Marine
Saltwater is the harshest environment a gas spring meets. Anything mounted above deck should be stainless 316; 304 is acceptable in freshwater and protected below-deck locations. Engine hatches are heavy and often need a lockable spring so the hatch cannot drop on someone working underneath.
Typical force
100–800N
per spring
Typical stroke
100–350mm
travel required
Material
Stainless 316 for saltwater, 304 for freshwater
316 contains molybdenum, which resists chloride pitting. In saltwater 304 will stain and eventually pit at the rod seal.
Common applications
| Application | Typical force | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine hatch | 400–800 N per spring | Heavy and safety-critical — consider a lockable spring so it cannot fall closed |
| Fish locker / live well lid | 150–400 N per spring | Constant salt exposure; 316 only |
| Deck access hatch | 100–300 N per spring | Often a single spring on a small, light hatch |
| Helm console / electronics lid | 100–250 N per spring | Light lids where smooth, slow motion matters more than lift |
What goes wrong
Specification mistakes we see most often in marine work.
- Specify 316 stainless for anything exposed to salt spray — the cost difference is small next to replacing a seized spring in a hard-to-reach bilge.
- A boat is rarely level. Size for the worst heel angle the hatch will be opened at, not for flat water.
- Engine hatches should use lockable springs or a mechanical prop as a secondary safety, since a gas spring can fail without warning.
Size one now
The calculator has presets for marine work — they load typical dimensions so you only have to adjust what differs.
Products for marine
Working on marine?
Tell us the panel dimensions and the environment. We will size the spring, specify the right material, and come back within 1 business day.