[indykoch]

The other thread titled "ski locker support" caused me to remember an "upgrade" I've been wanting to do this winter...

My '99 Z212 Shabah has a huge ski locker door that weighs quite a bit. There's no gas strut to assist in opening or holding it open, and I'm seriously afraid of letting it slip and taking off a toe or two when it slams shut. Has anyone created a bracket and strut (gas shock) type of thing that would hold it open (and close it softly)?

I'll give it a shot over the winter (along with many other updates/upgrades). I'll be sure to post a "how to" on it. But I'd appreciate anyone's insight on how, or pictures of other Mariahs that already have this feature before I get too deep!

Thanks!

[Z 202]

My '95 has a strut on the ski locker door. I'm surprised yours doesn't.

My boat has gone into storage for the winter, so perhaps someone else will be able to snap you a pic. Otherwise you'll have to wait until May...

[rjobe]

I have one and I'll take a pic within the next day or so... going to the lake tomorrow I hope!

[indykoch]

That would be great! Thanks! I really think someone's going to get injured some day. That thing comes down fast enough, and heavy enough to at least break some toes, if not chop them completely off! Quite a bad design that I didn't think could happen on a Mariah!!! I chalk this up to... "someone must have removed the strut and all evidence at some time". Who knows, maybe that IS the case!

[WetWilly]

Originally Posted by indykoch

I'd appreciate anyone's insight on how, or pictures of other Mariahs that already have this feature before I get too deep!

Hi indykoch, here's a picture of a 95 Shabah Z202 with a ski locker gas strut...

Sorry if it's hard to see, it's from a Mariah on eBay...

Hope this helps,
WetWilly

[rjobe]

indykoch,

This is what I found on my Z202. The extended length of the "strut" or gas spring as shown on the attached is ~20" fully extended and the gas tube length is 11". You can see the name and address of the manufacturer (SpringLift) and the first part of the part number is sl-34. I did a search on "gas spring sl-34" and hit many sites. It appears as though this part number matches a gas spring that's 20" fully extended, 12" compressed with gas pressures available from 20 to 150 lbs. One site had a choice of 30 or 60 lbs. I can't make out the entire part number on mine, but it appears to end in 2 digits. I'm sure you can match one that's available with the weight of your lid.

Here are 2 sites that hit right away:
http://www.attwoodmarine.com/product...nd+Accessories

http://www.happcontrols.com/gaming/g...s/70070000.htm

If you have any questions please let me know. Hope this info is useful.

Kind regards,

[efo]

FYI,

My 1996 Shabah has the mounts but no shock installed. Looks like the previous owner removed it for some reason. Original mounts are in the rear of the hatch (aft? toward the motor)

Chad

[WetWilly]

Hi rjobe,

Great job, great pictures!

We don't have a support for our locker either and your pictures make planning and installing one look like an easy DIY project.

Thanks again and not to get off topic, may I ask what camera did you use? That shot of the below deck bracket is awesome!

WetWilly

[Z 202]

IIRC, on mine the strut is mounted at the forward end of the locker, and makes getting long objects out of the locker easier, since there is no obstruction towards the stern.

[indykoch]

Thanks a bunch Rjobe!!! Those pics and info are exactly what I was hoping to get from someone!

It's going to be a long winter, but with all these projects I'm planning - maybe it will fly by!!