Gas Filled Hatch Lift

sidelock · #1 07-15-2019, 07:40 PM

Well I fabricated and installed coaming bolsters on my 18SF a while back and now the fish box lid in the bow binds against them on the sides when i open it and I have to hold the lid to keep it open. I can force the lid and compress the bolsters and it will hold in place but I've had it slip and smack me in the noggin and that HURTS. I'm also concerned about wear and/or ripping them over time from repeat rubbing so I intend to install a gas filled lift assist/shock.
Has anyone installed any and can recommend measurements for mounting them ?

Briguy · #2 07-15-2019, 08:47 PM

I have spring locks and want to change to gas filled. LMK what you find out. I'm sure West Marine can help. SS for sure not automotive crap unless you want to replace every other year.

sidelock · #3 07-15-2019, 11:18 PM

SeaDog has all kinds of gas filled lifts and i was thinking their 20" x 20lbs would be sufficient but they don't offer any mounting instructions with regards to where to mount the brackets.

Old'sCool · #4 07-16-2019, 04:31 AM

I put one on my fish box on my 23'. Be sure to get all SS. If I remember they're rated by weight capacity.

sidelock · #5 07-16-2019, 10:25 AM

Getting the proper strut is not the issue, it's mounting measurements/location that I would like to know.

Old'sCool · #6 07-17-2019, 04:18 AM

I can try to get a pic tonight but I think the configuration is different. Mine is on the vertical bulkhead between fish box and anchor locker then on lid door.

Old'sCool · #7 07-19-2019, 10:22 AM

This might help. http://izerwaren.com/detail.php?pid=123&cat=2

dirtwheelsfl · #8 07-19-2019, 12:53 PM

Take a measurement with the hatch open connecting the 2 points where you want the strut ends. (i would put one on the gutter flange as far forward as u can port or stbd, and the one on the hatch will end up wherever needs to be, probably somewhere midway front to back). The open measurement will be the extended length of the shock. Transfer those 2 points to the outside of hatch n gutter with a pencil or tape or whatever and measure with the hatch closed just to make sure the compressed length will work and not bind.

Check out ameritool 625 style. Get the stainless ball end with lil stainless circlip keeper kinda thing... Marine connection liquidators has tons of em for 30$ + brackets, one of the few deals there lol

slow530 · #9 07-31-2019, 03:26 PM

how about friction hinges from gemlux?

NoBones · #10 07-31-2019, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtwheelsfl

Marine connection liquidators has tons of em for 30$ + brackets, one of the few deals there lol

Yeah, MCL is still in love with all of their surplus items !!

Used to be bargains back in the day... Not no more !!