Problem opening engine hatch on Rinker 248

[sask10]

Hi
Our boat is 4 hours away from a Rinker dealer and the  electric engine hatch won't open. We have spoken to the dealer in Saskatoon SK Pally Performance and he does not know how to open the hatch manually, he suggested "prying it with a board". Is there a proper procedure to manually open the engine hatch.
 
We have tried the reset button the the instrument panel and that didn't make a difference. All other electrical functions seem to be working and the batteries are fully charged.
 
We cannot even check the fluid levels in the boat and are afraid to even use the boat.
 
What do you suggest we do?
 

[Babyboomer]

You should have an acess round hatch in the floor open it and pull thje pin on the cylinder or shock what ever you want to call it.
But for GOD'S Sake don't pry it open unless you have a very thick wallet! That engine hatch ain't cheap

[Black_Diamond]

I know on my 342 (and others from on here) that there is an alternate/ emergency set of inputs you can use jumper cables and a separate battery to power it.  Might be worth a try in case it is a switch issue and not the actuator.

Babyboomer is correct on the pin you can pull and then manually lift it.  Prying would be a wallet test for sure.

[etcatmeat]

I just got a 248 and I always wondered how to open it if it didnt open as designed.  Please post your result on opening it, good info to know!

[markrolley]

I have a 360 and have the same problem. I had to remove the part in the Hatch / Deck that the table post mounts into and then cut through the insulation. Now you can get you hand in there to remove the linkage to the top of the hatch. The hatch is very heavy and took two people to pull up on the hole we just made. Once the hatch is up enough to slide something under it, you can now get the proper leverage to open the hatch all of the way. Have your boat pole ready to use as a make shift hatch holder. I hope this helps.