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Head Latch broken?
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Author:  Optimus Prime [ Fri Sep 04, 2009 7:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Head Latch broken?
Ok, so I can't get the head latch on my 260 to open...no its not locked...just broken internally.

Any ideas on how to get it open?
Author:  230 Mike [ Fri Sep 04, 2009 8:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Head Latch broken?
Are you sure it's broken, or could it just be badly out of adjustment? Mine kept coming open by itself for the first 2 years, even after the dealer "fixed" it. I finally spent 10 minutes on it myself and it's been fine ever since.
Author:  Optimus Prime [ Fri Sep 04, 2009 8:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Head Latch broken?
Mike:

Thanks for your suggestion. I know what you mean, earlier I had that problema nd could open the door by lifting it.

This timeI tried lifting on the door, and then pushing the door down, jiggling,,,etc. Called the delare and they said the plastic pieces inside are probably broken. They said remove the handle and push the shaft into the head and you can then unlatch it with a screwdriver. But, one problem, there is another larger shaft that fills up the hole and one cannot ge ta screwdriver in there.

Any other ideas?
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Fri Sep 04, 2009 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Head Latch broken?
Ironically, when I looked at that boat in the summer of 2007, the head latch was broken on it. This was in the sumner showroom.

Probably just going to have to jiggle and twist and turn unless you want to cause some damage. If I recall, there is a metal plate.

You could also just drill it out and make sure SportBoat plans on replacing the whole latch assembly. I would just do-what-you-need-to-do to get it open without causing any fiberglass damage.

Good luck!
Author:  yrless11 [ Fri Sep 04, 2009 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Head Latch broken?
Can you remove the screws on the hinges to take the door off? That may at least buy you some 'wiggle' room to work on the latch.
Author:  Optimus Prime [ Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Head Latch broken?
Tried removing screws on hinges but the do not removee...just turn...so I suspect the nuts on the inside are spinning.

Cougar:

I suspected as much, I have had a little trouble with this before but this time its different...I suspect it was "going bad" for a while and now it is defintely "done for". SportBoat has already offered to repair or replace it when I can get it to them (kudos to Anthony and Keith). So, I will just jiggle twist and yank until I can get it open... my VHF, ski-vest and a couple of other things are in there...no need to use the head as my rule is "you use it you pump it" and no one wants to take me up on that promise. :-)
Author:  Optimus Prime [ Tue Sep 08, 2009 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Head Latch broken?
Ok, so now I am a latch expert! I took a long bladed flat screwdriver and pushed (light pressure) down on the hook part of the latch that is in the door and latches into the "eye" on the jamb...it released! Not wanting it to happen again I took the latch off the door. While doing that a lot of pieces, parts and springs fell out.

No internal pieces were broken. So, I put it back together figuring out where the four springs went when there was only placement room for three (hint: one goes inside the other). Ready to put it back into the stainless surround when I figure it fell apart because it was only the stainless surround holding the two sides of the latch mechanism together. Measuring and figuring I determined the stainless was 1/8" too wide to hold the latch casing tightly together. So, I zip tied the latch casings together through the two holes that looked like they were designed to have screws and nuts in them to hold that darned thing together (no, no spare nuts and screws with me...just zip ties).

Reassemble into the door and it latches and (more importantly) unlatches better than it ever did.

I suspect that because the was the brochure boat there are somethings just put together at the last minute and never really tested well because they had to get the boat to the picture session.

If anyone needs info on latches, I guess I'm the dude!
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