Fridge Hatch holders

[rxc]

The two top hatches for the fridge on my 43DS have springy hatch holders. I have been asked by my wife to figure out some other way to hold these hatches open, because she is tired of getting hit by a falling hatch as she reaches into the fridge. The springy holders seem to be very susceptible to slight knocks.

On my old boat, I had a positive catch that was easy to latch/release, but I can't seem to see any place on my 43DS to mount a catch above the hatches. ALternatively, I was thinking about installing a gas strut in place of the springy hatch-holders, but have no idea what size or force would be appropriate.

Any ideas or thoughts would be welcome.

[Zanshin]

I had a love-hate relationship with those springs on my 43DS as well - loved them until I reached into the fridge and inadvertantly knocked the spring off it's detent. Those springs contributed to my aspirin consumption.
The new boat has a gas strut which is far superior and wouldnd't be much work at all to retrofit, you would just need to find the correct length and attachment point within the fridge.

[rxc]

Zanshin,

Thanks. THis is what I was thinking, as well. If you are ever on your boat and happen to think about it, could you see if there are any markings on the strut, so that I could get some idea of a manufacturer and a part number?

Thanks!

[Zanshin]

I upgraded from the 43DS to a 49DS, which has gas-struts for the fridge. I can't recall how far apart the connection points for the springs are when the door is shut and what the throw would be, but perhaps you could find appropriate drop-in replacement gas struts for your current setup.