kick panel of the helm. My assumption is that if I backfeed the 12v through the cig lighter that I would use this "hidden" carling switch to open/close the hatch.

Can anyone confirm that this is the case and that this is the correct way to go about this? I know this may seem routine to many, but as this is the first time I've done this I want to ensure I'm not creating any issues.

Thanks,
John
 
I can't comment on the specific switch questions but are you sure the yard didn't disconnect (mechanically) the hatch when they disconnected the batteries? If so, no need to backfeed...just brute force :)

Otherwise the yard would have had to use the backfeed process to lower the hatch so maybe a quick call would confirm how they did it?
 
Thank guys, is anyone aware of Sea Ray documenting this process anywhere? The manual for my 2013 doesn't mention it anywhere. I will also give the yard a call to see what process they use.
 
Wife just bought a new car this week, no key lock on driver door, all key fob, smartphone, remote open start. She into it. I looked at her and said "what if the battery dead, you walking home?". Screw that. I be happy lifting my own hatches thank you very much.
 
Wife just bought a new car this week, no key lock on driver door, all key fob, smartphone, remote open start. She into it. I looked at her and said "what if the battery dead, you walking home?". Screw that. I be happy lifting my own hatches thank you very much.


I can't disagree, it's a silly problem to have. My 280 on gas struts was ideal. Easy, simple and didn't need anything but a pull to get access.
 
Just wanted to circle back on this thread and close it out. Using a 12v jump starter and a male to male heavy duty cigarette style adapter I was able to backed the power to raise the hatch no problem. The touchpad activated and the VHF radio came on as soon as I plugged in the pack. Very easy solution and worked like a charm. Thanks for the input all!

I also did confirm with the yard that I store at that this is the way that they open/close hatches as well.
 
I'm having the same problem. I'm trying to use a cigarette lighter cord I use for charging my IPad. I cut the IPad connection off but the wires are brown and silver. Which is positive and which is negative or does it matter?

Thanks

Ralph
 
I'm having the same problem. I'm trying to use a cigarette lighter cord I use for charging my IPad. I cut the IPad connection off but the wires are brown and silver. Which is positive and which is negative or does it matter?

Thanks

Ralph

Ralph,

I'd be cautious with a cable like that. I bought a heavy duty cigarette adapter from amazon that uses 16 guage wire and that got warm to the touch. I bought a male to male version as my jump pack has a cig lighter plug, but something like this would allow you to connect to a battery or jump pack as needed. I believe the center post is positive while the side "prongs" are negative


https://www.amazon.com/CUZEC-Heavy-...er+adapter&qid=1615819602&s=automotive&sr=1-5
 
Ralph,

I'd be cautious with a cable like that. I bought a heavy duty cigarette adapter from amazon that uses 16 guage wire and that got warm to the touch. I bought a male to male version as my jump pack has a cig lighter plug, but something like this would allow you to connect to a battery or jump pack as needed. I believe the center post is positive while the side "prongs" are negative
I made a heavy duty one for the same reason. I started with a 12v plug from a dead tire inflator, used heavy wire (red and black) to battery clamps. It does not get the least bit warm when being used.

Yes, the center post/pin is the positive.

IMG_0026.JPG
 
Last edited:
This is my first winter season with our new to us 2013 370 sundancer, and it's also the first boat we've had with an electric engine hatch. We had the yard prep for heated storage which included disconnecting batteries.

I've read prior threads but want to make sure I'm correct on this before I put power to it. My understanding is that I can backfeed the 12v hatch using the cigarette lighter plug and a battery or jumper pack. My dash has the soft touch pads for the hatch open/close, however there is also a traditional carling switch for the hatch underneath the kick panel of the helm. My assumption is that if I backfeed the 12v through the cig lighter that I would use this "hidden" carling switch to open/close the hatch.

Can anyone confirm that this is the case and that this is the correct way to go about this? I know this may seem routine to many, but as this is the first time I've done this I want to ensure I'm not creating any issues.

Thanks,
John

Hi,
Just tried the backfeed method and worked like a charm.
bought a 12volt car battery at O'Reilly and connected a cigarette lighter plug (maile). Plugged it into the receptacle at the helm. Actuated the hatch lift switch on the dash panel. Boom! Hatch went up (but kind of slowly).
Very helpful knowledge to share with fellow boaters.
Enjoy the season!
Regards,
Bill
 
Hi,
Just tried the backfeed method and worked like a charm.
bought a 12volt car battery at O'Reilly and connected a cigarette lighter plug (maile). Plugged it into the receptacle at the helm. Actuated the hatch lift switch on the dash panel. Boom! Hatch went up (but kind of slowly).
Very helpful knowledge to share with fellow boaters.
Enjoy the season!
Regards,
Bill
Glad to hear it worked well for you! I was terrified the first time I tried it but it worked like a charm! Happy boating to you!
 

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