www.iFourWinns.com

A mechanic will come help me tomorrow.

I would like to make it easier for him by removing the engine hatch, or at least bring it to the vertical position. I have tried to find out if this is possible by reading the manual, but can not find any info about this.

Do any of you know?

Thanks in advance, Rolf

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Four Winns 278 Vista (2006)

I have a 278 that was built in 2006. I can disconnect the electric hatch lifter and lift the hatch beyond its normal range of travel. Also, I have taken the engine hatch off twice - once to work on the hinges and once for an engine removal.
To remove, lift the hatch and disconnect the electric lifter (pull the pin at the top end). Disconnect the water pipes to the swim platform shower. Lower the hatch back in to the horizontal position. Remove the visible screws that hold the hinges down to the swim platform. Lift the whole thing off with a couple of strong assistants. The second time I took the hatch off was in a boat yard and a fork lift was used for the lifting as it was also needed for the engine.

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

Thanks John - brilliant answer and exactly what I needed. I really appreciate that you found time to answer my question since it will save me a lot of time and make it a lot easier for my mechanic.

/Rolf

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Four Winns 278 Vista (2006)

Rolf
You will be disconnecting water pipes if you remove the engine hatch, just in case you are not familiar with Whale fittings there's a video on the http://www.whalepumps.com/marine/ which demonstrates how they work. It's just a matter of pushing in the collet on the back of a fitting and pulling the pipe out. This work will be a good opportunity to grease the nipple on the hatch opener.
John

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)