Overview

The Attwood Marine Ni-Slide Series is a gas spring range for supporting boat hatches, compartment lids, engine covers, and other lift-up panels that need controlled opening and holding force.

This SL26 configuration uses the same 26.97 in extended length, 15.20 in compressed length, 11.77 in stroke, and 10 mm socket format across the listed force options. That makes it useful when the mounting geometry is already set and the main selection point is how much lift force the hatch or lid needs.

The series covers output forces from 30 lb to 180 lb in the provided configurations, giving boat owners and service yards a way to match support force to hatch weight without changing the basic spring length.

Key features

• 26.97 in extended length and 15.20 in compressed length for matching existing SL26 hatch support installations.
• 11.77 in stroke for lift-up panels that need a long opening range.
• 10 mm socket end type for use with compatible 10 mm ball-style mounting hardware.
• Available output forces from 30 lb to 180 lb to suit different hatch, locker, and cover weights.
• Tested for marine use, including ASTM B117 salt spray testing and a 30,000-cycle life test.
• Ni-Slide construction gives a practical replacement option where the look and corrosion resistance of stainless hardware are not required.

Variants

This product is offered in multiple output-force configurations. The extended length, compressed length, stroke, and 10 mm socket format stay the same across the listed SL26 options, while the lift force changes from variant to variant.

The lower-force versions suit lighter lids and smaller access panels, while the higher-force versions are used where a heavier hatch, engine cover, or storage lid needs more support. Correct force selection matters because too little force can let a hatch fall, while too much force can make the panel hard to close or put extra load on the mounting points.

Installation and fit

Match the replacement gas spring by extended length, compressed length, stroke, end fitting, and output force before installation. The 10 mm socket must be paired with compatible 10 mm ball studs or brackets, and the mounting points should allow the spring to move through its full travel without binding.

For best service life, install the spring so it does not rub against surrounding hardware, wiring, hatch frames, or fiberglass edges. On heavier hatches, using a matched pair can help keep the load balanced when that is how the original installation was built.

Use cases on board

This gas spring is a good match for maintenance replacements on boat hatches, lockers, deck boxes, engine covers, and other access panels where the SL26 length and socket style are already used. It is especially useful for refits where the existing spring has lost pressure but the brackets and mounting geometry are still in good condition.

For boats used in saltwater, regular inspection around the socket ends and mounting hardware helps catch wear, corrosion, or looseness before the hatch support becomes unreliable.