Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. Review

First Impressions of Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs.

The Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. promises to be a durable, reliable OEM replacement for gas springs commonly found in marine applications. Coming from Sierra International, a brand known for quality marine components, this gas spring aims to provide smooth and controlled lifting and support, crucial for hatches, lids, and other heavy items on boats. I was particularly drawn to its purported corrosion resistance, a vital feature for anything exposed to the harsh marine environment.

My boat’s storage hatch has been slamming shut with alarming force ever since the original gas spring gave out. Replacing it became a priority, not just for convenience but to prevent potential damage to the hatch itself and, more importantly, to avoid pinched fingers. I chose the Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. over generic aftermarket options primarily because of Sierra International‘s reputation for quality and the specific mention of its compatibility with Attwood and Nautalift springs.

Upon unboxing, the gas spring feels solid and well-constructed. The annealed steel rod, with its nitride coating, gives off a reassuring sheen of corrosion resistance. The polymer rod ends appear robust, and the overall build quality seems to be on par with OEM standards.

Compared to a generic gas spring I briefly considered, the Sierra International offering immediately felt more substantial. The others seemed flimsy, lacking the confident heft and smooth action that the Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. exuded. I also researched a similar gas spring from Stabilus, but its higher price point and lack of readily available fitment information steered me toward the Sierra International option.

My initial impression is one of cautious optimism. The spring appears well-made and designed for the rigors of marine use. I’m excited to see how it performs in the real world, but I’m also a little wary about the installation process and whether it will truly be an exact fit as advertised.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. involved replacing the worn-out gas spring on my boat’s forward storage hatch. The installation was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the identical dimensions and mounting points of the original spring. The hatch now lifts smoothly and effortlessly, a welcome change from the previous uncontrolled slamming.

I tested the hatch in moderately choppy conditions, with spray occasionally reaching the spring. Even with the added moisture, the gas spring continued to operate smoothly and without any noticeable increase in resistance. The operation was consistent even with some salt accumulation.

The ease of installation was a pleasant surprise. I expected some difficulty aligning the mounting points or struggling with the spring force, but the Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. went in without a hitch. There were no unexpected surprises, just a simple, direct replacement.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. continues to perform admirably. There are no signs of wear or tear on the rod or end fittings, even with constant exposure to saltwater spray and UV radiation. The hatch still lifts smoothly and reliably, maintaining its original performance characteristics.

The durability has been impressive. The nitride coating on the steel rod appears to be holding up exceptionally well, with no signs of rust or corrosion. The polymer rod ends also show no signs of cracking or degradation.

Maintaining the gas spring has been minimal. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth occasionally to remove salt buildup and ensure smooth operation. Compared to the original gas spring, which failed after only a few seasons, the Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. has far exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs.

Specifications

• Compressed Length: 12 inches. This is the length of the spring when fully compressed.
• Extended Length: 20 inches. This is the total length of the spring when fully extended.
• Rated Force: 90 Pounds. This is the force the spring exerts when extending.
• Rod Material: Annealed steel with nitride coating. The nitride coating is crucial for corrosion resistance in marine environments.
• Rod Ends: Engineered polymer. The polymer rod ends offer durability and resistance to wear.
• Bushings: Bronze. Bronze bushings provide smooth and reliable operation.
• Seal: Multi-lobe internal seal. This seal ensures the gas remains contained and the spring operates consistently.
• Interchangeability: Attwood SL34-90-5, Nautalift GSNI-2300-90. This makes finding a suitable replacement much easier.

These specifications are important because they directly affect the gas spring’s performance and longevity. The nitride-coated steel rod and bronze bushings are especially important for marine applications, where corrosion is a constant threat. The proper force rating ensures the hatch or lid is supported adequately without being too difficult to open or close.

Performance & Functionality

The Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. performs its job exceptionally well. It provides smooth, controlled lifting and support for hatches and lids, preventing slamming and ensuring safe operation. The spring force is consistent and reliable, even in varying temperatures.

Its strength lies in its consistent performance and durability. The 90-pound rating feels accurate and provides ample support for my boat’s hatch. There are no significant weaknesses, although a slightly higher force rating option might be useful for heavier applications.

It meets my expectations and has proven to be a reliable replacement for my old, worn-out gas spring. It has solved the problem of my boat’s storage hatch slamming shut.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. is excellent. The materials feel durable and well-suited for marine use. The overall design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills.

The installation process is straightforward, requiring no special tools or expertise. The direct replacement design makes it easy to swap out old gas springs. It is a very user-friendly design.

Durability & Maintenance

The Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. is built to last. The nitride-coated steel rod and polymer rod ends are highly resistant to corrosion and wear. With proper care, this gas spring should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. No special lubricants or treatments are needed. The durability is outstanding.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs. does not come with any accessories. It’s a standalone replacement part. There are no customization options available for this particular product.

However, the interchangeability with Attwood and Nautalift springs means that finding compatible mounting brackets or end fittings from other brands is possible, if needed. It is important to verify compatibility before purchasing any aftermarket accessories.

Pros and Cons of Sierra International Gas Spring 12in To 20in 90 Lbs.