The SpringLift gas struts on my ‘94 closed bow ski nautique finally won’t hold up the seat (after 28 years!!.) No problem, order the old part number from back to boating (3-20, no shipping charge, no tax to AZ), put them in, back in business. Right? Not so much. Turns out there used to be a sticker over the -20 (20 lbs) of the part number EDIT: [that showed the actual higher pressure.] Thankfully one old one was still working and measured 52 lbs on a bathroom scale when starting to compress, which is apparently where they are rated. Shipping the -20s back for a refund and ordering 3-60s, which should be perfect.

https://www.nautiqueparts.com/product/gas-shock-love-observer-seat-1994-80-lbs/" rel="nofollow - https://www.nautiqueparts.com/product/gas-shock-love-observer-seat-1994-80-lbs/

Thanks Sean. Did you try these? Are they too stiff? I actually haven’t ordered the new ones quite yet, maybe I’ll go with -80s.

Mike

https://www.nautiqueparts.com/product/gas-shock-love-observer-seat-early-90-s-120-lbs/" rel="nofollow - https://www.nautiqueparts.com/product/gas-shock-love-observer-seat-early-90-s-120-lbs/

Use the NautiqueParts discount code if you buy it from them:  PND

The '99 Pro Air we just bought needs all the lift shocks replaced so I have been looking for cheaper alternatives.

Original:
Rear Hatch (x2) - SL-36-20
Doghouse (x2) - SL-36-60
Observer Seat (x2) - SL-36-60
Ski Locker (x1) - SL-36-20
Glove Compartment (x1) - ML31-20

The SL-36 units are all the same length with different pressures (17.25" extended and 10.25" compressed)

I found some made by Strongarm that you can buy from various sources like Amazon or Rockauto for about $11 each.

Sl-36-60 = Strongarm 4482 (70lbs instead of 60lbs)
SL-36-20 = Strongarm 4418 (40lbs instead of 20lbs)
ML31-20 = Strongarm 4053 (25lbs instead of 20lbs)

There is also an 85lbs unit: 6931

The Strongarm units arm slightly longer when compressed (10.6") and are higher pressure. There is enough margin on the compressed length with the existing shocks that the Strongarm units should work. The 40lbs instead of the 20lbs may be an issue.

Here are the links to the originals:

https://www.nautiqueparts.com/product/gas-shock-hatch-17-2-60lbs/" rel="nofollow - Doghouse and Seat  $20.78 Each

https://www.nautiqueparts.com/product/gas-shock-ski-locker-hatches-17-2-20-lbs/" rel="nofollow - Rear Hatch and Ski Locker  $20.78 Each

https://www.nautiqueparts.com/product/glove-box-gas-shock-and-other-hatches-factory-original/" rel="nofollow - Glove Compartment  $12.95 Each

Depending on how many you are replacing the NP prices aren't bad. You decide.

I’m assuming the observer seat is similar. I just pulled the trigger on the -60s at back to boating for $59.84 total cost incl shipping.  I’ll let you guys know what happens.

Who Hoo!