Having issues with our hydraulic swim platform. It’s on a 2012 Sunseeker Portofino 48. Is anyone familiar with the manufacturer? It is stuck in the up position. Almost feels like it’s locked.
Many Mfg's had a locking mechanism. Sometimes you would drive it up, then down to lower. Other assemblies had a second cylinder that would un-lock the rig before lowering. Sadly, on the hill is the only way to service them. Divers are not to mechanical. It could help to know the Mfg..
Thanks for the reply. I’m uncertain of the manufacturer but am planning to be at the boat this week and will try to find out. It was working fine one day and then the next morning when we tried to lower it, it would not budge but about 1/2 inch. Like I said it feels like it’s locked or some safety switch. That’s what I was afraid of as far as having to pull it. Thx again.
You need to find out who manufactured the platform. Boat builders don’t make the platforms. They farm this out to other companies like TNT, Nautical Structures etc. no idea who SS used Some systems used an additional locking system others dont. The boat is only 2012, why don’t you call SS to find out who built it? I can’t believe you don’t have any documents on board. you’re not going to have a safety switch in the water. If you are a locking system then they should be released when you hit down. Have you checked the fluid level in the pump?
Did you try pressing the "up" control for a second or two, before lowering it? In some of these platforms, the locking mechanism can get stuck when loaded, but pushing up for a moment the hydraulic cylinders often does the trick of releasing it. Some manufacturers even suggest to always press "up" for a second, to make the lock disengagement easier, before lowering the platform.
Thx all! Appreciate all the input and suggestions. Trip down postponed until Sunday but I will update findings.
A company out of England makes the hydraulic power pack but not sure if they make the platform. The plate is on the hydraulic power pack, I forget now, it's something like H+M. I believe Sunseeker makes the platform itself. Which is very robust, and generally you never have issues with them, check the locking mechanism......
It's actually H+B Technics, and it's German. I was going to mention it, but I'm only sure that they supply Fairline among British builders - can't be positive about Sunseeker. A boating mate of mine who had one of their platforms retrofitted got the recommendation I previously mentioned (very short lift up, before lowering the platform) directly from one of their factory engineers.
Update: Their is a locking mechanism in the center of the platform attached to the stern. This is where I thought the lock was not releasing properly. It appears to be a "free" lock that is designed to lock in place automatically when the platform is raised and release when lowered. I had a diver in the water yesterday to go underneath to see if they could move the locking mechanism. Sure enough they could. As the diver was holding the locking mechanism, the platform released and went down fine. Now I just need to figure out why the lock all of the sudden is not releasing properly. Thanks all for your comments and suggestions!
I am not sure how the Portofinos are but on my Manhattan there is an electric solenoid that kicks out the safety lever when the down button is pushed. Mine got stuck the first time I used it and it appears through lack of use the solenoid got stuck. Pulled it apart, cleaned it up with some lube and it has been perfect for two years now.