Attwood Marine Ni-Slide Hatch Lift Gas Spring, 17.2 in Extended, 10.2 in Compressed, 7 in Stroke, 10mm Socket

Overview

The Attwood Marine Ni-Slide Series is a steel aftermarket gas spring range for boat hatches, lids, engine covers, storage compartments, and other lift-assist applications where controlled opening support is needed. This series uses a 17.20 in extended length, 10.20 in compressed length, and 7.00 in stroke, with a 10 mm socket connection for matching ball studs and brackets.

The range covers output forces from 20 lb to 90 lb, so the same length and socket style can be matched to different hatch weights. The black finish keeps the spring visually low-profile around cockpit lockers, deck boxes, console lids, and interior access panels.

These Ni-Slide gas springs use biodegradable, no-hazard-to-water grade oil and are tested for salt-spray exposure and cycle life, which matters in areas exposed to moisture, washdowns, and vibration on board.

Key features

• 17.20 in extended length, 10.20 in compressed length, and 7.00 in stroke for matching existing hatch support geometry.
• 10 mm socket end fitting for use with compatible marine gas spring brackets and ball studs.
• Available output force range from 20 lb to 90 lb for lighter lids through heavier hatch panels.
• Steel aftermarket gas spring with black finish for marine hatch, locker, and cover support applications.
• Uses biodegradable, no-hazard-to-water grade oil for a cleaner choice around bilge, deck, and storage areas.
• Salt-spray and 30,000-cycle life testing support use in wet marine environments where corrosion and repeated opening cycles matter.
• Mounting brackets are available separately, so bracket selection can be matched to the existing installation.

Variants

This Ni-Slide gas spring range varies by output force while keeping the same stated extended length, compressed length, stroke, and 10 mm socket style across the listed configurations.

The lower-force versions suit lighter lids that need gentle lift support, while the higher-force versions suit heavier hatches or covers that need more holding power. Matching the replacement force to the original spring or to the hatch manufacturer’s requirement is important, since too much force can make a lid hard to close and too little force may not hold it open safely.

Compatibility and fit

For replacement work, check the extended length, compressed length, stroke, socket size, and force rating against the gas spring already installed on the boat. The force rating is usually marked on the existing spring, and matching that value is often the safest path when the hatch weight and mounting points have not changed.

The 10 mm socket must be paired with compatible ball studs or brackets. If the existing brackets are worn, corroded, loose, or the wrong angle for the replacement spring, they should be replaced or corrected before the new gas spring is installed.

Installation and setup

Gas springs should be mounted so they can move through the full hatch travel without binding at either end. Before final tightening, open and close the hatch slowly by hand to confirm that the spring clears surrounding structure, wiring, trim, cushions, and gasket surfaces.

On boats used in saltwater, rinsing the exposed hardware after washdowns or offshore runs helps reduce salt buildup around the sockets and mounting points. Periodic checks for loose fasteners and worn ball studs are a good habit, especially on engine hatches and cockpit lockers that see frequent use.

Use cases on board

This gas spring range is a good match for owners replacing a worn hatch support with the same length and socket style, or for riggers setting up lift support on lockers, access covers, console doors, and storage lids. It is especially useful where a lid needs to stay open for loading gear, checking batteries, accessing pumps, or working around engine-room and bilge equipment.