hydraulic struts for 2000 Albin 28TE motor cover

[netsailer]

I recently purchased a 2000 Albin 28 in pretty decent condition except for a few things. One of which is the fact that it came without the struts to hold up the cover. Does anyone know what size struts they are, and where they can be purchased>>>

Another problem is that the gauge that reports fuel consumption and (apparently) gallons in the tank doesn't work. The boat came with a new aluminum tank. It looks like they just put back the old fittings on the tank. The marina mechanics say that the screw placement on the old fitting does not match any of the replacement parts they know of. Not clear who made the fitting that is attached to the tank itself. Anyone have any suggestions on this???

thanks

Dave Chiriboga (a fairly new member)
Western Way
Largo, Florida

[Sandiegowildcat]

Dave,
When I am down on my boat I will check to see. I seem to recall some markings on those lift mechanisms. Might be a week or two before I get there.

[netsailer]

Thanks Ken. I reviewed past emails on struts and found that the right ones appear to be Attwater gas springs SL26 (tho one post said SL25). I have ordered a pair, with 90 lb pressure (you can ask for any amount from 30 pounds to over 100). A remaining potential issue is that the end fitting for that spring has a 10 mm socket. I think that is what is on the boat, but didn't have a metric ruler. Its kind of a pain that the boat did not have the struts, so cannot use existing ones as a guide!! Dave

[Jack]

You have the right brand. I just had mine replaced last year. There was a very helpful post a couple of years ago or more about using a spacer between the engine box and the hardware for the struts. The soundproofing tends to push against the strut making it pop off the ball joint. By using a piece of plywood or other building material and extending the strut out a little, you take the pressure off. See if you can find that post for more info. Good luck.

[netsailer]

thanks. I noticed that the ball joints had spacers (except one ball joint is missing). When I get the gas springs -- and if they fit-- I will send all the specs to the board.

[netsailer]

summing up, for my year 2000 Albin 28 TE I purchased Attwater gas springs (SL26, with 90 Lb pressure). I switched out the stock spacers, which were 1 inch thick, for two inch thick. Seems to work very well, and the springs do not seem affected by the soundproofing material.

[DougSea]

Glad you got it worked out ok. Thanks for sharing the update.