Add a gas strut to Lazarette seat

[quadrille38]

I have a Hunter 38 we acquired new last year. Have found that the cockpit lazarette lid is extremely large and heavy. Find the bungi chord approach less that satisfactory. Because of the shape of the hatch lid and how far it opens, I'm not quite sure exactly how to install the struts.
Does anyone have pictures of an installation that they would share?

Thanks

 

[Tim R.]

I did this on my Pearson 28 that I used to own. I was tired of replacing the folding springs because people could not read and bent the springs the wrong way. Here is the photo of the finished product. I used the same holes for the mounting brackets that the springs used so it looked stock from above.

 

[quadrille38]

Thanks - installation looks good. Pictures help. The lid on the Hunter is \__ shape with a lip at the bottom of seat that is vertical. The hinge is at the top of the back.

Dealing with that complex shape has had me perplexed.

 

[Tim R.]

Using a strut that is mounted up inside the locker and pushes the back up. You may have to mount to the floor.

 

[quadrille38]

Thanks Tim
Your sketch is right on target with the shape of the locker
Appreciate your insights. I'll do some playing around with it

 

[DougM]

I did a strut installation on my Beneteau 323 wirh an L shaped seat. I actually ran the strut in the oppositt direction to that shown in the photos. I added a small tongue bolted throuugh and extending downward from the seat back to provide better leverage.

I used a longer strut perhaps than necessary with about a 30 pound rating.

It works very well, no more unexpected closings!

 

[quadrille38]

Doug
Would you have a picture of your installation? The sketch Tim sent was most helpful but I do think it may take up a lot of locker space to do it that way.

 

[DougM]

I don't have a photo of it and cannot get to my boat right now. However, there is a sketch posted on Beneteau323owners.net . check out chapter 13...

 

[quadrille38]

Thanks
Will look there. Feeling early spring - I'm all ready to launch - way early this year. Unfortunately the line up in the yard won't allow until May 14. Oh well too cold out on the water right now anyway.

 

[larryw]

I've been playing with ideas for years for my Bene 40. Those are some heavy hatches! I was thinking an extension, with a slot cut for attaching, would work,but never actually made anything and don't have anything in a sendable format, so I'm really no help at all.