Swim Platform Gas Struts
Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 345/348
Forum Description: 345/348 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14073
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:42
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Swim Platform Gas Struts
Posted By: Newbie Steve
Subject: Swim Platform Gas Struts
Date Posted: 17 June 2023 at 16:00
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Is the gas strut attached to the swim platform actually supposed to do something? It lets the full weight of the platform drop without helpful resistance and does nothing to help raising the platform. Tried turning the whole cylinder but no effect. Also searched manuals, etc. Can you clue me in? (i'm a newish owner). Didn't want to mess with it or try lubricants without experienced advice though did try turning the whole cylinder to no avail. Temporarily rigged 3:1 line pulley system. Thanks, Steve
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Replies:
Posted By: 415 Singapore
Date Posted: 18 June 2023 at 02:19
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Hi, yes the strut takes the majority of the weight, such that you can close the platform with a gentle pull on the restraining line or open it with a gentle push. It sounds like the gas has escaped from yours. Ours went a few years ago and I got a ridiculous quote of around 350$. I have replaced it with a piece of rope led to the rear winch. Not as practical but at least I don’t feel like I was robbed! Good luck Paul ------------- Paul - Night Train - 415 #136 |
Posted By: johanlavenius
Date Posted: 18 June 2023 at 13:14
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I have the same "problem" and i also talked to two other Hanse 348 owners and they say the same. It's not a "gentle pull on the restraining line or open it with a gentle push". Maybe we all have faulty struts or its to weak. ------------- Hanse 348 # 93 - Solvind |
Posted By: kipwrite
Date Posted: 18 June 2023 at 16:09
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It's possible to replace these failed original gas struts with aftermarket gas struts, at a fraction of the cost that Hanse charges. In the US, McMaster-Carr has a wide selection. ------------- Kipwrite |
Posted By: pdc78
Date Posted: 18 June 2023 at 21:22
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All of the aftermarket tension gas struts I have found have been in black nitride finish rather than 316 stainless. Is that what you purchased? Has it lasted in a sea water environment? ------------- H345 #269 |
Posted By: pdc78
Date Posted: 18 June 2023 at 21:35
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I had two replaced under warranty during the first year. The top ball bracket was repositioned for the second replacement and then served well for 6 years. Unfortunately I didn't notice that the top socket fitting was becoming unscrewed from the strut, and the strut detached itself a few weeks ago and went 'plop' into the ocean. But for some thread lock it would be still providing good service! ;-)) Word of warning. ------------- H345 #269 |
Posted By: kipwrite
Date Posted: 19 June 2023 at 01:53
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Yes the black strut seems to be good so far. Has outlasted the stainless one supplied by the factory. ------------- Kipwrite |
Posted By: boatman
Date Posted: 20 June 2023 at 00:10
| Brand new 348. Terrible design. Struts do nothing to help you pull up the platform. You need to be a weightlifter to get it back closed with just the line. No way my wife could even attempt this. |
Posted By: 415 Singapore
Date Posted: 20 June 2023 at 04:52
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Hi, very strange they got it so wrong on the 345 and 348. On the 415 I would estimate that the strut took 95% of the weight. All the best Paul ------------- Paul - Night Train - 415 #136 |
Posted By: foxdog
Date Posted: 20 June 2023 at 07:45
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I use laser dinghy main sheet rig with swivel and cam lock. Works great. My piston crapped out after one year. ------------- 348 Hull#174 2021 |
Posted By: Newbie Steve
Date Posted: 20 June 2023 at 13:36
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Hi All, Thanks so much for your responses. If nothing else, it looks like I am part of a large community of those with failed gas struts! Having done as much research as I am willing to do, I will contact my broker (boat is not even 1 yr. old) and see if he will restore/replace it. Thanks again and best of luck! Steve
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Posted By: johanlavenius
Date Posted: 20 June 2023 at 13:44
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Please update when you get a response. We are at least 4 Hanse 348 owners here where the struts been since that from day one. Build numbers ranging from 40 to 270. ------------- Hanse 348 # 93 - Solvind |
Posted By: Ian2019
Date Posted: 21 June 2023 at 12:23
Hi it’s not just 348, I’ve replaced mine on my 385 twice  and now have a simple pulley system, which also allows me to lift the platform from ashore when stern too, Med mooring. If you do a search on here there’s more posts regarding failed gas struts. ------------- H385 #317 2014 Tivat Montenegro |
Posted By: boatman
Date Posted: 21 June 2023 at 14:14
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Nice. If you get a chance, can you post a pic. Would love to see what size blocks, etc. Worried how you don't crush them, etc. Also how you cleat it off. Would think a hydraulic strut would be the answer assuming they make one small enough that would be strong enough. But this is just a terrible designed part. Pretty much all the major mono manufacts (Beneteau group, etc.) have platforms. I haven't seen on cruisersforums lots of complaints, so this must specific to Hanse?
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Posted By: Edgatt
Date Posted: 21 June 2023 at 19:16
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On my 458 I installed an electric rope winch and now the platform can be raised and lowered via a wireless remote. ------------- H458 #172 Nenya |
Posted By: boatman
Date Posted: 22 June 2023 at 02:10
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I put up a post on the FB group regarding holding the locker open. I got a response about using gas struts and someone gave a link to this. Each can hold 200 lbs, not sure if these would work? https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Window-Custom-Project-Veapgoo/dp/B09139VRWH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2ZFK25SD4ZKIG&keywords=gas%2Bstruts%2Bfor%2Bheavy%2Blid&qid=1687358542&sprefix=gas%2Bstrut%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&fbclid=IwAR1xXGDhbONGOjVGGGSDIrnXG97S5uk34Gp_9ruoAXohRWPiaKllleo5wbA&th=1" rel="nofollow - https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Window-Custom-Project-Veapgoo/dp/B09139VRWH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2ZFK25SD4ZKIG&keywords=gas%2Bstruts%2Bfor%2Bheavy%2Blid&qid=1687358542&sprefix=gas%2Bstrut%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&fbclid=IwAR1xXGDhbONGOjVGGGSDIrnXG97S5uk34Gp_9ruoAXohRWPiaKllleo5wbA&th=1 |
Posted By: pdc78
Date Posted: 22 June 2023 at 04:57
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You would need a regular compression gas strut for a locker cover, but for the platform you need a tension spring which are less common. ------------- H345 #269 |
Posted By: Ian2019
Date Posted: 23 June 2023 at 07:56
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Hi this is the block I use to lift the platform. This allows me to lift the platform from ashore and cleat it off.  ------------- H385 #317 2014 Tivat Montenegro |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 13 July 2023 at 15:12
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The dealer gave me a replacement strut (800 N) and recommended that I put it in "upside down" with piston at the top end. From the factory the piston was at the platform end. I could have had them replace it but it was quite easy. Attached the platform end first; had my son hold the platform almost closed and then attached the top end. I have to say it makes a real difference. Adding a block and tackle might be even better but may get caught when closing the platform? ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: Ian2019
Date Posted: 13 July 2023 at 15:42
Great your dealer gave you a replacement, however my strut was factory fitted "upside down" piston at the top and that's how I have replaced my others, which unfortunately also failed. As can be seen in the photo my block is secured above and outside of the platform so does not get in the way when closing the platform. ------------- H385 #317 2014 Tivat Montenegro |
Sounder wrote:Posted By: johanlavenius
Date Posted: 13 July 2023 at 16:36
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Is that on a Hanse 348? My was fitted “upside down” but only 600N.
------------- Hanse 348 # 93 - Solvind |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 13 July 2023 at 18:13
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Would love to see a photo. I think this is a great idea. ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 13 July 2023 at 23:54
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Hanse 348. It is 800N. I will send a photo of the replacement in place when I can this weekend. ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: boatman
Date Posted: 25 July 2023 at 14:33
| My new 348 only has a strut on the port side? Is this correct? Why only 1 strut? |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 25 July 2023 at 14:56
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Correct. Only one. On the port side. I suppose another can be added. The new strut makes quite a difference. The one on the new boat was empty for some silly reason. The dealer gave me a new one and it was quite simple to replace at the dock. ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: boatman
Date Posted: 26 July 2023 at 13:41
| @Sounder: When you say it made a real difference by replacing upside down, can you give a bit more details. On my boat, it really takes 2 people to let down the platform and certainly to pull up (I'm not that young and have 2 bad shoulders, so pulling is difficult). It does not seem like the strut on my boat is doing anything. I would expect it to help when letting it down so it goes down smoothly, but not the case. Pulling it up, it definitely does nothing. Thanks. |
Posted By: Newbie Steve
Date Posted: 15 August 2023 at 13:47
| After a long wait, my broker got/gave me a new replacement strut which I am about to install. It is 600N as is the defective one. |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 15 August 2023 at 14:02
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The new strut definitely helped. It used to really take two of us. I struggled a bit alone which was not acceptable. It’s completely manageable alone now. I’m not sure how to post photos here. I would say that it’s definitely worth trying to replace the strut. ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 15 August 2023 at 14:06
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https://share.icloud.com/photos/0a4xhdCehs2pwos7k-ojqcQ7g" rel="nofollow - https://share.icloud.com/photos/0a4xhdCehs2pwos7k-ojqcQ7g
------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: Newbie Steve
Date Posted: 15 August 2023 at 14:06
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Thanks, David How did you install? When extended, with the thin arm closer to the swim platform or closer to the pushpit? I have seen both done. Steve
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Posted By: Newbie Steve
Date Posted: 15 August 2023 at 14:43
| Thank you! Sorry to belabor but when you replaced, did you unscrew the brackets that held the ends of the strut or did you "bang" them out of the sockets with a hammer/mallet (leaving the brackets in place)? |
Posted By: boatman
Date Posted: 15 August 2023 at 20:47
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I got my boat this year. I find it very difficult to lift the platform and it doesn't lower slowly. Sort of like the struts are not doing much. Is that the way the new struts work as well? I would think I have new struts if the boat was built in the last 8 months unless they have a ton of old inventory they are working through? Or should I be asking for new ones regardless?
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Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 15 August 2023 at 23:13
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Once the strut was replaced, it seems to take 90% of the load of the swim platform. I’m sure that’s the way it should be and that my strut was faulty. The dealer gave me a new one and recommended the wide barrel be placed on top (see link to my photos above). My original strut was placed with the wide barrel attached to the platform, and the thin rod to the hull. No need to unscrew the brackets. There are small retainer pins on the bracket that simply rotate away (careful not to loose them). No tools needed. A hit with your palm will knock the strut off the bracket at each end. The new strut should be attached first at the platform end. An open palm seats it onto the bracket and the retaining pin rotates into place to lock it. Then, the platform should be brought upward (almost in its normal closed position) and the upper end of the strut is attached similarly. I believe the piston is 800 N. I strongly recommend exchanging the piston strut like this if your struggling with the platform. ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: Newbie Steve
Date Posted: 18 August 2023 at 19:53
My broker happily and quickly provided a brand new strut, (N600, as was the original), out of the packaging and it didn't work either. I easily installed and tried two ways: with the thin part closer to the pushpit and with the thin part closer to the swim platform. In both cases, there was no resistance upon opening and no help upon closing. I am relying on my rigged 2:1 purchase pulley system which works perfectly fine. I think I am giving up on the strut issue unless anyone has any other suggestions. Thanks all! |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 18 August 2023 at 20:00
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Disappointing. I will keep your solution in mind for the time when the strut fails (inevitably). ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: pdc78
Date Posted: 18 August 2023 at 20:26
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I have recently replaced the gas strut with a new one purchased from Boatoon. I lost the old one when the top socket fitting unscrewed and the strut was lost overboard. The strut is definitely 800N which does effectively lift the swim platform with a gentle tug on the dyneema strop. The strut must absolutely be installed with the gas cylinder up top (attached to the pushpit, and the actuator rod at the bottom (attached to the platform). I hope you and the dealer appreciate that a tension spring is needed in this situation, not a compression spring which is must more common. Regards Paul ------------- H345 #269 |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 18 August 2023 at 20:29
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Agree with everything Paul said. Orientation and 800N work very well. Tension spring is also a key detail. Thank you Paul. ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: boatman
Date Posted: 18 August 2023 at 21:38
Can't quite see the 2:1 pulley system at the top of the transom. Do you have a block and tackle up there with a cleat attached? Thinking like the system for the backstay. Or just a cam cleat? Does it get in the way of closing the transom? Can you post a pic? Was going to call New Wave Yachts to ask about getting a new strut, but now hearing about your trials, not so sure.
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Posted By: S&J
Date Posted: 19 August 2023 at 15:03
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Joining this debate late in the day. I have never felt that the piston does much on either the 385 or 458. In both cases the piston is mounted at the bottom. Not sure what the rating was on the 385 but the 458 is 800. It never really bothered me on the 385. I guess I was a bit younger and the angle to pull the platform up was ok. The 458 possibly has the same size platform but because the transom is taller, it sits much lower, below the seat height. As a result it is harder to get good leverage. My partner can't lift it. Not a job whilst afloat, but I'll try swapping the orientation of the piston at the end of the season. ------------- H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising |
Posted By: Tailwind385
Date Posted: 09 September 2023 at 22:00
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I know it’s been a while since you got your tension spring from McMaster-Carr but I was wondering if you remembered the part number you ordered. First year with our 385 and hate that we have to struggle with the swim platform. ------------- Tailwind |
Posted By: Tailwind385
Date Posted: 09 September 2023 at 22:01
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Do you remember the part number you got from McMaster-Carr ? ------------- Tailwind |
Posted By: kipwrite
Date Posted: 09 September 2023 at 22:32
 Tailwind:9502T77 (McMaster Carr) Pulling gas spring. Check the dimensions as this was for a 505. Good luck.
------------- Kipwrite |
Posted By: Tailwind385
Date Posted: 09 September 2023 at 22:36
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Was it to replace an 800N ? ------------- Tailwind |
Posted By: kipwrite
Date Posted: 09 September 2023 at 22:39
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Don't recall the original spec. Sorry.
But this one was 200lbs 800n= 179lbs
------------- Kipwrite |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 11 September 2023 at 16:33
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I can confirm that the strut does a significant amount of the work lowering and raising the platform since I replaced the strut as discussed above. Unfortunately I do not recall the part number but I do remember that it is an 800N piston for my 348. ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: S&J
Date Posted: 14 September 2023 at 12:33
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So after 9 years of Hanse ownership over two boats I removed my gas strut to turn it the other way with the piston at the top. I can confirm that even with piston at the bottom the strut provides considerable assistance. I was barely able to lift the 458 platform without it. It MAY be slightly easier having refitted with the piston at the top, and the consensus among my crew is that it definitely lowers smoother. We have 800N piston.
------------- H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 26 September 2023 at 13:59
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On our two year old 348 the strut seemed to do nothing; I simply left it alone unfortunately until I could bear it no more. I received two recommendations: (1) Replace it, which I did, but (2) mount it with the piston attached to the hull and the rod to the platform. It was originally oriented in reverse. It works beautifully and I estimate that it takes 90% of the load during opening and closing. My recommendation is to flip the orientation of the piston first to see if that does it. ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 26 September 2023 at 14:01
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This new piston was also 800N. I have to add that S&J commented above. Their posts are always spot on. ------------- David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound |
Posted By: lide
Date Posted: 18 November 2024 at 07:37
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Hi. I had the same issue with a dead swim platform strut. I ordered the mcmaster spring recommended above. It fit beautifully. But 200lb ie 890N turned out to be too strong a replacement for the 800N strut that was there earlier. The platform doesn’t want to go down unless pushed down and then comes back up if there’s no weight on it. Is there any way to reduce the strength? I found that there is a small elastic cap at the end of the piston if one were to unscrew the ball socket. Should that be on or off?
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Posted By: Arcadia
Date Posted: 18 November 2024 at 15:09
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Some gas struts do have the ability for the end user to release some gas in order to reduce the spring effort. However you should check with the manufacturer to be sure the ones you have offer this option. I wouldn’t assume anything by looking at it. There is tremendous pressure in these things!! ------------- Leon / ARCADIA 2018 Hanse 588 Sag Harbor, NY |
Posted By: lide
Date Posted: 19 November 2024 at 09:30
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Thanks. I did write to McMaster. They say that the struts are adjustable. Leaving their response here for future reference. The following video for how to adjust the pressure https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6dvFjHR4mA__;!!F4DO_rqARG2XmWhd!N1KjZXj8YzIhKZghCRBqsAB4HRUYhk4O12d8bOZOYK5jdIMng2HkrZn--sEQqJu2TNCUN9qIN4RC82i9bw$" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch? And the following link for the tool used. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://store.easylift.com/accessories/m10-release-screw-for-bansbach-m0-threads/__;!!F4DO_rqARG2XmWhd!N1KjZXj8YzIhKZghCRBqsAB4HRUYhk4O12d8bOZOYK5jdIMng2HkrZn--sEQqJu2TNCUN9qIN4TQ6G6khg$" rel="nofollow - https://store.easylift.com/ |
Posted By: boatman
Date Posted: 10 December 2024 at 17:27
| I have a 23 348. I am thinking of putting in a block and tackle. But after reading this, I am guessing I should try to just reverse the strut, and it might take care of the situation? |