Stainless-Steel Gas Struts for Dock Boxes & Hatches

Replace worn-out plain steel gas lift shocks with corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

Ideal for use in the saltwater marine environment, these Taylor Made gas shocks are constructed of 316 stainless steel and specially treated to resist rust and corrosion, making them the top choice for hatches and dock boxes exposed to the harshest marine conditions. Shocks have female fittings at each end designed to snap onto a 10mm ball fitting (brackets with ball fittings sold separately).

Similar to the expanding rods used in the automotive industry, these shocks consist of a gas cylinder and piston assembly that allows the rod to expand as doors or hatches open, and collapse as they close. The gas cylinders installed on new boats typically last about five years; after that, there's no more "spring" left in the rod, and boat owners are forced to lift and prop open covers manually. Taylor Made's line of gas shocks is designed to replace those original shocks once their gas cylinders have lost their lift.

Key Features

• 316 Stainless Steel Construction: Resists rust and corrosion far better than plain or coated steel, holding up in high-salt environments where standard shocks fail early.
• Universal 10mm Ball Fitting: Female end fittings snap directly onto standard 10mm ball studs, making this a drop-in replacement for most existing hatch and dock box brackets.
• Simple, Tool-Minimal Installation: No special tools required — most installations only need a small flathead screwdriver to release the retaining clip at each end.

Choosing the Right Force Rating

The rated capacity (P1 force) refers to the pounds of force the gas spring exerts when fully open or extended. When selecting a replacement, we recommend basing your choice on the manufacturer's original specification for your hatch or dock box, since too little force won't hold the lid open and too much can make it difficult to close or put excess strain on hinges and brackets.

Installation Notes

• Always install with the inner rod portion facing down for proper function and longevity.
• To remove an old shock, use a small flathead screwdriver to lift the retaining clip at each ball socket, then pop the fitting off the ball stud. Reverse the process to install the new shock.
• Measure length center-to-center of the ball sockets (not the housing) when comparing to your existing shock.
• Taylor Made recommends replacing gas shocks in pairs when a hatch or lid uses two shocks, so both provide even, matched support.

Sold individually.