Add gas shocks to cooler seat in 230

[Indygreen]

Ok I finally got back to the boat. The good news is I have more pic's and measurements but the bad is I can't find on the shock what lbs are. If I remember correctly it was 30 or 33 but not sure. I do know 25lbs is too light. Hope this helps!!

[hal2814]

Thanks so much! I misread the part number earlier. But after looking over the pic a little more the shock is a Stabilus 8498IZ. Your measurement extended confirms it.

[dhanni848]

This is amazing thanks so much! I believe the final number on the part (27) is the lbs. The Stabilus with that part number is a 27lb, and matching the lengths. Did both of the brackets come in that package or need to be purchased separate?

[Miljack]

Indygreen nice work! I had considered using gas springs, but, I hate those things! I'm trying to figure out a way to get rid of them in my 230 for the glove box, transom hatches, etc...
Here's a link to my version of the cooler seat mod if anyone wants to check it out. BTW, I decided against trying to build these due to how difficult it was for me to get the holes started on the angle part of the cooler storage locker. I didn't want to use screws, so my blocks (black) are through bolted, with small angled spacers on the backside so the bolts can be tightened.
https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...-for-2007-2013

[Indygreen]

27 lb makes sense but I would up it a little. Mine opens and closes fine but I wish it had little more zip to it. Can't remember on the brackets but pretty sure i bought them separate. Your going to need the 90 degree and the flat bracket. Hope to start figuring out the starboard side next. It's going to be tougher.

[shag]

I just found that strut on Amazon for $16.. Just a had to scroll a page or two.. Crosses to a SG459002 with those stats.

[shag]

Thanks again for the great post!

[dhanni848]

I just found that strut on Amazon for $16.. Just a had to scroll a page or two.. Crosses to a SG459002 with those stats.

It is rated 25lbs, Indy had said that was low. At least it has free returns!

[shag]

It is rated 25lbs, Indy had said that was low. At least it has free returns!

Ah crap, I saw the number in the post and just ordered... I couldn't find one with those dimensions any stronger than 27#... Poop

[dhanni848]

Ah crap, I saw the number in the post and just ordered... I couldn't find one with those dimensions any stronger than 27#... Poop

Well I couldn't find one on amazon and then googled and saw it was 25. I jumped and ordered too so we will both see. I posted my pick of cart for west marine and they have it at 27lbs. I had found some with 30 too, but don't remember where.

[srock]

I wrested with a different use of gas shocks and the attachment point and proper psi were very important in getting the system to work properly. I only see 1 set of holes so you seemed to figure it out on the first try.

[hal2814]

Installed this using the info above. Working great so far. Thanks everyone!

I did go on the bow side instead of stern. I also used #8 screws instead of bolting through. If the screws don’t hold up I’ll try bolts. Like others have mentioned it doesn’t help lift. It just holds it up. But that’s all we need.

[shag]

Nice job Hal! Ya know, I was wondering if a slight equal adjustment of the brackets would make aa leverage difference.... Obviously fit when closed is a concern so not sure... I imagine the OP looked at all possibilities though... Great informative post !

[shag]

Thanks again IndyGreen! Just mounted mine today, pretty straightforward. It holds it up just fine and actually does provide a slight assistance going up. I tried to upload a short video sent from my Iphone but I guess it's too big a file...

[dhanni848]

Looks great! Finally ordered my brackets today so will be doing this very soon.

Also, if you order from West Marine there is a discount code - MK57570