Installed an access hatch in my 2013 Z3.

[zogzila]

Take a look. I installed an access hatch in the bow. Makes it a lot easier dealing with bags and pumps.

20160313_144706.jpg

20160313_144738.jpg

20160313_144804.jpg

20160313_145121.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Amarine-made-M...ilpage_o08_s00

I've had this installed for two seasons and it's working great.

Main reason I did this was due to obvious access issues. The bags Tige installs up front are honestly not a great fit. I constantly had bags overlapping each other thus filling and draining properly is a huge issue.

My next step was to update the bow ballast configuration. I purchased a used https://www.wakemakers.com/fly-high-...d-bow-sac.html and it worked pretty good, but was too small and the one fill/vent port on top pinches when the bag full.

My next purchase is going to be a customized version of the https://www.wakemakers.com/fly-high-...y-bow-sac.html I plan to have one built with the fill/vent/drain port installed on the vertical walls vs. the top or bottom.

When it's all said and done I'll have two fill, two drain and two vent ports in a single 900lb to 1000lb bag in the bow. All port will have quick connect fittings.

Hope this helps anyone looking for a similar solution. Happy to answer any questions or take suggestions.

Zogzila

[rensink]

I did the exact same thing and it made life a lot easier when having to work on everything up there!

[jslayde1]

Very Nice! I completely agree the access is an issue - thanks for sharing!

[007]

Did you sacrifice the plexiglass wind deflector?

[zogzila]

Not at all. Wind deflector still functions as advertised. I removed it for those pictures and maintenance work.

[BJM]

Did you add the support pole or is it already in there? Do you feel like you lost any structural support?

[007]

And the obvious questions:
1. did you remove the bags before you cut?
2. what type of tool(s) did you use to cut?
3. Did you remove any upholstery before you cut?

[Jesture]

To add another question: How long did the project take? Looks like you have the attention of Z1 & Z3 owners!

[trace]

Oh yeah, I'm paying attention as well. Good Job!!

[Av8tor]

Same here, would love to do this as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rensink]

I did mine under the seat a little further ahead right in the nose of the bow...I think it took me and a buddy around an hour to do it after looking at it and coming up with a game plan. We put the hatch down marked where we wanted it and covered the area in tape after that we drilled four holes one in each corner and got out the air saw. We then put the panel in and put silicone in holes for the screws so if the screws went all the way through they wouldn't cause any issues. I have a picture or two on my computer at home if I remember correctly I'll look after work.

[zogzila]

Questions:
How long did it take?
Did you add the support pole or is it already in there? Do you feel like you lost any structural support?
Did you remove the bags before you cut?
What type of tool(s) did you use to cut?
Did you remove any upholstery before you cut?

* Took a few hours. 1/2 the time thinking through the plan and a couple hours to actually do it.
* I added the support post. Works well. I feel structural support is not an issue.
* I did not remove the bags first. Just pushed them out of the way. I removed them after.
* Hatch came with a template. I simply traced it, drilled a hole in each corner and used my jigsaw with a good blade. Make sure to have a shop vac handy. Lots of dust.
* I did not remove any upholstery.

Good luck.

[Travism]

Can you post the part number or link to the hatch ? I would love to do this to my Z3

[Travism]

Can you post the part number or link to the hatch ? I would love to do this to my Z3

EDIT - Reading was never my strong suit. Found the link in your original post lol.

[Jesture]

What did you make the support post from? Is it secured on the top and bottom or simply wedged into place?