Question for older manhattan owners -unlocking hilo platform

[Bonkers]

Hi everybody, very embarassing question. I have mostly figured out the boat but am completely clueless as to how to unlock the hilo platform. I have an 08 M60. I imagine if any of you have or had a manhattan around those years, the unlocking might be the same. Appreciate any help if u can. I know for sure that when i hit the lower platform button there is very clearly some type of physical lock being engaged (a clunk), but I looked around and couldn't find where the unlock/lock bolt or mechanism is

 

[Andrew M]

Haven't got a Manhattan but do have a HiLo on aother make of boat from that era, I suspect the platform will be a generic system from an outside supplier, most likely H&B...

If you have an H&B Techniks system unfortunately you might have done some damage already, hopefully you haven't but be prepared for that., by just powering down after a long period of unuse. You should always, always, power these "up" for 5 seconds before powering down. The sytem could be losing internal pressure over a period of time and it won't then have the positive pressure in the rams that operate to lift and release the locking levers, this will mean it will be trying to power the platform down whilst it is still locked up, far worse should only 1 side not have released its lever. But if you're not seeing any platform movement then thankfully if this is the issue then at least you're not "bending" the whole structure with only 1 side travelling.

If it is the H&B system then it will probably have a locking lever on each side that is lifted by a hydraulic ram (on down command to release the structure, and then on up to position it ready for locking in full up, although the shape of the lever's nose can/should also push it up and over the bar on the platform's way up as well) and then sits onto a bar that effectively gives a solid mechanical lock in the full up position.

You can try powering the system up for 5 or 10 seconds then try down. if your pump and valves are still working correctly then the up time should have restored pressure back into the pipes/valves/rams and it may all work correctly when you power down.

Of course, it may be that there is something wrong/broken within the system. pump, fluid loss, internal corrosion causing contamination in a valve, balancing valve or any of the rams not working correctly etc etc.

If still nothing it may be time to get your local H&B dealer involved, or another pro that understands the system. Osmotech on the Hamble are def agents, as are All Boat Services in Plymouth, both excellent in my experience. Plus I can give you an excellent South Coast independant engineer for this if you pm me.