Gas lift struts

[DougSea]

Anyone out there have any experience retrofitting lift struts to a hatch? The engine room hatch on Sonny IV is VERY heavy and I'd love to fit a pair of assist struts to it. A bonus would be that they would hold the hatch in the open position. Keeping it open in the slip is no problem, but I had to open it at sea one time and before I could secure it a wave rolled me and it slammed shut. Could do some damage!

So, I'm looking for a site that has a guide for sizing (strength, length) and proper mounting methods. Any help would be appreciated!

[Tree]

Doug,

When I was looking to put gas struts on True Grit, I looked everywhere to to find a suitable option.

However, we bought Fisher Price in that time, but what I had found was the Modified Car Scene had lots of options, mostly in stainless too (they love all that under bonnet shinyness!) It might be worth looking in that area as most car bonnets or Hoods as you guys call them, are quite a weight.

[RobS]

So, I'm looking for a site that has a guide for sizing (strength, length) and proper mounting methods. Any help would be appreciated!

There are some links to sizing charts on this page: http://www.attwoodmarine.com/store/category/gas-springs

[Jack]

I went for 2 seasons without replacements because the new ones just wouldn't stay on. The insulation puts a strain on them when they close and they tend to pop off. One of the AOG members told me to add plywood or fiber board between the decking mount and hardware to take the strain off and that worked. I used Attwood Gas Springs. Try http://attwoodmarine.com/store/category/gas-springs or 616 897-9241 for the correct size for your boat.
I have been advised also to keep the exact length line with hooks to attach to both the engine box handle and the radar arch to keep from turning your engine box into a guillotine in the event of high seas while you are checking things out. If the spring lifts fail, the safety line is your backup.
Good luck.
Jack

[whwells]

DougSea: That site provided gives some good information as to the struts and attaching point mounts, However, without knowing the weight of the door -which is heavy- it will be diffiicult to get the right one. Since we have the same hatch door if you come up with a solution I would like to hear about it. Some of the boats manufactured may have had such a lift. My electrical panel has a breaker for a hatch lift which makes me wonder if some were 12V powered. My truck has a pretty heavy cover with manual lifts so it should be possible to get ones that will work for these heavy doors.
whwells "Howard"
2006 35te Sportfisher/Conv.

[amber jj]

Doug I don't know if this will be of any help but this is the info I got from our 31te engine hatch strut.I would think the hatch door should be comparable in weight.

Industrial Customline
Newtown Squere PA 19073 Our strut is approx.22 1/2 in.extended. 17in.compressed Shaft is 1/2 in.dia.
Sorry I couldn't retrieve anymore info from the label. Bob

[DougSea]

Thanks guys,

That all gives me a few places to look. I've been thinking about how I can measure the weight of the door. It's pretty big and has sound insulation as well as the fix fire extinguisher attached to it to make it even heavier.

Bob - thanks for the picture! The way your mount is set up might work for me, without getting in the way of maintenance.

I do plan on using two struts to avoid any tendency of the hatch to torque as it opens, but we'll see. One would be more convenient for access.

[amber jj]

Doug there is a twin on the starboard side.There is also a safety lanyard at aft end of hatch which attaches above the doors inside,but I have never needed to use it.It would probably be a good idea to in a rough sea.You don't want that coming down on your noggin.