Selden Rodkicker strut replacement

[SDS3 Sailors]

I have a 2005 H36 and during a recent repair discovered the Rodkicker from Selden had no gas strut inside. Apparently this was an option from Selden. I'm curious if my boat is a "standard" Hunter build without the gas strut or if it was removed by PO.

Thanks for any insight!

 

[chuckwayne]

I'm pretty sure Hunter never installed the optional gas strut unless it was ordered by the original purchaser. My dealer never mentioned it when I ordered Escape

 

[Hello Below]

Common for it to be shipped without a gas spring. My 2012 Hunter e33 shipped new without. I’m sure the SBO store can give a quote if you specify the Type (probably Type 20) and normal, hard or super gas spring. They are very functional replacing the topping lift but Selden’s are pricey. I understand that other reputable manufacturers sell for far less and are of equal or superior in quality.

 

[dkinzer]

My post about installing a generic gas spring may be useful:

How I Added a Gas Spring to My Selden RodKicker Boom Vang

When we were looking at the Hunter 41DS that we eventually bought, I assumed that the rigid boom vang it had was fully operational. It turns out that this boat, and a lot of other Hunters I gather, had a boom vang without a gas spring making it only marginally more useful than a traditional...

forums.sailboatowners.com

 

[Kings Gambit]

I understand that other reputable manufacturers sell for far less and are of equal or superior in quality.

My aftermarket gas spring failed at about 20 yr. My rigger/Selden distributor who helped me acquire a replacement and install it said the Selden gas spring would not have failed. But, 20 yr? That’s still a pretty good run.

 

[spadaforaj]

Given the cost of the Selden replacement - 20 years for an aftermarket spring sounds pretty good to me. Thats correct - it is optional equipment'

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

@chuckwayne is correct for most of the Hunters never came with gas strut vangs as some of my customers wanted gas vs spring loaded struts. Former dealer now retired. Hunter did enjoy my homemade peach brandy made in Franklin County, VA but it was legal as no one had to pay. Some of you call that grog. Another name was moonshine. Statute of Limitations ran out a long time ago

 

[nightowle]

My Selden gas strut gave up the ghost after 22 years this past fall. I bought a replacement with a similar load factor from McMaster Carr for a much better price than the original German ones that are used. It fit perfectly and shipping was fast.