Gas Lift Struts

[BruceK]

Since 2020 I`ve endured 3 gas lift hatch struts that don`t. Checking Ebay, they`re not expensive. You need to measure up, they come in a range of lengths and power/strengths. The heavy fibreglass FB access hatch lifter above the stairs, 500mm extended, showed a bent 8mm central shaft. I found a stronger version with a 10mm shaft which might do better. Another 500mm one is required for the reasonably heavy cockpit hatch,( they seem to sell in pairs), and the ER hatch one in the cabin sole is a 250mm length. 2 sets of 2 cost a modest $54 AUD delivered, if they work and they last, hatch lifting and closing might just get easier.

 

[Comodave]

Let us know how it works out.

 

[Insequent]

I hope the ones you bought give good service. I tired of the standard ones failing and went with stainless steel ones from these guys. They can pressurise to what you require. Of course changing attachment points can alter pressure requiredalthough you then have to work out the chnage in length required. If ordering, they are sold based on the extended length.

Stainless Steel Gas Struts | Struts Specialist

 

[SteveK]

I replaced 3 pairs and found several the same lenght but meant for different hatch weights. Chose the 100lb model and now the hatches open after a few inches of pull on their own.
LINK HERE

 

[BruceK]

It looked an easy swapover, until I found the attachment bolt flanges of non stainless material are too rusted to hold to undo the securing nut. I might have to remove the fittings attached to boat and hatch to cut off the end fitting of the 2 500mm struts, unless I can do it in place with the Dremel. Plus I mismeasured the shorter strut by a long shot...not urgent...mechanics/carpentry is not my strong suit... I`ll get there eventually.

 

[rebunt]

McMaster-Carr has a tremendous selection of struts. Also has SS struts. Been buying there for years. Great selection and prices.

 

[BruceK]

Job done, reporting back. I suspect all 3 replaced lifters were OEM.
We kind of cheated with the interior ER hatch, the new strut was the same shaft size and it fitted the existing "ball" bolts which,spending life in the dry bilge ER, looked in good condition.
I`d upsized the 2 exterior struts from 8mm shaft to 10mm. One for the cockpit lazarette, the other for heavy fiberglass hatch over the FB stairs where the shaft was noticeably bent. No one likes a bent shaft. Increasing shaft size increased "ball" size so the ball connector bolts had to be swapped. The securing nuts and spring washers were fine but the flange of the bolt was narrow, and in 2 cases rusted and impossible to grip securely. We had to use vice grips, in each case the bolt broke while attempting to unscrew the nut. One broke nicely and fell out of the mounting bracket, the other broke and the remnant had to be ground off the bracket using the Dremel, fortunately no angle grinder required.
The 2 exterior replacement struts look to be stainless steel and the flange "nut" is real world nut size.
They all lift strongly once moved manually. I might have overdone the lifting strength.