Selden Rodkicker

[Javelin]

Selden Rodkicker and other grumbles

I'm part way through a refit of an Oyster 435.
I decided to replace the wire strop on the Selden rod kicker as the original was looking a little tired.
On dismantling I discovered the gas strut inside had almost rusted away although at the time it still seemed to work.
The walls of the gas strut felt spongy and then a few minutes after I placed it on the bench it made a short but loud hiss and died.

I find it strange having fitted lots of stainless struts to locker lids and hatches so I know they exist, that Selden persist in fitting a mild steel encased strut within their expensive alloy rodkickers.
Especially when for a type 30 you're looking at paying £1200.

If you've not checked yours in a while and there's any sign of rust near the base then you know what its likely to be.

 

[wklein]

I agree in principal but holding open a locker is not the same as holding up a 6m boom with sail and stack pack. Gas ram will typically be nearly half the price of full kicker

 

[dunedin]

I find it strange having fitted lots of stainless struts to locker lids and hatches so I know they exist, that Selden persist in fitting a mild steel encased strut within their expensive alloy rodkickers.
Especially when for a type 30 you're looking at paying £1200.

I agree - I too was amazed that Selden fitted a non marine quality gas strut inside the posh marine alloy outer.

I replaced with a S/S one from these guys
http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts/stainless

I measured very carefully and discovered the original was a standard size. And SGS allow you to specifiy the pressure required - so I specified exactly what I wanted (a bit higher than previous one to support stackpack etc)

 

[Birdseye]

I'm part way through a refit of an Oyster 435.
I decided to replace the wire strop on the Selden rod kicker as the original was looking a little tired.
On dismantling I discovered the gas strut inside had almost rusted away although at the time it still seemed to work.
The walls of the gas strut felt spongy and then a few minutes after I placed it on the bench it made a short but loud hiss and died.

I find it strange having fitted lots of stainless struts to locker lids and hatches so I know they exist, that Selden persist in fitting a mild steel encased strut within their expensive alloy rodkickers.
Especially when for a type 30 you're looking at paying £1200.

If you've not checked yours in a while and there's any sign of rust near the base then you know what its likely to be.

Deleted - dunedin beat me to it.

 

[Mistroma]

Yes, my Selden kicker expired after about 3 years. Selden too ages to get back to me with details of a local dealer who could supply a replacement for a large amount of cash. I'd replaced it by then with a cheapo unit which failed within a few weeks and it wasn't worth returning from Spain. However, I got a discount on an all stainless one and it has lasted.

The original Selden model had a steel body with a stainless rod and I was surprised at the cost of a replacement. An all stainless unit was a fraction of the cost. Nothing special about the Selden unit as they simply buy one and put on a huge mark up. I found that Struts Direct provided a service (http://www.strutsdirect.co.uk/).

I wouldn't dream of buying one from Selden now. It's easy to get all the dimensions and force required from the existing part.

 

[Javelin]

£316 + vat I was quoted for a 2.5kn selden gas ram today.
One that I know will rust in 3 years, really makes my blood boil, and don't mention the fact that the inadequate standard rope purchase system for the rod kicker is an extra!

In fact now I start thinking about it there's a whole raft of gear and building techniques with famous and respected names printed on them that are simply not fit for purpose.
Countless ss fittings onto aluminium spars without any duralac or similar isolator.
lewmar ball bearing blocks which apparently due to UV degrade so that they snap after a couple of seasons.
Useless plastic sheaves that deform under load and cause more friction than if they weren't there in the first place.
Nylon 66 used for under water rudder bearings which swell up an well known German made boats.
Mild steel keel bolts in a well specifically to collect bilge water for ineffective bilge pump from a very big French Manufacturer.
Really expensive Pro furl titanium body furling gear where you can't service or replace worn bearings.

And on and on...........

Sorry had a bad week.

 

[Sailfree]

I agree - I too was amazed that Selden fitted a non marine quality gas strut inside the posh marine alloy outer.

I replaced with a S/S one from these guys
http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts/stainless

I measured very carefully and discovered the original was a standard size. And SGS allow you to specifiy the pressure required - so I specified exactly what I wanted (a bit higher than previous one to support stackpack etc)

Did the same - good service from these guys .

Make sure you order the right end fittings - I didn't first time!!

 

[bert49uk]

I seem to remember a post that said SGS can supply an ajustable pressure strut that you can adjust to suit your own boat,
Yes just found it http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts/stainless/adjustable/14mm-rod/gssv14-300

 

[Finbar]

I put one in based on advice here at the end of last season, with the boat laid up. My rodkicker had not had one before, so I had to buy an extra plastic Selden end fitting, and cut an aluminium tube ( old boat hook shaft) to make up a spacer. It comes set to 2500N which is pretty strong. I have let a little pressure out, but am waiting to refit the sail and stackpack for final adjustment. Altogether looks to be well made, and an economical solution. Good info on previous thread, see here
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?407009-Gas-spring-replacement-(boom-vang)

Good description of replacement here: http://www.seastream.co.uk/owner-advice/selden-rodkicker/