Description of the stainless steel 316L gas spring 081479 – 100 N – Stroke 180 mm
The 081479 gas spring is a compression gas strut manufactured by Associated Spring SPEC UK / Barnes Group UK Ltd (Evesham, UK), produced to the exact specification of BJ Technologie — the engineering and components division supplying the Beneteau group of production boatbuilders. It is a genuine OEM replacement for the original factory-fitted unit on sailing and motor yachts where this reference was specified at build, and is equally well-suited to custom refit projects or new-build integrations requiring the same force and dimensional characteristics.
What sets the 081479 apart from standard Nitrider gas struts of the same size class is its 316L stainless steel construction throughout — both the rod and the tube body are machined and formed from grade 316L stainless, the alloy of choice for marine applications thanks to its superior resistance to chloride-induced corrosion. This material specification makes the 081479 significantly more durable than a carbon steel or nitrided alternative when exposed to the humid, salt-laden atmosphere found below decks on offshore and coastal yachts. The 316L grade also responds well to the temperature cycling and condensation conditions typical of yacht interiors across extended seasons.
Built on the S08 platform from the stainless steel range, the strut features an 8 mm rod diameter and an 18 mm tube diameter, with an M6 x 1.0 threaded end on each side. It delivers a push force of 100 N across a stroke of 180 mm — a combination that suits a broad range of lightweight interior mechanisms: chart table lid supports, galley locker doors, saloon cabinetry panels, and nav station access hatches aboard production yachts. The body length (L1) is 409 mm; with both EF-BS004P plastic ball sockets fitted, the centre-to-centre dimension reaches 445 mm — the key measurement to verify against the existing mounting points before ordering.
Both ends are equipped with EF-BS004P plastic ball sockets: lightweight cage-type polymer fittings with an 18 mm useful length, M6 x 1.0 thread, and a 10 mm ball seat. The plastic construction avoids any risk of marking or scratching lacquered woodwork or varnished joinery surfaces, and is entirely appropriate for the modest loads involved. Should a socket clip wear or break in service, the EF-BS004P fittings are available separately, enabling a targeted repair without replacing the full strut assembly. The sealed cylinder carries the standard Ressorts SPEC pressure warning label confirming the unit must never be drilled, cut, or exposed to heat.
Distributed in France through Ressorts SPEC, the authorised network partner for Associated Spring / Barnes Group components.
Specifications
- Reference: 081479 – Rev B
- Type: Compression gas spring
- Material: Stainless steel 316L (rod and body)
- Force (P1): 100 N
- Stroke: 180 mm
- Body length (L1): 409 mm
- Centre length with end fittings (L2): 445 mm
- Rod diameter (ØR): 8 mm
- Tube diameter (ØT): 18 mm
- Thread: M6 x 1.0
- End fittings (both ends): EF-BS004P – plastic ball socket, Ø10 mm ball, M6 x 1.0, 18 mm useful length
- Original customer: Beneteau (BJ Technologie)
- Manufacturer: Associated Spring SPEC UK / Barnes Group UK Ltd, Evesham
Installation / Maintenance
Installation:
- Clip the EF-BS004P plastic ball sockets onto the 10 mm ball studs at each mounting point. Align the strut axis with the direction of travel to prevent lateral side-loading on the rod seal.
- Before fitting, verify the 445 mm centre-to-centre length (with end fittings) matches the mounting geometry on the vessel — always measure the old strut tip-to-tip before removing it.
- Where the layout allows, orient the strut with the rod end facing downward to preserve the lubrication film on the rod seal and extend service life.
- Ensure the M6 x 1.0 threaded shank is fully engaged into each socket before applying load; adequate thread engagement is essential to avoid stripping the plastic fitting.
Maintenance:
- Inspect the plastic ball sockets periodically for cracks, excessive play, or UV degradation, especially in bright interior spaces with direct sunlight exposure.
- Apply a light film of silicone-based lubricant to the ball joints at each annual service to maintain smooth articulation and prolong socket life.
- The 316L stainless steel body benefits from a fresh water rinse after offshore passages to remove any salt deposits that could accumulate around the rod seal.
- The gas strut body is a sealed, pressurised unit — never drill, pierce, cut, or heat it. Replace as a complete unit when force has noticeably diminished or the rod seal begins to weep oil.
- If a plastic socket fails, the EF-BS004P fitting is available as a separate spare part for a quick, economical repair.
Our review
✔️ Pros :
- 316L stainless steel rod and body offer genuine corrosion resistance in the humid, salt-laden atmosphere of yacht interiors — a significant step up from nitrided carbon steel alternatives.
- 100 N force and 180 mm stroke are well-matched to a wide range of lightweight interior mechanisms on production yachts and nautical vessels.
- EF-BS004P plastic ball sockets protect varnished and painted woodwork from scratching, and can be replaced individually if worn without discarding the entire strut.
- OEM-grade component from Associated Spring / Barnes Group, the original equipment supplier to the Beneteau group — guaranteed dimensional and force accuracy.
- 445 mm centre-to-centre length is a commonly encountered dimension on Beneteau-group joinery applications, simplifying direct replacement.
❌ Cons :
- Plastic ball sockets are not suitable for heavily loaded hatches, external deck applications, or prolonged direct exposure to standing water or saltwater spray.
- Fixed force of 100 N — confirm the load requirement of your panel or lid matches this rating before ordering, as field adjustment is not possible.
- The 445 mm centre-to-centre dimension is fixed; always measure the existing strut carefully before purchasing to avoid a misfit.
- The M6 x 1.0 thread and 8 mm rod limit this strut to lighter-duty interior applications — heavier panels or longer strokes require a larger-diameter unit.
Conclusion
The 081479 is the correct direct replacement for yachts and vessels originally fitted with this Beneteau OEM reference. The combination of a 316L stainless steel body and lightweight plastic ball sockets makes it ideally suited to the interior locker and cabinetry applications it was designed for, offering better durability than a Nitrider equivalent in the same size class while remaining gentle on finished wood surfaces. Before ordering, confirm that your mounting geometry matches the 445 mm centre-to-centre length with fittings in place, and verify that 100 N is the correct force for your panel weight and geometry. Both criteria met — this strut is a trouble-free, like-for-like replacement that will restore full functionality to your onboard mechanism.
Good to Know
- OEM reference developed for Beneteau (BJ Technologie) — confirm fitment against your vessel’s original equipment documentation or measure the existing strut before ordering.
- End fittings: EF-BS004P – plastic ball socket (cage-type), Ø10 mm ball, M6 x 1.0, 18 mm useful length (both ends). Available as individual spares for targeted replacement.
- Total centre-to-centre length with fittings: 445 mm. Body length alone (L1): 409 mm. Always measure tip-to-tip on the old strut before purchasing.
- Body and rod material: 316L stainless steel — superior corrosion resistance compared to Nitrider (carbon steel) gas springs of the same size class.
- 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 SPEC UK / Barnes Group UK Ltd.
- Browse our full range of marine gas springs for other force ratings, stroke lengths, and end fitting configurations.
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