Engine Hatch / Rear Bench
 

This is kind of a spin off of my build thread https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...sci-build.html but figured it would warrant its own discussion. Got pretty far along with my build this year and got the engine started but leaving rear bench out until I feel good with a water test. Now being 6'5" 270 any kind of engine work with the rear bench in is not fun so I was thinking of two thing, please suggest more if you have them. below is an image of the area of the bench I was thinking of removing / lifting.

1. This is by far the easier path, but I would make the rear bench two pieces. the larger section would be bottom plus two sides, and the center upper section would pull out.
2. Attach the center upper section to the engine lid so it would lift with the rear hatch. I like this option better but would need to find some decent looking brackets.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...3567f9518a.png

Option 2 is how my Sunsation is set up. It makes engine room access with twins so much easier. I'm pretty sure all the 32 Dominators were the same.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...eeb356fbda.jpg

Ah exactly, do you have an picture of how the bench is attached to the lid?

the hatch is off in my garage now, I can take a pic of it later. But I can tell you it's all one piece of fiberglass, molded with a right angle in it, and the cushion is attached to that.

Yeah I figured it was a nice factory piece, well no rush with the picture, this will be my winter project.

This^

I like this idea. Although my hatch is already extremely heavy, but wouldn't mind looking into this.

Ooh I'm sorry I never got a chance to take this pic for this thread. My boat is all back together but I can go raise the hatch and take some pics of it.

Here's a few pics.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...fbac24758f.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9ac5a3eaf5.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...60752fb7ec.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...183e980b14.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...ad6b6a9e1c.jpg

What all did you have to do?

Nothing. That's the way it was delivered when new. 1996 Sunsation Dominator.

My 28 Saber is similar, but beefier with some diagonal knee stringers built into where the hatch 90's over. The hatch ram is the same as any other boat I've had The hatch is not that heavy - mine had a auto fire extinguisher mounted to the back seat/hatch as well.

Sorry, i was replying on my phone and didn't realize I wasn't replying to the OP.

Ah perfect, exactly what I am looking to do! Thanks.

Also, those two side bolsters on each side on top of the bench seat have wing nuts on the backside so they are easily removed to gain even more access to the engine compartment.

Yeah, I had the whole back seat out this fall/winter to pull engines. Mine didn't have wingnuts but instead standard stainless 1/2" or so nuts. If I had to do it again maybe I'd replace with wingnuts, but hopefully that's not happening anytime soon.

How did it turn out?