290 XF Motor hatch

[Philthy]

I have 1988 290XF and hatches that cover the motors are really beat up and it just looks like a bad design. In order to get to the motors you need to physically pick up each hatch with the seat and all and slide it across the floor.
Have you ever heard of any after market rails or hydraulics to fix the current set up?

[ellenD]

Philthy,

I have an 89 290FX and the engine cover for mine is between the 2 seats. It lifts up from the port side and has a strap that holds it up.  I do not have to move the seats unless I need to get to the engines to do major work.  Does yours have a center hatch?

Larry

[Radioshop]

I'm sort of looking at 290's and, 270's, one of my big concerns is the lack of access because of the center hatch.  From reading these posts, I think I understand how it works now, but please correct me if I'm wrong.  There is a center hatch for casual maintenance?  Then there are two hatches directly over the engines,for major maintenance which are part of the seating system?  Is this hatch screwed down?  Is said hatch over the engines water proof without sealant?  I have been on a 270 XF, but it has outboards.

[Anonymous]

Radioshop,

My 290 has the center hatch which will allow you to get between the engines to check fluid levels and do some minor maintenance.  To do major work you do have to unscrew the covers over the engines, which is where the seats are attached.  I have the twin crusader inboards and I have not noticed much water getting into the center hatch.  It is mostly under the top so under normal rains it stays dry.

Larry