mainship 400 stair lift shocks project

Hello All
My wife and I purchased a 2006 MS 400 last year I was wondering if anyone had installed lift assist shocks on your stairs. If so what type did you use and what mounting location angle worked for you i would appreciate any advice.
Thanks Len

Stairway lift

Hi Alan here: I just put a gas lift on and love it. Moved the microwave down there for more storage in the cabinet. Used wholesale marine , 60 lb lift 20” , works well , but does not hold up right completely as still use bar but assists well . S-d-321486-1 and s-d 321583-1 on port side of stairway. Any other questions just email or text me

Hello Alan
Thanks so much for the help I ordered the parts you suggested last night

Engine Access Door

Has anyone by any chance installed a gas lift on the floor engine access door?

Skipjack99 said:

Has anyone by any chance installed a gas lift on the floor engine access door?

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That's not a bad idea Skipjack, let me know if you decide to tackle it.

BTW, where on the Chesapeake is your homeport? I am in the Sassafras River.

Gary

Alan Mainship said:

Hi Alan here: I just put a gas lift on and love it. Moved the microwave down there for more storage in the cabinet. Used wholesale marine , 60 lb lift 20” , works well , but does not hold up right completely as still use bar but assists well . S-d-321486-1 and s-d 321583-1 on port side of stairway. Any other questions just email or text me

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Forgive me if this question reveals a bit of my nautical naivety. Port side looking toward bow? Or port side looking toward stern?

Bay Retriever said:

Forgive me if this question reveals a bit of my nautical naivety. Port side looking toward bow? Or port side looking toward stern?

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Not to be smart but in fact port side is port side - whether you are looking fwd, aft, abeam, or at the sky.

Port side is the left side of the boat when looking forward - which is what, I'm guessing, you really meant to say.
The easy way to remember is Port - Left both 4 letters (looking fwd assumed) and port wine is Red so the Red Nav light on a boat is on the Port side.
Class dismissed - but if you weren't sure I'm glad you asked.

Alan Mainship said:

Hi Alan here: I just put a gas lift on and love it. Moved the microwave down there for more storage in the cabinet. Used wholesale marine , 60 lb lift 20” , works well , but does not hold up right completely as still use bar but assists well . S-d-321486-1 and s-d 321583-1 on port side of stairway. Any other questions just email or text me

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Hi Alan, I have the gas springs and brackets ready to go, but wasn't sure where to mount everything. Do you have a photo of where you mounted the brackets or perhaps dimensions?

Thanks!

Gary

Gary: I will take pics and get measurements next week when I get to boat and email you and also put on forum, as there is some interest in project from members.

gas assist stair project

I cannot get pics to download, so I will try to write and explanation. If this is not sufficient I will keep trying but so far 1 hour in and no download.

I cut a 4 inch by 1and 3/4 inch board for the bottom gas assist to attach, it is located 32 inches off the floor and 16 inches from the stern wall., and 4 inches from the floor above. Use (4) 2 and 1/2 inch stainless steel pan screws with a flat washer to attach box to wall. Then attach lower section of gas assist to center of block.

Attach the upper end of gas assist to first step 3 and 1/2 inches toward bow and 4 inches from top of step. AT this the gas assist cylinder is 20 and 1/2 inches long.

Hope this helps. If anyone can tell me how to get photos on forum I would appreciate, as I used ( how to add photos to a post) and it did not work for me .
Thanks

You can come up with the closed and throw lengths yourself and use the order form at industrialhardwaredirect.com to get some. At 20 bucks a throw, you can afford to do a little experimenting. I upgraded from 100 to 150 and finally to 200 psi for my engine hatch to which I added some heavy Sounddown.

To add a photo click “Manage Attachments “ and from the box that pops up click one of the buttons to select the photo. Then you also need to click “Upload” and it will be added to your post. Then select “Close Window” and you can add more text or preview the post or send it.

Pictures and drawings of stair lift

Hello all: Hope this works! A sincere appreciation to all who helped me figure how to upload photos. You are the best. Many thanks for all the knowledge on the mainship 400. Fun boat to restore?

A picture is worth 1000 words!!