Tim Marsden shares a practical project to ensure the smooth closure of locker lids

One of my pet hates always occurs when a well-meaning crew member leaves a locker lid open, and it comes crashing down on the next roll of the boat with a gelcoatshattering crunch.

Sailing with children has also heightened my awareness of boat safety: one of these days someone’s little fingers will be in the way as they reach into the locker for a fender, and as usual it will be all my fault.

To this end, when fitting my new kitchen over the winter, the gas struts that keep the vertically-opening doors in place gave me an idea. I have obviously noticed gas struts used on everything from car hatchbacks to engine bays on huge motorboats, but for some reason I had always thought of them as expensive.

This is not the case: a bit of online research yielded a 250mm gas strut, available in a variety of strengths from 50-150 Newtons (5-15kg). The strut is supplied with a number of optional brackets, with ball and socket joints to aid alignment when fitting.

One strut with fixings, including delivery, costs £1.99.

The only additional parts I needed were an aluminium plate to spread the stress on the hatch lid and a small hardwood block, glued to the inside of the locker, to support the other end of the strut.

The job can be completed in a few hours with simple hand tools and parts from the ‘that will come in handy, one day’ box.

I realise that the strut isn’t manufactured from marine-grade 316 stainless steel, and that the salty environment will eventually take its toll on the metal components: but at £1.99 each I can afford to replace them every season if needed.

Send us your practical projects! We pay at least £30 for each one published in the magazine.

Boat leaks are the bane of a sailor’s life, but with patience their source can be traced. Here are some…

Graham Swetman makes his own heavy-duty bearing extractor

David Witton converts a caravan tank to make a holding tank for his small boat

Using Ikea bed slats for a comfortable night's sleep - and as a floor for an Avon Dinghy

How to make your own cleat boots

The spinnaker pole that came with my Jeanneau SO34.2 is stout and reasonably strong, but is a little short to…

Rick Allender goes back to basics with a low-cost and simple way to shower on a small boat

Paul Newton mounts an anchor light and emergency VHF antenna on his pushpit

Peter Crick makes a gate in his pushpit - which then goes on to save a life!

Get every issue of PBO on Android, iPhone, iPad or desktop

How to make a grippy surface

Engine school – stern drives, outboards and jet drives compared; Best French 30ft cruisers; First test of the RS Pulse 63 electric RIB; Post-Brexit Channel hop; Personal AIS and PLBs and 21 pages of DIY...