Hatch Gas Assist Pistons

[Eric Aasen]

Anybody ever added gas assist pistons to their hatchs? I get really tired of holding up the hatches when digging for gear. The front one is the most frustrating. I've been hit in the head a number of times! Was thinking about adding something to help hold them up. I think Ranger boats come with the pistons standard. If anyone has done it to a Nitro, let me know what was involved.



NoCAL

 

[Rich D]

Someone here added either pistons or springs. Check the grab bag, it might be in there.



Rich D

 

[TrepMan]

NoCal - The Nitro NX series and 9 series boats all come with the gas shocks on the hatches, its the 600/700 and the old 185 sport that doesnt (along I think with most of the Aluminum rigs). The new 189 Sport has a gas shock in the front big compartment.



I added the Spring style to my Pro Crappie 175 Rod Locker and Rear battery hatch. The spring is the same one used in the 2000/2001 Pro Crappie Live well.



You can ask Craig or Kathy at Tracker Detriot to order some, or your local dealer.



The Gas Shocks are nicer but more expensive too.

 

[Al Greco]

NoCal, I added gas assist rods to a Nitro 170. I added them to the 2 rod boxes and the battery compartment. I bought them at West marine for around 20 bucks a piece plus some additional hardware you will need. Just make sure you measure correctly before you drill or the lid won't close or it won't come up far enough. I made the mistake of the lid not shutting all the way the first time I put one in. If you are near a boat place I would stop in and check out how they installed them on their boats.

 

[fatrap]

I did what Al did on my 170 DC. They work great and no more broken rod tips from the lid slamming down on them.

fatrap

 

[Paul P]

NoCal



I had looked into adding gas pistons to my 188 as well but never followed through. I considered Trep's Spring idea and also gas pistons. When examining the front hatches, I wasn't sure how they could be mounted.



Please keep us informed if you follow through with this since it is something I would like to add as well. The large front hatch is a killer to hold open when you are trying to grab something in it.



Thanks



Paul

 

[fatrap]

I store my hospital type urinal in my starbord rod locker try having the lid snap shut when your using that!



fatrap

 

[Eric Aasen]

I'll go check out West Marine. The dealer has a 9 series boat in the showroom. I'll go take a look at how they mounted them in it.



Thanks,



NoCAL