Sizing and Sourcing Gas Struts for 56" Hatch Install

[kayakevan]

Alright I hate to start another strut post but I need a second or third or maybe even forth mind on this to make sure I'm not oversimplifying this. I used the calculator that Dan put together on here to get some preliminary numbers. My hatch is 56" from hinge to end, dead weight is about 65lbs. Threw those numbers in and got 33.6" and 93lbs for struts. A 34" strut seems to be nearly impossible to find, especially from a source that I can return and exchange if needed without paying a restock fee or something. I looked at a 36" strut and I could accommodate that on my hatch but it pushes the hatch too high. My question is, could I buy a 32" strut at 100lbs and mount it in the galley wall 36" from the hing point and then using the stroke measurement and the 85% rule use that number but add 4" to that distance when figuring out where to mount it on the hatch? The galley wall would be mounted 4" further from the hinge than the total length so I figured I could add that same 4" to the hatch mounting point without going over the 85% compression. Propping the hatch up with these strut numbers it sits at a good height for me. I just want to make sure I'm not overlooking something where this would cause damage to what I've built or just all together not work.

 

[Ross Collins]

Check McMaster-Carr.

 

[Ross Collins]

They have a large selection, the webpage for gas struts has a tool you fill in the specs your looking for.