Sundancer 420 Hatch Lift Fail

[Steven Daniel]

I have a Sundancer 420, 2004 model. We were installing new hatch lift motors because the original Aculifts have failed. We put on 2 new Lenco's rated at 500 lbs each. We wer lowering the hatch for testing. About 4 inches from being complete the entire hatch fell. Luckily no one was injured. Question now is how do we remove the hatch?
Looking for ideas.....

 

[gerryb]

You will have to remove the pins from the LENCOs that connect the hatch to the rod. Access is usually through a nearby compartment or under a seat. You'll see two round 6" access ports...unscrew them and reach under/around.

 

[Steven Daniel]

Thank You. I'll give it a try. I saw a post that said to remove the table stand holder and the pin access may be within reach.

 

[becnme]

I had a similar problem on my 05 420. I too tried aftermarket actuators and had the hatch stick in the closed position. Gerryb is right about the hatch pins but what I tried that worked was to put a port a power through the small hatch to take the weight off of the actuators until the hatch got high enough for them to start working again. Once you get the hatch up enough to get your hands under, several friends can lift while someone pushes the button.
I found the pins very difficult to remove and the hatch impossible to lift. I went over to Marine Max and ordered new actuators from Searay. Not cheap but they work.

 

[importmonkey]

Crawl in through the small access over the genny. Tough to do, but can be done.