Best Gas Shocks for Boat Hatches: Durable Supports to Lift and Hold
If you’re looking to upgrade or replace the gas shock struts on your boat hatch, selecting the right product is crucial for safety and convenience. Gas shocks assist in lifting heavy lids effortlessly and keep them open securely. This guide highlights highly durable, corrosion-resistant gas shocks suitable for boat hatches, designed to perform well in wet and harsh marine environments. Below is a summary table of top gas shocks best suited for boat hatches.
| Product | Force | Length (Extended) | Material | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vepagoo 15 Inch Stainless Steel Gas Struts | 67 lbs / 300 N | 14.96 inch | 304 Stainless Steel | Boat Hatch, RV Bed, Cabinet |
| TAYLOR MADE PRODUCTS 20″ Stainless Steel Gas Shock (90 lbs) | 90 lbs | 20 inch | Annealed Steel with Corrosion Resistant Coating | Boat Hatch, Dock Box |
| ARANA Gas Struts 15 inch 35Lbs with Mounting Brackets | 35 lbs / 156 N | 14.96 inch | Steel | Boat Hatch, Cabinet Door, Storage Box |
| ARANA C16-09322 10 Inch Gas Struts 40lb | 40 lbs / 178 N | 10 inch | Steel | Boat Hatch, Toolbox, RV Cabinet |
| IAQWE 17 Inch 67Lbs Gas Struts with L-Type Mounts | 67 lbs | 17 inch | Steel with Mounts | Boat Hatch, RV Storage, Tool Box Lid |
Vepagoo 15 Inch 67Lb Stainless Steel Gas Struts for Boat Hatch
The Vepagoo 15 Inch Gas Struts are constructed from high-quality 304 stainless steel, making them highly resistant to rust and corrosion from freshwater and saltwater alike. Their design suits harsh environments, ideal for boats, ships, and outdoor applications. With a force rating of 67 lbs (300N), these struts support lids weighing between 57 and 73 lbs effectively.
They measure 14.96 inches when extended and compress to 9.05 inches, fitting covers between 23 and 30 inches. Although screws are not included, their one-piece steel head design simplifies installation. Their resistance to wet environments ensures long-lasting, reliable support for marine use.
TaylorMade 20″ Stainless Steel Gas Shock 90 lbs Force for Boat Hatch
The TaylorMade 20″ Stainless Steel Gas Shock provides a robust 90 lbs of force, making it suitable for larger or heavier boat hatches and dock boxes. Featuring an annealed steel rod with a corrosion-resistant coating, it delivers excellent durability under freshwater or saltwater conditions.
Equipped with 10mm ball ends for easy attachment, these gas shocks maintain reliable performance under continuous exposure to the elements. The force rating is measured at full extension, ensuring strong hold and smooth operation.
ARANA Gas Struts 15 Inch 35Lbs with Mounting Brackets for Boat Hatch
ARANA’s 15 inch, 35 lbs gas struts come with pre-installed sturdy mounting brackets to facilitate quick installation. With an extended length of 14.96 inches and a compressed length of 9.06 inches, these struts are perfectly designed for boat hatches, cabinet doors, and storage box lids weighing between 32 and 44 lbs.
The paired gas shocks deliver smooth lifting support with a stroke length of 5.9 inches. These struts help reduce lifting effort for moderately weighted lids, making them ideal for both marine and home applications.
ARANA C16-09322 10 Inch Gas Struts 40lb Support for Boat Hatch
The ARANA C16-09322 10 Inch Gas Struts provide 40 lbs of force and are suitable for lighter boat hatch lids and toolbox lids. With an extended center-to-center length of 10 inches and a compressed length of 6.2 inches, these compact struts fit various storage boxes, RV cabinets, and thinner lids.
They come in pairs and are compatible with multiple interchange part numbers. Before purchasing, measuring your lid is recommended to ensure the correct length and force rating match your specific hatch or box.
IAQWE 17 Inch 67Lbs Gas Struts with L-Type Mounts for Heavy Duty Boat Hatch
The IAQWE 17 Inch Gas Struts deliver a strong 67 lbs lifting force for heavier boat hatch lids and storage boxes. These struts feature L-type mounting brackets for secure installation and an extended length of 17.09 inches, compressing to 10.35 inches.
Designed for boat covers, RV storage lids, and truck canopy covers, these struts offer durable support in marine and outdoor environments. The pack includes two struts and four mounting brackets, plus installation instructions to assist proper setup.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gas Shock for Your Boat Hatch
Choosing the correct gas shock for your boat hatch depends on several key factors ensuring safe and functional operation. Consider the below purchase considerations before selecting your product.
1. Force Capacity
The force rating, measured in pounds (lbs) or Newtons (N), determines how much weight the gas strut can support. Choose a gas shock that matches or slightly exceeds your hatch lid’s weight for smooth lifting and secure holding. For example, a 67 lbs force gas shock supports lids weighing around 57-73 lbs comfortably.
2. Length and Stroke
Measure the extended and compressed length of your current gas shocks or intended application to match replacements accurately. The stroke length—the distance the strut can compress—is also key to make sure the hatch opens to the ideal angle without overstretching the shock.
3. Material and Corrosion Resistance
For marine environments, look for gas shocks made of stainless steel or those with corrosion-resistant coatings. These materials tolerate exposure to saltwater and prevent rust, extending product lifespan and reliability.
4. Mounting and Installation
Check if gas shocks come with mounting brackets or if they are sold separately. Brackets can simplify installation, especially for DIY replacement projects. Verify the ball joint or socket sizes to ensure compatibility with your hatch fittings.
5. Application Range
Some gas struts serve multiple uses including boat hatches, RV doors, toolboxes, or storage boxes. Confirm that the product suits your specific hatch dimensions and weight range. Wider application versatility can add value if you plan on future use beyond the boat.
6. Environmental Conditions
Gas shocks exposed to weather extremes require durability against cold, wet, or corrosive conditions. Choose products rated specifically for outdoor or marine use to maintain safety and effectiveness.
By considering these factors — force, length, material, mounting, application, and environment — you can select a high-quality gas shock optimized for your boat hatch needs, ensuring ease of use and long-term performance.