Hey guys - at the risk of bringing up an old post instead of starting a new one, I'm wondering if anybody has any update on this idea or has actually tried it. We've had problems with our Heiki over the years, from broken latches and hammered shade (replaced the latches once) to finally it not opening at all (been that way for a while and at the moment can't remember exactly why it can't open and it is in the shop on the truck right now so I can't start messing with it or inspecting....the shade is completely hammered at this point.) But on this last work trip I did it also began leaking so I have got to deal with it.
The sad part, is we actually like the dam thing because of the ventilation, the starry views at night etc.
My attitude right now is to just take it in to Lance and have them replace it. The leak might be easy to solve/seal /etc., but I am pretty sure the hatch itself is damaged beyond repair to get it back to functioning. The "hurry" is because it is now leaking and because I have a million things to do for us to be getting ready for a grand adventure and life change here soon.
BUT......I called Ketelsen's and they didn't know the exact price, but he said he thinks the replacement is ~ $1200 - $1400. Ouch!
That got me to thinking, and that lead me to some searching here, and that led me to the only thread I could find that discusses some options for an alternative replacement.
I don't want to dive into a major project that will drag out (due to time constraints and more important things) but yet, I'm sure the new Heiki will eventually fail again and need to at least consider some alternatives.
So, any comments on this boat hatch idea? Anyone know the rough opening on an 06 1191? The dealer tells me that changed after a certain year and they have to use a different Heiki for the newer ones. It's killing me to have the TC/T in the shop right now because I need to get working on it, and perhaps I should have waited until I have it back before asking questions, but what the heck.
Did travelnutz's email add something good Silver?
