www.iFourWinns.com

I picked up a 2005 210 Horizon and the engine hatch is very difficult to open. It fits very tightly into the fiberglass frame that it drops into when closed. I can't just pull up on the handle, I must also pull up on the rear seat to help pop it out of the frame. This can't be good for the seat. It already has two hinge shims on each side in the back to help pull the hatch away from the fiberglass frame. I could add another shim if needed. The other thing I considered is sanding the rounded corners of the fiberglass down to give the needed clearance where the hatch is tight. I can see scuffs on the fiberglass where the hatch rubs when pushed down into the frame. Is sanding the hatch down a bit a bad idea? It would not be an area that is visible when the hatch is closed.

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Seth




2005 210 Horizon
5.0L GXi
"Don't Think Twice"

I think shimming it would be a better idea, if you can do it.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I can do it, but it is a pain in the neck. I have had the hinge apart before. My backwards mind removed a shim thinking that would allow the hinge to sit down closer against the fiberglass and would therefore create clearance up front. Obviously, I was wrong. I ordered two hinges. Just dreading taking it apart again. That hatch is heavy and tough to manipulate when not secured. I will give it another try this spring. Thanks for the feedback. That is kind of what I was thinking too.

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Seth




2005 210 Horizon
5.0L GXi
"Don't Think Twice"

On mine the hinges are slotted on the side that affixes to the bottom of the sun deck which allow about 1/2" of overall adjustment. Does yours have any such adjustment? If not you might be able to take off the hinges and modify the holes to give you some flexibility.

captkevin, I don't think mine are slotted. Two studs run from each hinge through the fiberglass and get lock nuts on the inside. The stud location is not adjustable. I can add a shim (or more) behind each hinge (on the outside). This actually moves the entire hatch toward the back of the boat by an amount roughly equal to the shim width. I have one shim installed already. I guess I have to add another. What model do you have?

_________________
Seth




2005 210 Horizon
5.0L GXi
"Don't Think Twice"