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Donziweasel
12-27-2008, 06:54 PM
I started playing with the Critter a little. First thing on the list is the engine hatch. Mine came with the same engine hatch knob as my 16. Says Donzi on it. That is all it has. No rams, or anything to hold the hatch up. No old screw holes or hardware or anything. I have to keep it up with a broomstick.

Any suggestions on what type of system I should put on this thing to keep it up?

fogducker III
12-27-2008, 07:11 PM
Glad to hear you have started to "tinker" John.........

IMHO I would install an electric lift system, single ram. The issue would be what to do with the existing lock down knob? Remove, fill and paint/gel coat?? Would be hard to match I would think?

Replace it with a "lock" mechanism? That way when the boat is unattended at least you know they can't peak under the hood.............:wink:

Donziweasel
12-27-2008, 07:28 PM
Yeah, Poodle and I were discussing an electric system. I could always cut the bottom half of the knob off so it is not functionable, secure it, and leave it.

At least you didn't say "use your snow shovel by the door to prop it up":bonk:

Not one word Poodle........:wink:

Air 22
12-27-2008, 07:51 PM
Any suggestions on what type of system I should put on this thing to keep it up?


...VIAGRA....:kingme:....U set ur self up on this one.:)
Couldn't resist...sorry...:)

gcarter
12-27-2008, 07:55 PM
Jamie @ Lakeside can sell you the pneumatic strut hardware. Heck of a lot cheaper than the electric lift.
Ask Mr Poodle Man why his hatch looks like it does?????????

Struts are safer, besides whatta ya do when the battery is dead???

farmer tx
12-27-2008, 11:14 PM
These people are great to work with. Great customer service.
http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/catalog.php?vID=270&cID=5

Donziweasel
12-28-2008, 06:29 AM
Critter battery is under the seat,not in some stupid location like in the engine compartment

Both of mine are in the engine compartment.........

LKSD
12-28-2008, 07:56 AM
Jamie @ Lakeside can sell you the pneumatic strut hardware. Heck of a lot cheaper than the electric lift.
Ask Mr Poodle Man why his hatch looks like it does?????????

Struts are safer, besides whatta ya do when the battery is dead???

Thanks George.. :)

Yes I can set you up with that type of assembly. It is what is used on the 18/22 classics. Give me a shout if it interests you. :)

In the mean time, how bout some more pix of the critter? :D

Jamie..

gcarter
12-28-2008, 08:27 AM
OTOH, there's probably nothing so efficient as a broom stick.:wink:

They work every time!:)

zelatore
12-28-2008, 11:47 AM
Personally I'm not a big fan of the electric lifts. We use them on a number of boats, and they are slow and (sorta) loud. Plus, as mentioned above, if the battery goes dead it's a PITA to disconnect them.

I have gas struts on mine. They work fine and are cheap to install/replace if needed. The only drawback is they don't open the hatch far enough for serious crawl-in-the-bilge type work, but for that I just pop them off the mounts and prop it near vertical with the infamous broomstick.

But if you're looking for the bling, then get the hydraulic unit, a mirrored hatch, and some blue LED engine lighting.

Donziweasel
12-28-2008, 01:01 PM
But if you're looking for the bling, then get the hydraulic unit, a mirrored hatch, and some blue LED engine lighting.

Not necessarily looking for bling, would rather have functionality. BTW, it already has a mirror on the hatch, a nice little touch.

BigGrizzly
12-28-2008, 03:49 PM
There has never been a slow hydraulic on a Criterion, mainly because it uses a trim pump to activate the ram. That guy did a lot of strange stuff to update it. I am not really convinced that up dating is a good thing since most of the time it is done by the PCD (Product Cheapening Department).

zelatore
12-28-2008, 05:44 PM
I am not really convinced that up dating is a good thing since most of the time it is done by the PCD (Product Cheapening Department).

I've found that the PCD is often run by the DPO (Dumba$$ Previous Owner)

BigGrizzly
12-29-2008, 12:47 PM
O Zel you have met them.:wink::nilly: