gas spring

[chuzzlewit]

My 1993 Beneteau 35S5 has a 12:1 kicking strap. Combined with this is a Sparcraft (puissance 130 kg ref700 002) telescopic strut which presumably supports the boom during reefing. Inside the strut is a gas spring(Rayflex/Airax) which is kaput.
1.How useful is a supporting strut?
2.Is it worth trying to replace the gas spring or should I just use the topping lift?
3.If I replace the gas spring, should it support the weight of the boom or the stowed sail as well?

All advice gratefully accepted.

 

[2Tizwoz]

Gas struts available here

And may be re-gassed here hopefully more cheaply.

 

[DaveS]

As I understand it, the main reason for development of the boom strut was to avoid the need for a topping lift. This was certainly how I found my present boat on purchase. After a couple of years, however, I rigged a topping lift, sized to act as a main haliard in an emergency, and adjustable from the cockpit. With the topping lift in place the strut is effectively redundant and I only keep it because (a) it still works, and it seems a shame to bin something functional, (b) it prevents the boom falling if the topping lift is accidentally cast off (this has yet to happen).

If my strut failed I would probably get rid of it and not replace. This would also allow the main to be scandalised - a trick not currently available.

If you do fix it then I would suggest that it should hold the weight of boom + sail.

 

[chuzzlewit]

Tizwoz, you are amazing. A thousand thanks.