R21 Engine Box

[LAKERtoo]

.. has anyone installed a set of gas shocks or other rams on the engine box ? .. I'm looking at the long haul and want to spare the old back any more aggravation, as I want to get the good habit of checking things out before each outing ... I know its not rocket science, but thought that I might avoid mistakes that someone else might have made .. TIA ..Rob

 

[SGIDAVE]

.. has anyone installed a set of gas shocks or other rams on the engine box ? .. I'm looking at the long haul and want to spare the old back any more aggravation, as I want to get the good habit of checking things out before each outing ... I know its not rocket science, but thought that I might avoid mistakes that someone else might have made .. TIA ..Rob

Hello Rob,

I don't know of anyone installing any type of lift assist to the R21 motor box.

Does your boat have the surrey top? If so, you might be able to attach a block/tackle arrangement which would allow you to pull a rope from a comfortable standing posture with good body mechanics. With proper mechanical advantage from the pullies, you would not need to exert much stress on your body to open the engine box. I'm envisioning something with a hook to go over the frame, then another hood on the end of a line which hooks onto the motor box cover handle. It would be put in place/taken down for each use. Scratch this if you have a 21 Classic...

A quick look online shows West Marine sells replacement struts for deck boxes...some of the larger struts toward the bottom of the chart might be suitable. I'd be careful to reinforce the side of the box where you mount the strut and realize it will might interfere with engine/mechanicals access in the open position (like block access to fittings, adjustment points, etc. - plan ahead for that).

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/taylor-ma ... 20_003_512

Let us know what you do...I think we are ALL getting older...at least I AM. Preserving my spine is always a priority...to prolong my boating days especially...

dave

 

[LAKERtoo]

Thx for the comments .. yes it is a 2005 classic .. the boat has a custom aluminum fuel tank that straddles just above the seacock ... I'm considering bonding an aluminum strap across the top of the fuel tank and sides with a bracket for a lower anchor point for a pair of gas shocks .. I think theres clearance on the sides for the body of the shock .. with the upper mounting point either on the underside of the box or a plate on the side.. because there may be occasion to open the box to its full 90 degrees, have a quick release pin on the lower anchor point .

 

[tlkenyon]

I have the same challenge with my R21Classic. I rigged a tackle from the boom to the handle on the box, with a fiddle block (an old Hobie 16 sheet line and block). I also use the tackle to lift the fuel tank when I need to get under it for the seacock. Given the structure of the box, I did not think it would take the strain of the gas cylinders, given the necessary mechanical disadvantage. The the tackle, I can also secure the box in an open position against rocking and rolling in wakes and waves while at the dock. The mast and boom do indeed come in handy once is a while.