Engine hatch hinges

[william bailey]

Am having problems with the two-piece(take apart) hinges mounted to the engine hatch on my 97 Convincor253. They just don't seem strong enough. Other than hiring an expert welder/fabricator to make a stronger set. Does anybody have a quicker solution. Should I contact Checkmate to see what they are installing on the newer Convincors? Any help here would be great.

Thanks, WilliamB

[william bailey]

Am having problems with the two-piece(take apart) hinges mounted to the engine hatch on my 97 Convincor253. They just don't seem strong enough. Other than hiring an expert welder/fabricator to make a stronger set. Does anybody have a quicker solution. Should I contact Checkmate to see what they are installing on the newer Convincors? Any help here would be great.

Thanks, WilliamB

[Convincor283]

William, I am having the same problem and have not found a cure yet but My brother has a 99' Convincor and they changed the hole disign of the hatch and the hinges are on the side but wont fit on our design.If I find a hinge that will fit and is better I will post it.Hope you will to. Good Luck. Rod. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gif

It's Always Better In A MATE !

[william bailey]

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gifOhh, man. I am bangin' my head about it too. In about a month I will be taking the cover off and trying to think of a way to fix the problem. That engine hatch is so darn heavy. The hinges are just not strong enough to take the pounding on Lake St. Clair.
If you come up with something, let me know. Vice Versa for me too.

[vinny p.]

I have a '99 Convincor and as was said, the hinges and hatch are of a new design. Checkmate finally fixed the problem. A friend has an '89 Convincor with the same problems. I don't know for sure if the attached link will help. I am sure you guys with this style hatch will be the best judge for a cure. I have used items from Dana Marine before. I can say that they are first class parts. I hope this helps.

http://www.danamarineproducts.com/store.cfm?CFID=682305&CFTOKEN=5443515

[vinny p.]

For some reason, the link I attached is not bringing you to the page I wanted you to see. Just use the pull down arrow on the left and click on hinges.

[william bailey]

I checked the site. They look like quality stuff. I don't think (just by looking) those hinges will work. And, I am not sure if aluminum will be strong enough.
Should I, or has anybody talked to the folks at Checkmate about possibly making a retro-fit hinge? Man, I would be willing to pay generously for the parts. Just a thought.

Thanks

[Chris]

william,

Try giving Mike a call at Checkmate. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

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[Rickracer]

We handle all kinds of hinges. Send us a pic and measurements of your hinges, and we can match you up with some stronger ones that will work. Let us know if we can help. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[boatn70]

whats happening to thehinges?

[Convincor283]

Boatn70, The pin in the hinge sticksout one side of the hinge and slides into the other side of the hinge and what is happining is the pin is bending, and the size of the hinge is so small that the bolt holes in the fiberglass are oblonging or twisting and breaking the bolts. Hope I explained it so you can understand it somewhat.

[boatn70]

sounds like the same hinge they put on the rear seat on my enhanter in 87. I can see what the problem is with the big hatch, works fine for me but im only lifting 30#s or so. good to know as ive been lookin at convincors in that age range.
thanks
kevin

[BOB'S 283]

well add my name to the list of owners looking for a solution to the hinge problem . would love to see a picture of how checkmate finally solved the problem with the newer models . there just does not appear to be enough room there to use a big enough hinge to get the job done

[fastskipper]

Maybe these will work

http://www.getrealperformance.com/ProductGroupDetails.aspx?ProductGroupID=12

[BOB'S 283]

i noticed on checkmates website under "manufacturing" they show a set of scissor hinges similar to something you would see on a car . i tried calling mike at checkmate today but missed him . i'd order something that they say will fix the problem without having to screw around and make it fit . i would think that between the hinges i just mentioned ,the original 2 piece hinges and the power ram , that would do the trick . RISENSHINE !!!!!!

[BOB'S 283]

i just talked to mike . he said they solved the problem on the 259 convincor ? and a few others . but we can't use the new style hinges on the old style hatch . so i ordered another set of the original style . i think i can do a better job of installing them by using backing plates or bigger washers and keeping them tight this time . if its still not enough , i think someone sent in a picture of a set of billet hinges that could probably be mounted from the underside of the hatch ,and they could all work in conjunction ,, while still maintaing the factory appearance from the outside .RISENSHINE !!!!!

[Flash]

checkmate employee here.....the scissor hinge is the ticket....they will mount on the side of the engine compartment and to you hatch by just romoving the hatch pad.....a few acorn nuts takes the pad off and you cant through bolt the hinge.....if not the best trick would be to go to a bigger bolt in the hinge and put some backing plates behind them at the deck....

[BOB'S 283]

hey flash , thanks man ! did you mean to say that you CAN , OR CAN'T through bolt the scissor hinges ????? and i have the hatch off already , and someone from checkmate wished us happy new years etc etc on the plywood inside , no signatures though . my boat was built when everyone was in a good mood ..... so are you using the both types of hinges on the 300 convincor ? were there any modifications made to the deck molds or hatch from 1995 to now in this area ? thanks again . this is pretty cool being able to talk to someone building this stuff . RISENSHINE !!!!!!

[BOB'S 283]

my replacement hinges came from checkmate .same style ,but heavier , and bolts ! not screws. will just have to drill out original holes . i am going to use oversize washers and keep everything tight this time.RISENSHINE !!

[Leedo Lanes]

Hey Bob, How much were they and are they the scissor type or replacement originals??

[BOB'S 283]

leedo...$25.00 . they're like the originals ,just heavier than what checkmate used in 95. i also got updated checkmate stickers with the checkered backround and horses head ,for $28.00 . pricing is more than fair . if i get another 9 years out of it before i have to do it again i'll be satisfied . i'm going to just get in the habit of checking them when i change the oil . if you or anyone decide to try the scissor style , keep us posted.RISENSHINE!!!!

[Flash]

we are not using the scissors hinges on the 283....(300)....we just put heavier hinges and a torgue bolt instead of a phillips....used to be #10 bolts and have up-graded to 1/4 by 20 torgue bolts....if it were ny boat I would also add a backing plate to the bottom of the deck for more but it may not be needed....you can drill it all out with a 1/4 inch bit and andd theses things yourself....your hole is already wollered out anyhow.....the hinge on the hatch is ok I hope....if not it is just as easily fixed.....let me know....you can mail me at kcwilliams@columbus.rr.com if ya want a faster responnse....dont get on this site as often as I like too.....good luck

[Flash]

you were asking about the 253 so my bad for saying the 300.....either way we have beefed things up and you got the info....good luck

[BOB'S 283]

thanks flash ,started to mount the hinges today , have to cut some plate and we're good to go . do you know what product they buff the boats out with and send them out the door with ?