I own a 1991 Seasprite Cuddy and had to rebuild practically everything with wood in it when I got her. We are on our last phase, the hatch cover, and back seat are built and ready to install. I have been trying to figure out what to use to hold up the engine hatch cover and would greatly appreciate the input of the expert restorers here.
The engine box as originally built was basically a 5'x3' solid piece, with a hinged backrest and a bench seat. Apparently (and I say this because it was half disintegrated, the hatch cover/back rest could be lifted and closed as one unit, which is nice in that there is ample room to reach the engine compartment. We decided to follow the same method. It appeared there were 2 gas shocks that held the weight and regulated the ascent/descent on the cover. I have no idea what size they were since all that was there originally were the 2 mounting brackets.
In any case, the hatch cover we fabricated is a glassed piece of 3/4" roughly 5x3, which isn't light. If we stick to the original design and attach the headboard for the bench seat, it's going to get even heavier. We can go another route and bracket the headboard to the bench if necassary with a few minor changes.
So I am wondering if we should go with the gas type shocks, like http://www.iboats.com/Attwood_Sprin...94542921--**********.629931726--view_id.38311 , and if so, which size is recommended. Or, could we use something like this http://www.iboats.com/Perko_Hatch_S...94542921--**********.629931726--view_id.20209 , which are elbow brackets. Or, does anyone have another suggestion?
Thanks in advance, I appreciate the quality input I have seen on this board lurking!
The engine box as originally built was basically a 5'x3' solid piece, with a hinged backrest and a bench seat. Apparently (and I say this because it was half disintegrated, the hatch cover/back rest could be lifted and closed as one unit, which is nice in that there is ample room to reach the engine compartment. We decided to follow the same method. It appeared there were 2 gas shocks that held the weight and regulated the ascent/descent on the cover. I have no idea what size they were since all that was there originally were the 2 mounting brackets.
In any case, the hatch cover we fabricated is a glassed piece of 3/4" roughly 5x3, which isn't light. If we stick to the original design and attach the headboard for the bench seat, it's going to get even heavier. We can go another route and bracket the headboard to the bench if necassary with a few minor changes.
So I am wondering if we should go with the gas type shocks, like http://www.iboats.com/Attwood_Sprin...94542921--**********.629931726--view_id.38311 , and if so, which size is recommended. Or, could we use something like this http://www.iboats.com/Perko_Hatch_S...94542921--**********.629931726--view_id.20209 , which are elbow brackets. Or, does anyone have another suggestion?
Thanks in advance, I appreciate the quality input I have seen on this board lurking!
