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

Overview

The Attwood Marine Ni-Slide Series is a gas spring range for supporting boat hatches, lids, access panels, storage covers, and similar lift-up areas on board. These SL34 configurations share a 20.00 in extended length, 12.00 in compressed length, 8.00 in stroke, and 10 mm socket ends, with output force options from 20 lb to 120 lb.

This series is useful when replacing a worn hatch support and the mounting geometry already matches the 20 in extended and 12 in compressed layout. The 8 mm rod and 18 mm cylinder format gives installers a familiar gas spring size for many marine and RV hatch applications, while the black finish keeps the part visually low-profile in lockers, compartments, and under-seat storage areas.

Key features

• 20.00 in extended length, 12.00 in compressed length, and 8.00 in stroke for matching common hatch support installations.
• 10 mm socket ends work with compatible ball-stud mounting hardware already used on many boat hatches and lids.
• Available output forces cover 20 lb, 30 lb, 40 lb, 50 lb, 60 lb, 80 lb, 90 lb, and 120 lb configurations.
• 8 mm rod and 18 mm cylinder construction match the SL34 gas spring format.
• Black finish suits hidden or semi-visible mounting areas such as deck hatches, storage lids, engine access covers, and cockpit compartments.
• Tested for salt spray exposure and a 30,000 cycle life test, which matters for hardware that sees vibration, moisture, and repeated opening on a boat.

Variants

This product range varies by output force only. Each listed configuration keeps the same SL34 layout with 20.00 in extended length, 12.00 in compressed length, 8.00 in stroke, and 10 mm socket ends.

The force rating changes how much lift assistance the spring provides. Matching the original force marking, hatch weight, lid size, mounting angle, and number of springs used is important so the hatch opens with control and stays supported without being overpowered.

Compatibility and fit

For replacement work, compare the existing gas spring before ordering. The key measurements are the extended length, compressed length, stroke, socket size, and output force. The mounting points should allow the spring to open and close through its full travel without binding at the sockets or putting side load on the rod.

On heavier hatches or wide lids, boats often use two gas springs. In that case, both supports should normally be replaced with the same force rating so the lid lifts evenly and the hardware is not stressed unevenly.

Installation and use on board

This gas spring is commonly used on deck hatches, under-seat storage, console lids, fish box covers, and engine access panels where a controlled lift makes regular access easier. It is a good match for boat owners and marine technicians replacing a black 20 in by 12 in hatch support with 10 mm socket ends.

Install the spring with the sockets seated fully on the ball studs and check that the hatch closes without forcing the rod to bottom out. After installation, open and close the hatch slowly a few times to confirm smooth movement, proper support, and clearances around wiring, hinges, insulation, and compartment edges.