Attwood 20 & 23-Inch Marine Hatch Springs: Socket vs Blade
Selecting a longer marine hatch support requires more than matching its extended length. Attwood's 20-inch SL34 springs use 10 mm socket ends, while the 20-inch SL3 shown here has 10 mm blade ends. The 23-inch SL38 has a longer stroke and uses socket ends. Compare the full number and fitting arrangement before ordering.
The fitting end is as important as the length
20-inch SL34 socket-end family
These models extend to 20 inches, compress to 12 inches and travel 8 inches. Four output forces are shown: 30, 40, 60 and 80 lb.
20-inch SL3 blade or 23-inch SL38 socket
The 60 lb SL3-60-5 uses blade ends, unlike the SL34 sockets. SL38 extends to 23 inches, compresses to 13.12 inches and travels 9.87 inches.
Attwood gas-spring length and force comparison
| Attwood MPN | Family | Extended | Compressed | Stroke | Force | Fitting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL34-30-5 | SL34 | 20 in | 12 in | 8 in | 30 lb | 10 mm socket |
| SL34-40-1 | SL34 | 20 in | 12 in | 8 in | 40 lb | 10 mm socket |
| SL34-60-1 | SL34 | 20 in | 12 in | 8 in | 60 lb | 10 mm socket |
| SL34-80-1 | SL34 | 20 in | 12 in | 8 in | 80 lb | 10 mm socket |
| SL3-60-5 | SL3 | 20 in | 12 in | 8 in | 60 lb | 10 mm blade |
| SL38-30-1 | SL38 | 23 in | 13.12 in | 9.87 in | 30 lb | 10 mm socket |
| SL38-60-1 | SL38 | 23 in | 13.12 in | 9.87 in | 60 lb | 10 mm socket |
SL3-60-5 and SL34-60-1 are both 60 lb, 20-inch-extended supports, but one uses blade ends and the other 10 mm sockets. They do not have interchangeable mounting ends.
Select the correct geometry and output
- Support the hatch securely before handling gas springs; do not use the old spring as the only support.
- Compare complete extended and compressed dimensions and ensure the hatch's motion stays within the spring's stroke.
- Identify a 10 mm socket end versus a 10 mm blade end. These are different mounting interfaces despite similar extended lengths.
- Check ball studs, pivot brackets, fasteners and the orientation recommended by the boat or hatch manufacturer.
- Use the specified force for the application. An overrated spring can stress the hinge and hull fittings.
Attwood marine hatch supports by exact MPN
Each product card links to the exact Attwood replacement for additional details and current availability.
Comparing shorter gas springs?
Continue with our Attwood 15- and 17.2-inch support reference to identify the other length family before replacing brackets or changing the hatch opening.
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