Engine hatch struts CVX-18

[Shrom CVX-18]

Have any of you guys put Gas struts on your engine hatch?  I am doing it on my CVX-18 and wondering lengh and placement of mounts should be. Did a little research and I think I going with 20" length. Thought I would see if anyone has done it and had pictures to share..

[CVZ18Fan]

I was thinking of doing the same thing on the CVZ18. Will be good to know what length to get.

Rich

[carlsoncvx18]

Craig

Have never done it to my boat looking forward to your results.

I have done it to a Beechcraft Queen Air for there air stairs. Worked for a freight hauler and they beat the s--t out of the air stairs so I made a door that would hinge up held up by gas struts.  The tricky part was to locate them in the right spot and with arms look enough that when you close the door the gas strut would be actually trying to push out and hold the door closed. Then when you open the door you would pull it about 6" which would fully compress the strut pull a little more and the and the gas strut will push open the door. I know it sounds a little complex but a little trial and error and every thing will work.

[dorelse]

I'm pretty sure that it was done on Bruce's (kilroybay) CVX-20 and that the hood hinge was reversed to open towards the bench seat.

[Shrom CVX-18]

Craig

Have never done it to my boat looking forward to your results.

I have done it to a Beechcraft Queen Air for there air stairs. Worked for a freight hauler and they beat the s--t out of the air stairs so I made a door that would hinge up held up by gas struts.  The tricky part was to locate them in the right spot and with arms look enough that when you close the door the gas strut would be actually trying to push out and hold the door closed. Then when you open the door you would pull it about 6" which would fully compress the strut pull a little more and the and the gas strut will push open the door. I know it sounds a little complex but a little trial and error and every thing will work.

Thanks, I'll be sure to post results when done. I found a place online that give you a equation to use and figure everything out but I got lost when reading it.....haha, Im more hands on and trail and error on this kind of stuff like you said. it will probably take a few times before I get it correct.  

It was always a pain opening the hatch on the water and having some one hold it while I was doing who knows what. I'll post my results when finished.

[Glastronjohn18]

I was looking into doing struts also. Along with length we need to think of the lift rating.
Here is what I found at West Marine.


http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=86414&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50667&subdeptNum=50680&classNum=50683#.UX8Yc0ryZHU

[CVX Fever]

Neat project Shrom. I will also be interested to see how it turns out. The prop rod can be kind of a pain sometimes.

[CVZ18Fan]

You know, when I had a few of my f-body cars our forum was able to get Group Purchase pricing on lots of items from companies if we bought in quantity. Sounds like we could go in on a bunch and save some money. Just an idea.

Rich