Attwood Marine Ni-Slide Steel Gas Spring, 20 in Extended, 12 in Compressed, 8 in Stroke, 10mm Socket

Overview

The Attwood Marine Ni-Slide Series Steel Gas Spring is a replacement hatch support for boat hatches, lids, lockers, and other lift-assisted panels that need controlled opening support. This range shares the same 20.00 in extended length, 12.00 in compressed length, and 8.00 in stroke, with the output force selected by variant.

Each gas spring uses a 10 mm socket end for ball stud style mounting brackets, making it a practical match when replacing an existing lift support with the same length, stroke, socket size, and force rating. The 6 mm rod by 15 mm cylinder size suits light-duty to standard hatch and cover applications where fit and opening weight need to be checked before installation.

Key features

• 20.00 in extended length, 12.00 in compressed length, and 8.00 in stroke across the listed variants.
• Available in 20 lb, 30 lb, 40 lb, 50 lb, and 60 lb output force options to match different hatch and lid weights.
• 10 mm socket ends fit standard ball stud style gas spring mounting brackets.
• 6 mm rod by 15 mm cylinder construction for light-duty to standard lift support applications.
• Ni-Slide rod coating helps resist corrosion in marine and saltwater environments.
• Black finish keeps the support visually discreet inside storage lockers, cockpit compartments, and hatch areas.

Variants

This gas spring range is offered in multiple output force configurations while keeping the same listed length, stroke, socket size, and rod and cylinder dimensions.

The main selection point is the force rating. Matching the force to the existing support, hatch weight, and mounting geometry is important because a spring with too little force may not hold the hatch open, while too much force can make the hatch harder to close or stress the mounting points.

• SL14-20-5: 20 lb output force. This lower-force option suits lighter lids and smaller hatch panels that do not need heavy lift assistance.
• SL14-30-5: 30 lb output force. This configuration adds more lift support while keeping the same 20.00 in extended and 12.00 in compressed fit.
• SL14-40-5: 40 lb output force. This mid-range option is commonly useful where a hatch or cover needs firmer support without moving to the higher-force versions.
• SL14-50-5: 50 lb output force. This version is suited to heavier panels when the installation geometry and existing force rating call for stronger support.
• SL14-60-5: 60 lb output force. This is the highest-force option in this group and should be matched carefully to the hatch weight and bracket locations.

Installation and fit

Before ordering, compare the existing gas spring by extended length, compressed length, stroke, socket size, and force rating. The force rating is usually printed on the old spring body or included in the original hatch hardware specification.

For best results, replace gas springs in matched pairs when the hatch uses two supports. Check that the 10 mm ball studs and mounting brackets are secure, aligned, and free from corrosion before clipping the new support in place.

Use cases on board

This style of gas spring is a good match for boat owners replacing worn hatch supports on cockpit lockers, storage lids, engine access panels, livewell lids, and similar lift-up covers. It is especially useful where the lid needs to stay open while both hands are used for loading gear, checking equipment, or working around the compartment.