Swim Platform / folding transom

How easy/hard should it be to lower and lift the platform back into the locked position after use?  I have davits and our dinghy hanging off the back, so I lose some leverage when trying to raise the platform with that in place. Under most cases the dinghy would be down while using the platform for things one uses a bathing platform for so I can lean over and get a better angle to pull up the transom.  However, it’s still pretty heavy and difficult to manage without 2 people. I don’t think my wife or kids would be able to handle it.  Also, when lowering it, without a firm grasp on the lines it can easily slip and slam down.  

There is a strut, but I’m not sure it is functional. Before I order a new one (https://hanse.boatoon.com/en/shop/article/23407/Tension-spring-Z10-28-V4A-800N), I wanted to check and see how others handle the transom, if a new strut would help, and/or any other ways you manage raising and lowering the platform. 

Hanse, check the aftermarket. In the US an outfit called McMaster-Carr sells most every gas strut imaginable, for significantly less than Hanse. Might be worth a try. 

@kipwrite - even the most expensive strut McMaster-Carr has is less than 1/2 of the Boatoon one.  I'm going to be looking there to see about getting some to add to the lazarettes, even if I don't find a good one for the transom.