Engine Hatch on a R27

[geoffg]

Since my 2019 Ranger Tug R27 doesn't have a power engine hatch.
Two Questions:
1. What do you use to hold the hatch open while you are down below?
2. Has anyone installed pistons, spring or some hardware to take some of the weight and hold it open.

I appreciate any creative ideas you have implemented on your tugs
Geoff Greve

 

[Submariner]

Since my 2019 Ranger Tug R27 doesn't have a power engine hatch.
Two Questions:
1. What do you use to hold the hatch open while you are down below?
2. Has anyone installed pistons, spring or some hardware to take some of the weight and hold it open.

I appreciate any creative ideas you have implemented on your tugs
Geoff Greve

The boat should have came with installed pistons to hold open al the hatches in the cockpit, including the big center cockpit lazarette.

 

[tlkenyon]

Bunge cord from the lip of the hatch to the stern rail. Simple. Effective. Cheap.

 

[davydub]

We also have a 2019 R27. As Submariner stated the hatch has gas spring pistons. Ours are not quite big enough to reliably hold the hatch up. I use a West Marine extendable hook to prop up the open hatch cover. Works pretty well. We need to replace the existing piston and cannot quite make out the the part number Can any one help me out?

 

[scross]

You might want to do a search for prior discussions about the hydraulic hatch piston (aka ram). My memory remembers that the ram FM used is out of production and parts for it are near impossible to find. Others have moved to an all electric ram as a replacement.
To hold the hatch up while working on it I’d recommend TWO heavy duty ratchet straps - not a bungee cord. You do NOT want that hatch coming loose and falling on you while you are working. Our mechanics at Bellingham Yachts use a ratchet strap even though the hydraulic ram stays put when opened.

 

[venajeff]

This is the info on the (2) gas struts on our R27 center lazarette.


If yours aren't holding up the lid anymore you probably need to get a new pair.