Gas Strut on Chart Table Lid

Yes I have. Dimensions and weight probably about the same. I have to restrain it a bit on the way up but the fact that it stays open is a big advantage... I can rummage with two hands. I also put one of those Lidl LED battery 'striplights' in - it's proximity activated so comes on with a wave of the hand, then goes off on its own.
 
I have to restrain it a bit on the way up but the fact that it stays open is a big advantage... I can rummage with two hands.

One of those buckling-spring props would hold it open just as well, without delivering an uppercut to the chin on the way up :)

Pete
 
We have a bit of string secured under the lid, with a hook made from a strip shackle which goes on the gutter at the window above the chart table and holds the lid open. Works perfectly, cost about £1. Incidentally i once took a nasty bash on the head from one with a buckling spring prop. Inadvertently bashed it with something and the lid fell on my head.
 
I used 150N units on my cockpit hatches. Thought they might corrode quickly or fall to bits but they work perfectly and have been fantastic.
 
I'm thinking of fitting a Gas Strut to my Chart Table Lid; .

Has anyone done the same?

No. But I will now! Great idea.
My Gibsea has got the fridge under the chart table so I need to lift the chart table surface and then the chart table base/tray, which is also hinged. I then need to rummage around in the dark, upside down, for that last can of beer that doesn't exist - being careful not to nudge the buckling spring and guillotine myself.
Thanks to your link, I should have less dents in my pate next season.
The motion activated LED battery striplight is also a great idea if I can find one.
Thanks!
 
Would these things work / last in the cockpit to support the cockpit seat locker lids? I an paranoid about having someone hold the seat while I (or a crew member) stick my head into a locker underway as they#re very heavy and would give someone an almighty wallop on the head if they fell closed unexpectedly.
 
Would these things work / last in the cockpit to support the cockpit seat locker lids? I an paranoid about having someone hold the seat while I (or a crew member) stick my head into a locker underway as they#re very heavy and would give someone an almighty wallop on the head if they fell closed unexpectedly.

We use the same string and hook arrangement for cockpit lockers as for chart table and fridge lid, although thicker string for cockpit lockers. Basically a piece of thin rope with plastic hook attached to the cockpit locker lid underneath which you hook onto the guardrail behind.
 
Would these things work / last in the cockpit to support the cockpit seat locker lids? I an paranoid about having someone hold the seat while I (or a crew member) stick my head into a locker underway as they#re very heavy and would give someone an almighty wallop on the head if they fell closed unexpectedly.

Do you not have a lanyard to hook to the guardrail (or wherever)? Vital equipment on locker lids, I was trained from a young age never to open a cockpit locker without hooking the lid back.

My usual crew is a bit more lax about it, I'm always reminding him. Towards the end of last season he got a pretty solid crack on the back of the head, maybe he'll take more care now.

(I thought about installing a gas strut or two, but decided that the unobstructed opening was better when manhandling the dinghy in and out.)

Pete
 
Do you not have a lanyard to hook to the guardrail (or wherever)? Vital equipment on locker lids, I was trained from a young age never to open a cockpit locker without hooking the lid back.

My usual crew is a bit more lax about it, I'm always reminding him. Towards the end of last season he got a pretty solid crack on the back of the head, maybe he'll take more care now.

(I thought about installing a gas strut or two, but decided that the unobstructed opening was better when manhandling the dinghy in and out.)

Pete

Yes, there is a lanyard. But sometimes people (myself included) get a but lax about tying the lid to the guardrail. It occurred to me that a gas strut would be 'always' present. Good point about the opening becoming obstructed though.
 
Yes, there is a lanyard. But sometimes people (myself included) get a but lax about tying the lid to the guardrail.

Minimal modification, then - replace the string with shockcord and put a hook on the end. Much quicker than hitching it on every time.

Pete
 
Minimal modification, then - replace the string with shockcord and put a hook on the end. Much quicker than hitching it on every time.

Pete

Amazing how much windage an open cockpit locker lid can exert.

It's also amazing how much blood comes out of a little scalp wound and how all of this ensanguinates one glasses where it immediately dries to an impermeable lacquer.
 
Hi Nigel

Let me know how you get on , I know where your coming from :) , have a similar boat to yourself and same prob , wont feed the trolls with make of boat :)
 
Top