Sometimes a small modification can go a long way in making something much more user friendly. The video Matt posted (
https://youtu.be/NQ4YrFLLd00?si=ktuKIWKCVGtDuspY) demonstrating the new anchoring system in the BRe intrigued me. Yes, the anchoring system is cool, but I really liked the gas springs. On more than one occasion, I have dared to use two hands to work inside the locker instead of using one to hold the locker lid open, only to have the lid slam shut on my arms or head.
I asked Matt if he could provide the part numbers so I could install it and he was kind enough to provide me with the instructions sheet.
Good so far.
The one question I have left to answer is how the top fastener for the gas spring is attached to the locker lid. The fiberglass can't be more than 5mm thick and on the opposite side is Flexiteek. Swallow Yachts says it is through-bolted, but if you look closely in the video, it doesn't appear as if any hardware is visible on top of the Flexiteek. It is fastened before the Flexiteek is installed? If so, I wonder how they were able to keep the fastener flush enough to still allow the Flexiteek to be installed.
If this is the case, then I'll have to get a bit creative so I don't remove the Flexiteek but still have the structural integrity. I could countersink a flat head Torx bolt in the Flexiteek so it is flush and fasten the it to the gas spring bracket with a lock nut. OR, are some shallow screws with 5200 enough to hold the lid bracket in the long run?
Does anyone have the gas springs installed on their boat? If so, I'd love to get a closer look at what the top side of the locker looks like. Is the hardware visible?