After 21 years of man-handling the heavy hatch on my 18' Sutphen, I'm thinking of stepping up to a hydraulic job.

I'm thinking of buying a Bennet hatch lift, which can run off the Bennett trim tab hydraulics. Any feedback on this product? I've seen them as low as $200 plus shipping.

As far as placement, the hatch has 2 hinges on the starboard side, and the trim tab cylinder is mounted on the starboard side of the transom.

Where would be the best place to mount the hatch lift?
Starboard side of engine towards the stern.
Starboard side of engine towards the bow.
Port side of engine towards the stern.
Port side of engine towards the bow.
Maybe towards the bow in front of the engine in the center?

What happens if battery fails? Hinges can be removed without tools, but will hatch lift allow opening? Is there usually some kind of quick release installed?

Thanks for your input!
Dave

Check out www.apimarine.com

They have an interesting hydraulic lift I'm thinking about. Bennett makes a chevy class product and thier real focus is trimplanes.

Why not go to an electric model. LENCO will make what-ever length you need. THey use a composite body with a stainless ball-screw. Very nice and no hydraulic fluid to deal with.

go electric no hydraulic leaks.eddiemarine.com

Thanks for the input.

Sounds like electric may be the way to go. Most likely with a "longish" lift on opposite side of hinges for the least strain.

If I need full engine access, I'll just pull the whole engine hatch off.

Any other input is welcome. Thanks!