why not have these built in?

[sunlover]

cut two supports to prop open engine hatch.

 

[sunlover]

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Howzabout a couple of small discrete screw eyes and shiny chain as such :

Given the weight of the hatch door, the eyes and chain shouldn't be too big. If the weight is considerable, small assemblies at each end of the door. The bottom end of the chain would have a hook on it for stowage of the chain or a hook on each end for complete removal.

 

[kloudie1]

Or a couple of gas struts. Takes a bit of measurement to get it correct but they work:
Amazon.com: 2 Truck Upfitters® 10" Gas Props (10" ext, 6.7" compressed, 45 lbs of press ea) Compatible w/Std Aluminum UWS DeeZee etc Toolboxes & Camper Shell Side Windoors. MEASUREMENT REQ'D! Incl 4 ball mounts! : Automotive

 

[Davidasailor26]

Later Beneteau models (the 2007-2014 37 for example) use gas struts for exactly that.

 

[SycloneDriver]

In the photo it almost looks like there is some kind of gas or spring strut. Maybe its just worn out.

 

[BigEasy]

There should be a gas strut mounted on the starboard side of the compartment. The wood mounting bracket on mine split and I had to repair it. Works fine and holds the ladder / engine cover in open position without a problem.

 

[sunlover]

Thanks everybody (or mia culpa)! I went looking for a strut and there is a stainless steal rod that folds up on the door and inserts into a wooden block to prop the door open. Funny, but I wonder if the two other beneteaus that I'm familiar with have something similar. We just had a spare pair of hands to hold the door open.