Gas strut for the rope locker on a 32xx.-gctid821795

[diveguy]

Has anyone installed a strut on the rope locker hatch on the bow deck? We don't have a windlass and don't have the boat bucks to install one at this time. My wife is quite proficient at setting and pulling the anchor. When she opens the locker she has to loop the fender rope around the pull tab of the hatch to keep it open. I was thinking a strut would solve this problem. The other issue is the fender holders/hangers are behind the hatch so it doesn't open completely.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Guest]

I would be concerned that they would rust up fairly quickly.

[diveguy]

"lolar3288" post=821798 wrote:
I would be concerned that they would rust up fairly quickly.

This hatch spring may be a better option.

http://ca.binnacle.com/p1576/Hatch-Spring-Stainless-Steel-8-3/4-in./product_info.html

[diveguy]

I just installed the hatch spring. Forgot to take a picture but it works great.

[Centerline2]

"diveguy" post=821799 wrote:

"lolar3288" post=821798 wrote:
I would be concerned that they would rust up fairly quickly.

This hatch spring may be a better option.

http://ca.binnacle.com/p1576/Hatch-S...duct_info.html

the keeper spring is a much better idea, and unless they get touched, they will hold a LOT....

[Dunwoody]

West Marine has a variety of lengths, and pressures. They also have stainless steel, pricey but a must for your application.

[diveguy]

Here is a pic of the spring support I installed. Works great!

[Nikko]

Neat mod - I may borrow that.

Noticed you have your fender racks mounted on the outside of the rail. I was eyeballing this very change on my boat this weekend - do you like it? Any pictures of how it looks (wife is worried it may not look right)?