Gas Strut on Lazarette Hatch
I ahve a Beneteau 323 which has a Staboard Lazarette hatch which is essentially the entire starboard seat including the back. After having it slam shut on me a couple of times while trying to retrieve gear from the locker, I decided to install a gas strut like those on automobile hoods and deck lids. Because of the design of the seat, which has a lip on it, I had to install a short piece of 1 x3 teak to extend the seatback downward slightly inside the locker. Then I used the stock hardware for the strut. Works great, no more smashed fingers or bonked skulls when the lid come crashing down.
I ahve a Beneteau 323 which has a Staboard Lazarette hatch which is essentially the entire starboard seat including the back. After having it slam shut on me a couple of times while trying to retrieve gear from the locker, I decided to install a gas strut like those on automobile hoods and deck lids. Because of the design of the seat, which has a lip on it, I had to install a short piece of 1 x3 teak to extend the seatback downward slightly inside the locker. Then I used the stock hardware for the strut. Works great, no more smashed fingers or bonked skulls when the lid come crashing down.