Gas Springs for Boat Hatches and Boxes

 

Hatches are a common component found on any vessel and are either installed horizontal, vertical overhead or flat. They are not restricted to size, weight or shape therefore making them convenient for accessing an otherwise in accessible space. Often the hatch cover or lid if hinged, can benefit with an addition of one or two gas springs. The gas springs do not only provide hatch support they also provide hatch lift support meaning they make it easier to lift or open a hatch because of the weight. Boat hatch arms were and are still an economical method to keep a hatch from slamming down on one’s fingers whereas gas spring lift support provide that and more with the ease of installation. Gas springs are available in various lengths and strengths making them ideal for heavy engine cover lift supports.

 

Lift support hardware for hatch struts are typically made of two brackets each incorporating a sphere and made from stainless steel that is screwed into the frame and lid of the hatch. The sockets on either end of the hatch lift support snap over the sphere and are ready to provide years of trouble-free service. Hatch struts appear complicated and costly, yet they compare favorably when priced against alternative methods of hatch supports such as a hatch spring or hatch riser arm. If the gas springs that are manufactured out of mild steel are exposed to salt spray, such as at the rear hatch lift supports of an engine cover, it is possible to replace them with a pair of stainless-steel supports. Replacing the rear hatch lift struts can be as straight forward as locating a strut of the same length and swapping them. There are of course other boat hatch lift systems available when considering replacing the rear hatch lift struts.

 

Boat Hatch Lift Systems

 

An alternative to the gas filled struts are the hatch springs, the compressed gas hatch adjuster, the riser arms, and the self-contained hydraulic hatch lifter. The self-contained hydraulic hatch lifter such as the one manufactured by API Marine® or the all-electric lifter from Lenco Marine® are useful for heavy or awkward hatches. These both are electrically driven and with the simplicity of a two-way switch one can raise or lower the hatch.

 

Boat Hatches

 

Pre-manufactured hatches are available in all sizes and shapes, with all designed for a specific purpose whether it be for ventilation, locker access or emergency exit. Pre-manufactured hatches are manufactured for the recreation as well as the commercial markets with some manufacturers offering customized options.

 

Boat Hatch Parts

 

Boat hatches might require parts such as replacement hinges, dogs, handles or riser arms to mention a few. Even when using quality marine parts during manufacture the marine environment can take its toll on the equipment. Fortunately hatch replacement parts are available with the option of upgrading such as when a part was manufactured with zinc plated steel there is the possibility of replacing it with a marine grade stainless steel part. Hatch gaskets do not last forever and are a vital part of the functionality of a hatch and unfortunately will require replacement but with Go2Marine’s vast selection of hatch, hatch accessories, and hatch parts, one is assured of sound hatch advice together with quality hatch products.