Storage Hatch Strut Project
- Thread starter joker460
- Start date
@Gunni
I only used one strut. The newer boats use 2 struts, one on each side.
I used the strut here http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Other/Gas-Shock/8406233.p. and the strut hardware http://www.princessauto.com/pal/Other/Gas-Shock-Mount-Bracket/8410797.p
Attributes & Specifications
Size(s) 26.3 in.
Force 70 lb
Stroke Length 15 in.
Not sure on the Hatch weight but took a guess from the last time I got hit in the head
Looks like they don't carry it anymore. You'll need to find a local supplier that meets or exceeds the Force and Stroke specs.
Also if you go with 2 struts you can Halve the Force spec.
I only used one strut. The newer boats use 2 struts, one on each side.
I used the strut here http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Other/Gas-Shock/8406233.p. and the strut hardware http://www.princessauto.com/pal/Other/Gas-Shock-Mount-Bracket/8410797.p
Attributes & Specifications
Size(s) 26.3 in.
Force 70 lb
Stroke Length 15 in.
Not sure on the Hatch weight but took a guess from the last time I got hit in the head
Looks like they don't carry it anymore. You'll need to find a local supplier that meets or exceeds the Force and Stroke specs.
Also if you go with 2 struts you can Halve the Force spec.
Last edited:
Mac Master Carr carries gas springs in all sizes. For the weight of most hatch covers it will not take much of one. You will want to measure how long you want it.
Wow, McMaster-Carr has a huge selection of gas struts, including SS! Thanks Joker your project improvements are really enjoyable. Those lazarette hatches are dangerous if not properly secured. Mine are very similar, but I estimate that 30 lbs would lift them...do you have to apply strong force to close your hatch?
With a gas spring, you most likely will not need any thing to prevent it from closing and it will close easily.
I would suggest moving the bottom end more forward. It may require a longer gas spring but it will give you more support.
I would suggest moving the bottom end more forward. It may require a longer gas spring but it will give you more support.
Because of the shape of the hatch/seat it's tricky to find a mounting spot for the base of the strut that will fully counterbalance the hatch. Fortunately, the boat in the photo has a "wall" beside the hatch opening, some boats have nothing but open space in that area. In that case, one may have to get a bit creative. The strut is certainly definite advantage. Using a piece of line as a stopper is really acting as a shock absorber to prevent any over travel that could tear out the strut brackets or cause the hatch to hit something in the open position.
Attached is a Catalina 375 with the hatch strut installed by the manufacturer and where I stole my idea. Note that the strut is vertical and perpendicular to the hatch in the open position. This is how I came to the position on mine.
Notice how they mounted the lower support without a back wall.
Notice how they mounted the lower support without a back wall.
Attachments
Gas Strut Project
Joker:
Great information. Since last winter when I did the Genoa Winch project you put online (which works like a charm) I have been using a simple line with a hook to the bimini supports. Although it works adequately, it is inconvenient. This is a better idea. Now I will have something to do over the winter when on the hard.
Thanks
Dave Wood
Joker:
Great information. Since last winter when I did the Genoa Winch project you put online (which works like a charm) I have been using a simple line with a hook to the bimini supports. Although it works adequately, it is inconvenient. This is a better idea. Now I will have something to do over the winter when on the hard.
Thanks
Dave Wood