Hatch Lifts
What Are Marine Hatch Lifts?
Any boater who has wrestled with a heavy engine hatch in choppy water knows the value of a reliable hatch lift. Marine hatch lifts are electromechanical or gas-assist actuators that provide controlled, powered support for opening and closing large, heavy hatches aboard a vessel. Hatch lifts are used across a wide range of applications — from engine compartment covers and peak tank hatches to storage panels, hatch beams, and even adjustable seating and console lids.
Boat hatch actuators serve a critical role on marine vessels as they keep the environment from reaching sensitive areas, be it the living quarters or mechanical and electronic equipment. These hatches tend to be heavy due to the nature of their function, and it is often difficult to open them by hand when required, especially in choppy waters.
How Hatch Lifts Work
Marine linear actuators are used to automate large covers, open and close windows or hatch lids, and can also be used to adjust ventilation dampers, open and close doors, or operate sliding storage panels. Most electric hatch lifts connect to a simple switch, allowing the operator to raise or lower the hatch to any desired position with the press of a button. By activating a switch, it is possible to lift the hatch to any desired position.
Gas-assist struts are simple and reliable as long as they're properly installed, with the arm always higher than the cylinder so that the lubricant doesn't drip out. Electric actuators, by contrast, offer precise position control and can handle significantly heavier loads, making them the preferred choice for large engine hatches and performance applications.
Key Considerations When Shopping Hatch Lifts
- Load Capacity: Some boats are fitted with undersize hatch lift components, leading to early failure. Lifters are rated by how many pounds they can push, and you want them overrated — a 100-pound hatch, for example, should be fitted with a 120- or 130-pound lifter.
- Single vs. Dual Installation: The use of two lifters, with total power equal to one larger lifter, is a positive, since multiple lifters evenly distribute the stress on the hatch and its hinges.
- Corrosion Resistance: If the boat will encounter salt water, it is critical to select an actuator that has a high IP rating and can also withstand highly corrosive saltwater spray. Look for anodized aluminum and stainless steel construction.
- Locking vs. Non-Locking: The AVL "Locking Version" is recommended for high performance boats where the hatch could open inadvertently while underway.
- Power Failure Override: Always confirm the unit includes a manual override or emergency opening device to ensure safe access if power is lost.
- Stroke Length: The stroke length of the actuator should match the amount of travel required by your specific hatch geometry.
Top Brands in Marine Hatch Lifts
Uflex is the leading name in this category, offering a purpose-built lineup of electromechanical hatch lifters for pleasure boats. The Uflex AV and AVL hatch lifters feature anodized aluminum and stainless steel construction and can lift up to 265 lbs. in single actuator applications, or 530 lbs. in dual installations. Each unit includes a circuit breaker to stop accidental overloading of the system and an electronic stop at the closed or full open position, with IP 65 protection rating — making them well-suited to demanding marine environments.