Hydraulic engine cover as an option for SX?

[Brad R.]

Does anyone else have a hydraulic engine hatch (sun pad) on their SX? I was looking at the online parts list and it only shows gas shocks as the means for lift. I have a driver controlled dash button that activates a large single hydraulic ram mounted close to the drivers side of the engine. I have not see this in the options list for any Epics, but it looks completely factory done.

[wakejunky]

It's factory on 02 models. The wiring is there on some 01 models if you want to upgrade.

[cyclone]

I would put one on mine, but its very slow and if your battery is dead you can't open the hatch. Luckily, our battery is outside the hatch (unlike some boats). Since my gas shocks are in good shape and pop the hatch up with no problem, I've been considering putting a solenoid on the release latch and then a second actuator, a "kicker" type solenoid to push the hatch up just enough for the shocks to open it the rest of the way. If the wiring is already there..........

[breakawaydaze]

It is on my S22 and it is s l o w....... the cool factor goes away after about a day. 

[Brad R.]

Thanks for the info. I got a wild hair today to make the trunk lid hydraulic, and controlled from the drivers seat. Then mount 6x9s on the bottom side and facing rearward. With the trunk lid raised to a 40 degree angle, the person boarding could get loud music without sacrificing the view of spotters. Best of all, it is out of sight when you want it to be, and it doesn't take away from the already low headroom of the tower, like the factory speakers. -Kinda stole the idea from the boat that stole our name - 2007 Epic.

[cyclone]

If you didn't want to use the space you could put a box under the trunklid, or some outdoor speakers. I know it sounds funky but  you'd definitely be the only kid on the block with that:)

Shawn made a box for his X22 trunk that had the lid on linear actuators. He may have posted a movie of it opening and closing.

There's definitely some interesting things you could do with the trunk, there's so much storage space available anyway. I agree that it would be nice to have transom audio like on the new Epic.