Lazarette lid struts?

[Mycroft]

Out lazarette lid is quite heavy and I'd like to install struts like on a car trunk. Anybody successfully done this? What particular strut would you recommend?

Thx

[mariner36bob]

I like the hatch springs. They last longer. Gas struts rust in a year or two, they are very thin walled.

Springs become rigid and create a strut when extended, but a little push or pull in the middle bends them and allows them to collapse.

There are multiple length and weight supporting models available.

[Kyoko]

Hi.Äntligen – gasdämpare på sittbrunnsluckorna! | PimpMyBoat
I have done it, look at this site, (in Swedish but you can look at the pictures)

[rognvald]

Originally Posted by Mycroft

Out lazarette lid is quite heavy and I'd like to install struts like on a car trunk. Anybody successfully done this? What particular strut would you recommend?

Thx

Mycroft,
Struts are just one more thing to maintain and rust. Why not use a bungee with clips and attach to a convenient point(lifeline, winch, cleat, etc)? We have used these for the past 25 years. They work. They are inexpensive. There is no maintenance. Good luck and safe sailing.

[JPA Cate]

Our lazarette hatches came with the springs. We have since converted one to bungee like rognvald suggests. With the bungee (ours goes to the pushpit), your shoulder cannot accidentally bump the spring and the lid stays open instead of crashing down. Suit the gauge of the bungee to the weight of the hatch lid.

Struts are dear, and rust prone.
Ann

[Mycroft]

Thanks everyone for your inputs!!! Looks like bungee cord wins hands-down.

[Cheechako]

I've done struts. They last maybe 3-6 years depending on conditions. It does relieve the weight big time. I like the "hatch springs" but be very careful with a heavy lid, when it is up, just bumping the spring and it slams down! and pulling things out of a locker you usually do bump it. Sooo...
-If you want weight relief, use gas struts. at about $22 a pair nowdays that's a couple bucks a year.
-if you want to secure it in the up position the bungee works great.

[Azul]

http://www.boatingmag.com/installing-gas-strut-hatch-supports

[SVNeko]

I did it with ss struts from lift technologies in canada. Google them. Nice product and helpful service people.

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[colemj]

SS will solve the rust issue, but we have 7 cheap automotive struts on our boat operating various lids and hatches and have not seen a spot of rust on them in 18yrs. Granted, they are inside applications (but two are fridge and freezer, so they see moisture). Replacement is always because they gradually lose their lift force over 5-8 years or so. I have had many of those spring things and no way would I use them anymore - way too many cracked skulls from accidentally bumping them.

If they do rust in 3 years or so, just replace them. These things only cost $10 if you stay away from the marine stores.

Mark