Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs. Review

First Impressions of Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs.

The Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs. is a seemingly unassuming component, but one that can make a world of difference in the functionality and convenience of various applications. Offered by Sierra International, this gas spring is designed as an exact OEM replacement, promising ease of installation and reliable performance. My initial interest was piqued by the frustrating experience of dealing with worn-out gas springs on my boat’s storage hatches; struggling to keep them open while retrieving gear became a major annoyance, and finding a proper replacement felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.

The package arrived promptly, and I was immediately struck by the robust feel of the spring. The annealed steel rod, nitride coated for corrosion resistance, exuded a sense of durability. Examining the engineered polymer rod ends and bronze bushings, I appreciated the attention to detail in the design.

I had previously considered a Nautalift gas spring and even a generic option from a local hardware store, but the Sierra International model’s specific compatibility with Attwood SL13-30-5 and Nautalift GSNI-5200-30 models gave me confidence that it would be a perfect fit. I was excited to get it installed and see if it could finally solve my boat hatch woes. This felt like a promising solution, and I was eager to see how it performed in real-world conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs. to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary use case for the Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs. was on the storage hatches of my 21-foot center console boat, used primarily for saltwater fishing. I installed two of these springs on hatches that provide access to critical equipment like life jackets, flares, and spare tackle. The installation process was surprisingly straightforward, taking only a few minutes per spring with basic hand tools.

Immediately, the difference was noticeable. The hatches opened smoothly and stayed open without any manual propping or precarious balancing acts. Even in choppy conditions with a moderate sea state, the hatches remained firmly in the open position, providing easy access to the contents.

There were no immediate issues or surprises. The springs performed exactly as expected, providing consistent and reliable support. This simple upgrade significantly improved the functionality and safety of my boat.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of consistent use in a marine environment, the Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs. continues to perform admirably. I’ve observed no signs of rust or corrosion on the steel rod or any degradation of the polymer rod ends, despite frequent exposure to saltwater spray and sun. The hatches still open with the same smooth and controlled motion as they did on day one.

Maintenance has been minimal; I simply wipe them down with a damp cloth occasionally to remove any salt residue. Compared to the previous, failing gas springs, this Sierra International offering is a significant improvement in both performance and longevity.

The difference is night and day. I can now confidently access my gear even when single-handing the boat, without the constant fear of a hatch slamming shut. The Sierra International Gas Spring has proven to be a reliable and durable solution for my boat’s storage hatch needs.

Breaking Down the Features of Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs.

Specifications

The Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs. boasts several key specifications:

• Compressed Length: 11 inches. This refers to the length of the spring when fully compressed, a critical measurement for ensuring proper fit within the intended application.
• Extended Length: 17 inches. This is the length of the spring when fully extended, determining the maximum opening angle of the supported hatch or lid.
• Rated: 30 Pounds. This indicates the force the spring exerts when extending, which is crucial for supporting the weight of the hatch or lid.
• Annealed steel rod (nitride coated for corrosion resistance). This speaks to the quality and durability of the spring, ensuring it can withstand harsh environments.
• Engineered polymer rod ends. The rod ends provide secure and reliable attachment points.
• Bronze bushings. These bushings allow for smooth and quiet operation.
• Multi-lobe internal seal. This prevents gas leakage, which is essential for maintaining consistent performance.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the functionality and longevity of the gas spring. The correct length and force rating are essential for proper operation, while the materials and construction determine its resistance to corrosion and wear.

Performance & Functionality

The Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs. performs its job effectively and consistently. The 30-pound rating provides ample support for most small to medium-sized hatches and lids. The smooth extension and retraction, thanks to the bronze bushings and multi-lobe seal, make operation effortless.

The main strength is its reliable performance and durable construction. A potential area for improvement might be offering a wider range of force ratings to accommodate various hatch weights and sizes. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a gas spring in its class.

Design & Ergonomics

The Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs. is designed with functionality and durability in mind. The materials are robust, and the overall build quality is excellent. While a gas spring isn’t something you typically handle extensively, the design is clean and simple, making installation straightforward.

There’s no significant learning curve; it’s a simple replacement part that works as intended. The materials used inspire confidence and suggest a long service life.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, the Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs. is built to last. The nitride-coated steel rod and polymer rod ends are resistant to corrosion, and the internal seal prevents gas leakage.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. Replacement is straightforward should it ever be necessary, but I anticipate a long lifespan with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs. itself doesn’t come with any specific accessories, nor are there many customization options available. It’s a direct replacement part designed to fit existing hardware.

However, its compatibility with Attwood and Nautalift mounting hardware provides some flexibility in terms of installation options. The focus is on providing a reliable and durable replacement, rather than offering extensive customization.

Pros and Cons of Sierra International Gas Spring 11in To 17in 30 Lbs.