BobinCovington

It's not a big boat, but it does have it's place in history...I have a classic old Donzi 16 from 1966 and we are doing some work to restore (planning to pull the engine and freshen it up and then repaint this spring as well as repaint the engine bay). I don't really need a power actuator, but I am trying to figure out the best way to mount a prop rod or actuator on my engine hatch cover.

It has the slide off hinges and sometimes need to remove the hatch cover when spinning the outdrive 180 degrees to lock it in... (yes it is an old old Eaton outdrive). But it would be nice to have the ability to prop the hatch up for working on things, but still be able to pop the hatch off if needed. I have seen some quick release pins and the simple gas struts they sell at west marine which is an option, but I am also thinking of a simple (but nice looking) prop rod that clips secure when not in use but easily swings up when needed.

It is my dad's boat who bought it new in 1966 and installed the 66 Ford HIPO 289 built by Dave Zeuschel (Hot Rod Hall of Fame) with help from the great engine guys from back then with Mondello heads, Isky cam, and Edlebrock Manifold, balanced, blueprinted, 11.5:1 compression, so it needs to have a nice engine bay to show it off.

Any thoughts or suggestions are always appreciated.

Bob

Here are a few pics of the boat. (They are before we cleaned it up and started working on it...)

Griff

You could mount gas shocks on each side of the hatch.

BobinCovington

That's what I was thinking, but I would also think I should have a quick detach pin and a way to "Clip" the gas shock so it doesn't swing down on the motor while the hatch is off.

Griff

The are lots of different set ups for mounting gas shocks.
You can find anything you need here. http://www.mcmaster.com/#

Baja555

Yes gas struts are the best setup. I had them on my 18 donzi

LAKESIDE RESTORATIONS

The early classics did not have gas support struts. There also would not be a real easy easy way to pop them on & off the ball sockets. So if you are looking to easily take the hatch on & off, but also be able to prop it open then the old prop stick on a hinge like some of of the earlier ones used would be the ticket. It would also be the least expensive way to do it.. Jamie / Lakeside Restorations

BobinCovington

Thanks Jamie, good to see you on OSO too,
Although I love the idea and the look of the gas struts, it may be difficult to disconnect them in a hurry if needed. I was kind of leaning toward the prop rod idea too. One thought is to have a prop rod custom made that clips horizontal when not in use and swings up to prop the hatch open. It could be made to look very "clean" and even anodized or powdercoated.

LAKESIDE RESTORATIONS

I'm just about everywhere.. lol

Jamie / Lakeside