The 171568 gas spring is a compression gas strut manufactured by Associated Spring / Barnes Group UK Ltd (Evesham, UK), originally developed for the BJ Technologie group — the engineering and components division behind Beneteau-group production vessels. It represents an OEM-grade spare part that can be used in direct replacement applications wherever the original factory-fitted unit has reached the end of its service life.
The strut body is built around the S10PBC stainless steel platform: a 10 mm rod diameter and 23 mm tube diameter, threaded at M8 x 1.25 at each end, delivering a force of 900 N — making it suitable for medium-to-heavy hatches, engine bay access panels, or structural lids on production yachts. The cylinder body length (L1) is 549 mm, and the fully assembled centre-to-centre measurement including the end fittings reaches 609 mm, with a usable stroke of 250 mm.
Both end fittings are EF-BS006S stainless steel ball sockets, each measuring 30 mm in length with a 10 mm ball and M8 x 1.25 threaded shank. These sockets are machined from marine-grade stainless steel and provide articulation that accommodates slight angular misalignments between the mounting points during the full travel of the strut — a critical feature on fibreglass yacht structures that flex under sail load or thermal cycling. The sealed cylinder body carries the standard safety warning label indicating it is a pressurised unit and must never be opened, drilled, pierced, or exposed to heat.
This part is distributed in France through Ressorts SPEC, the authorised distributor for Associated Spring / Barnes Group components, and is available as a direct replacement or for new-build integration.
Specifications
- Reference: 171568
- Type: Compression gas spring (gas strut)
- Force (P1): 900 N
- Stroke: 250 mm
- Body length (L1): 549 mm
- Centre length with end fittings (L2): 609 mm
- Rod diameter (ØR): 10 mm
- Tube diameter (ØT): 23 mm
- Thread: M8 x 1.25
- End fittings (both ends): EF-BS006S – stainless steel ball socket, Ø10 mm ball, M8 x 1.25, 30 mm length
- Original customer: BJ Technologie (Beneteau group)
- Manufacturer: Associated Spring / Barnes Group UK Ltd, Evesham
Installation / Maintenance
Installation:
- Fit the EF-BS006S ball sockets onto 10 mm ball studs at each mounting point, ensuring the axis of the strut aligns with the direction of travel to prevent lateral side-loading.
- The M8 x 1.25 thread allows for fine positional adjustment at each end — ensure both sockets are fully and evenly engaged before putting the strut into service.
- Verify that the 609 mm centre-to-centre distance (with fittings) matches the existing mounting geometry on the vessel before installation.
- Where the strut is used to support a hatch or lid, mount with the rod facing downward where possible to preserve the internal lubrication film on the rod seal and extend service life.
Maintenance:
- Inspect the ball sockets periodically for wear, play, or surface corrosion, particularly after prolonged offshore passages or winter lay-up periods.
- Apply a light film of marine-grade silicone lubricant or grease to the ball joints at each service interval to maintain smooth articulation.
- The gas strut body is a sealed, pressurised assembly: never attempt to open, drill, pierce, or heat it. Dispose of spent units in accordance with local regulations governing pressurised components.
- A strut that no longer holds a hatch open or shows visible oil weeping around the rod seal should be replaced as a complete unit.
Our review
✔️ Pros :
- High force rating (900 N) — well suited to larger hatches and access panels on production sailing and motor yachts.
- Stainless steel ball sockets (EF-BS006S) on both ends ensure excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.
- OEM-grade part from Associated Spring / Barnes Group, the original equipment supplier to the Beneteau group.
- 250 mm stroke provides generous travel for a wide range of onboard applications.
- M8 x 1.25 thread is a universal standard, simplifying fitting and future replacement.
❌ Cons :
- Fixed force rating of 900 N — verify the load requirement of your hatch or panel before ordering, as the force cannot be adjusted in the field.
- The 609 mm centre-to-centre dimension (with fittings) must match the existing mounting points precisely; measure carefully before ordering.
- The strut is a sealed, pressurised unit that cannot be serviced and must be replaced as a complete assembly when worn.
Conclusion
The 171568 is a reliable, OEM-quality gas spring for yacht owners, refit professionals, and boatbuilders who need a proven high-force strut for medium-to-large hatches and structural panels. Its stainless steel construction, authoritative 900 N force, and correct-fit dimensions for BJ Technologie / Beneteau-group applications make it a straightforward, confidence-inspiring replacement. Before purchasing, confirm that your mounting geometry matches the 609 mm centre-to-centre length (with fittings) and that 900 N is the appropriate force for your specific panel weight and lever geometry. If both criteria are met, this is an excellent direct-fit choice.
Good to Know
- OEM reference originally developed for BJ Technologie (Beneteau group) production vessels — verify fitment against your vessel’s original equipment list.
- End fittings: EF-BS006S – stainless steel ball sockets, Ø10 mm ball, M8 x 1.25, 30 mm length (both ends).
- Total centre-to-centre length with fittings: 609 mm. Body length alone (L1): 549 mm. Always measure your existing strut tip-to-tip before ordering.
- The cylinder body is a sealed, pressurised unit — never drill, pierce, cut or heat it.
- Distributed in France by Ressorts SPEC — original manufacturer: Associated Spring / Barnes Group UK Ltd.
- Browse our full range of marine gas springs for other force ratings and stroke lengths.
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