Gas Struts for Captiva 236CC Engine Hatch

trimmkm

The gas struts on the engine hatch of our Captiva 236CC no longer hold the cover open. I read the part number off one of the struts (rated for 30lbs) and ordered a replacement matching pair.  When I installed the new struts, they didn’t solve the problem. Looking at the two old struts, they are different struts, one rated for 30lbs, the other for 90lbs.

Is this common to use two very different gas struts?
If not, would anyone know what gas struts should be on there?

YYZRC

I’m guessing they should both be 90s. 

Grahamu

Your picture does not show the weight distribution on top of the hatch, is there a difference side to side? It looks like there is an extra piece on the left and probably where the 90 lbs strut should be.

trimmkm

Yes, the left has a flip up section for a walk through.  The 30lbs strut was on the left.

If I can find a suitable fish scale, I’ll try measuring the force to lift the cover.

Spyderweb

30 sure sounds light.

trimmkm

I reached out to Rinker for information on these struts.  Since the plant is now closed, they can’t really say for sure.  But, the bill of materials for this model calls for two 90# struts and one 30# strut.  They say it’s likely the two 90# struts are for the engine cover… but where would the 30# strut be used?

Spyderweb

Is there a lift-up counter in the cockpit supported by a strut?

trimmkm

No, not on this model.  There is a storage locker door in the floor of the cockpit, but it doesn’t have a strut on it currently.  Next time I’m aboard I’ll have to see if it looks like it should have one.