Mainship 390 engine hatch automation

[Byekurman]

I once saw pictures of a Mainship 390 that I think had a cylinder added which opened the main engine hatch. I think it was hinged on one end. The seemed to be a good option for us older folks who struggle with the weight and size of this removable hatch. Does anyone out there have information on doing this?

 

[ABfish]

My Mikelson has big cockpit hatches that are lifted by 12 volt electric ballscrews. Something like these from Lenco:

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=63554

 

[Chrisjs]

If the hatch is not already hinged, you probably will not be able to do this without some carpentry. If the existing hatch is simply a pull-up type then there will likely not be enough room to swing the hatch in the existing frame if you try to fit a hinge. Just a watch out as you move forward.

 

[Comodave]

We had a Trojan F32 that had really large heavy engine hatches. They were a real pain to lift. I added piano hinges on one side of each of them and it made it much easier to lift them because they could not slide out of control. Still had to lift them but it was way easier to do.