How to correctly size and install a Lenco electric hatch lift
Heavy hatches, engine covers, or flaps on deck can quickly become a burden on board. This is where Lenco's electric hatch lifters (Electric Hatch Lifts) offer comfortable, fast, and safe relief: The powerful electric systems can push up to 226 kg and handle a stroke length of up to 76 cm! Since they are absolutely waterproof and maintenance-free, they only need to be installed correctly once. In this guide article, we summarize the most important installation steps for you.
The enormous power of Lenco Hatch Lifters
Thanks to a special in-line motor design, a single Lenco hatch lifter delivers a lifting force of approx. 226 kg. It also features a clever protection mechanism: when the hatch is fully open or closed, the clutch-less ball screw simply rotates freely . This reliably prevents the motor from burning out.
Step 1: Calculating the correct size and lifting force
Before you begin assembly, the force acting on the mounting point must be calculated. A single cylinder is designed for a maximum load of 226 kg. If this value is exceeded, two synchronously operating cylinders must be installed.
Calculation formula for Lenco hatch lifters:
Required force in kg = (Y × W) / X
Y = Length in cm of the hatch from the hinge (pivot point) to the opposite edge
W = The total weight of the hatch to be lifted in kg
X = Distance in cm from the hinge (pivot point) to the desired mounting point on the hatch
Step 2: Determine the appropriate length for the Lenco hatch lifter
The correct length depends on the available space and the desired opening angle. Measure the distance when closed between the lower mounting point on the boat hull and the upper mounting point on the hatch. Two values are crucial:
Retracted length: The length from bolt to bolt in the fully retracted state. This must not be longer than the available space in the closed state.
Stroke: Indicates how far the hatch lifter can extend. A larger stroke logically leads to a larger opening angle.
Step 3: Determine the perfect mounting point - how to open the flap widest
Correct alignment during installation is crucial for durability and optimal power transmission.
- Vertical alignment: The drive develops its greatest force when mounted at a 90-degree angle (i.e. as vertically as possible) to the hatch. The more angled the motor is positioned, the more lifting force is lost.
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Maximum angle: In the retracted state (with the hatch closed), the angle of the lifter to the horizontal must not be less than 45 degrees.
How far the hatch opens depends on two factors: the stroke of the hatch lifter and the distance of the mounting point to the hinge (measurement X).
A crucial physical rule (the compromise between angle and force) applies here:
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The closer the mounting point is to the hinge (X), the wider the hatch opens.
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However: The closer you get to the hinge, the more force the cylinder has to exert!
To find the ideal attachment point for the maximum opening angle without overloading the motor, proceed in two steps:
Calculate the minimum distance (X)
Since a single Lenco hatch lifter can lift a maximum of 226 kg, we need to calculate how close we can get to the hinge:
Minimum distance X (in cm) = (Total length of the hatch Y × Weight of the hatch W) / 226 kg
Example: Your hatch is 100 cm long (Y) and weighs 80 kg (W). (100 cm × 80 kg) / 226 kg = 35.4 cm. You can therefore mount the lifter up to 35.4 cm away from the hinge. If you move it closer, the hatch will be too heavy for the motor.
Calculate the opening angle
After determining the mounting point (X) and selecting a hatch lifter with a specific stroke (see table), the approximate opening angle of the hatch can be calculated using the geometric formula (circular chord):
Opening angle (in degrees) ≈ (Stroke / X) × 57.3
Example calculation:
Cylinder attachment at X = 40 cm.
Model HL-1600 with a stroke of 40 cm.
Calculation: (40 cm stroke / 40 cm distance X) × 57.3 = 57.3 degrees.
Your hatch will open by approx. 57 degrees in this configuration.
Important tips:
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. However, if the hatch closes before the lifter has reached its full end of stroke, the motor will tear at the bracket. This inevitably leads to serious damage. Remedy: In this case, correct the distance under the brackets (e.g., with washers) until the lifter and hatch are perfectly harmonized.
- Math is good, but a test on the boat is better – make two templates (cardboard or wood) with minimum and maximum lengths and test the attachment points on your hatch.
After determining all relevant data, the suitable model for your Lenco hatch lifter can be identified:
Pro Tip: Emergency Release in Case of Power Failure
If the power supply on board fails or the battery is empty, the clevis pins (included in the delivery) on the brackets can be released to manually open the hatch. Since Lenco hatch lifters are often located in the engine compartment under the hatch, there is a trick: Attach a rope (or a wire rope) to the upper release pin and route it through a small opening to the outside. This way, you can pull the pin from the outside at any time and open the hatch. Alternatively, hatches can be opened a crack if a non-locking slide bracket is installed (sold separately)
