Description of the stainless steel locking gas strut assembly 100147 – 250 N – Stroke 200 mm
The 100147 is a two-component stainless steel assembly manufactured by Associated Spring Raymond / Barnes Group UK Ltd (Evesham, UK), produced to the specification of Dufour Yachts — one of France’s leading performance sailing yacht builders. It combines a compression gas strut (Item 1: S08NAY0250) with an integrated stainless locking tube (Item 2: LTX8200) into a single, ready-to-fit assembly that performs two functions simultaneously: supporting the weight of an open hatch or panel, and locking it safely in the fully extended position.
The gas strut element is built on the S08 stainless steel platform: an 8 mm rod and 18 mm tube, both fabricated in stainless steel, delivering a push force of 250 N over a stroke of 200 mm, with M6 x 1.0 threaded ends. The body length (L1) of the strut alone is 449 mm. The LTX8200 locking tube is a stainless steel telescoping sleeve that rides on the outside of the strut body and automatically engages when the gas spring reaches full extension — locking the strut at its maximum deployed length. To retract the assembly and close the hatch or panel, the operator simply applies gentle thumb pressure to the locking tube collar to disengage the lock, after which the strut compresses normally.
This locking mechanism eliminates the need for a separate prop rod, stay rod, or secondary support device — components that are easily misplaced, forgotten in the wrong position, or simply absent when needed in an emergency. On a yacht, where engine bay hatches, cockpit locker lids, and storage panel covers may need to be held open securely during maintenance or provisioning in a seaway, the automatic locking action of the LTX assembly provides a significant and practical safety improvement over a conventional gas strut alone. The stainless steel construction of both components makes the 100147 suitable not only for protected interior joinery but also for semi-exposed or high-humidity locations where carbon steel alternatives would corrode over time.
The overall assembled length of the complete 100147 unit is 450 mm. This figure — which includes the LTX locking tube in its retracted (compressed) position — is the key dimension to match against the mounting geometry on the vessel. Distributed in France through Ressorts SPEC, the authorised partner for Associated Spring Raymond / Barnes Group components.
Specifications
- Reference: 100147 – Rev B
- Type: Stainless steel locking gas strut assembly (gas strut + LTX locking tube)
- Force (P1): 250 N
- Stroke: 200 mm
- Gas strut body length (L1): 449 mm
- Overall assembly length (compressed): 450 mm
- Item 1 – Gas strut: S08NAY0250 – stainless steel, ØR 8 mm, ØT 18 mm, M6 x 1.0
- Item 2 – Locking tube: LTX8200 – stainless steel locking tube, ØR 8 mm, stroke 200 mm
- Material: Stainless steel (both components)
- Thread: M6 x 1.0
- Locking mechanism: Automatic at full extension; thumb-release to retract
- Original customer: Dufour Yachts
- Manufacturer: Associated Spring Raymond / Barnes Group UK Ltd, Evesham
Installation / Maintenance
Installation:
- Select and fit appropriate M6-compatible end fittings to both threaded rod ends before installation. The end fitting type must suit the ball studs or mounting brackets fitted to the vessel.
- Verify the overall assembly length of 450 mm (compressed, with any chosen end fittings added) matches the existing mounting geometry on the vessel — always measure the old assembly tip-to-tip before removing it.
- Mount the assembly so that it extends freely to its full stroke without obstruction, as the LTX locking tube must reach full extension to engage the lock.
- Orient the strut with the rod end facing downward where the geometry allows, to preserve the rod seal lubrication film and maximise service life.
- Ensure the hatch or panel is within the 250 N load capacity of this assembly; exceeding the rated force will prevent the strut from reaching full extension and engaging the lock.
Maintenance:
- Test the locking function periodically: open the hatch fully to confirm the LTX tube clicks into lock, then verify it releases cleanly with normal thumb pressure. Any stiffness or failure to lock may indicate contamination or corrosion on the locking tube sliding surfaces.
- Clean the LTX locking tube collar and sliding surfaces with fresh water after offshore passages and apply a light film of silicone lubricant to ensure smooth engagement and release.
- Inspect the gas strut rod seal for oil weeping at each annual service. A small oil film on the rod is normal; visible drips or a complete loss of holding force indicate it is time to replace the complete assembly.
- The gas strut is a sealed, pressurised unit — never drill, pierce, cut, or heat it. Replace the complete assembly when worn.
Our review
✔️ Pros :
- Integrated LTX stainless locking tube automatically holds the hatch or panel in the fully open position — eliminating the need for a separate prop rod and the safety risk of an unintentional closure.
- Full stainless steel construction (gas strut and locking tube) provides excellent corrosion resistance for marine use aboard sailing and motor yachts.
- Simple thumb-release mechanism to close — intuitive operation requiring no tools, magnets, or secondary hardware.
- OEM-grade assembly from Associated Spring Raymond / Barnes Group, original equipment supplier to Dufour Yachts — guaranteed force and dimensional accuracy for direct replacement.
- 250 N force rating suits a wide range of medium-weight hatch and panel applications on production yachts.
❌ Cons :
- The assembly must reach full stroke extension for the locking tube to engage — ensure the hatch or panel is light enough (≤ 250 N equivalent load at the strut mounting point) to allow complete opening.
- Supplied without end fittings — M6-compatible mounting hardware must be sourced and fitted separately before installation.
- The 450 mm compressed length must match the mounting geometry precisely; calculate total installed length carefully including both chosen end fittings before ordering.
- Being a combined assembly, the locking tube and strut are replaced together as a unit; individual component replacement is not supported in the field.
Conclusion
The 100147 is the correct OEM replacement for Dufour Yachts vessels originally fitted with this locking strut assembly, and an outstanding upgrade option for any nautical application where a conventional gas spring is insufficient on its own. The integrated LTX stainless locking mechanism transforms a standard support function into an active safety device — automatically securing the open position and releasing on demand. Before ordering, confirm the assembly length of 450 mm (plus your chosen end fittings) matches the mounting points on the vessel, that 250 N is the appropriate force for your hatch weight, and that the mechanism has sufficient travel to reach full extension and engage the lock. All criteria met — this assembly delivers a level of onboard safety and convenience that no conventional gas strut alone can match.
Good to Know
- This is a two-component assembly: a stainless steel gas strut (S08NAY0250, 250 N) combined with a stainless LTX locking tube (LTX8200, stroke 200 mm). Both are supplied together as a single unit.
- The LTX locking tube locks automatically at full extension and is released by simple thumb pressure — no tools required. This eliminates the need for a separate prop rod or safety stay.
- Supplied without end fittings — M6 x 1.0 compatible end fittings must be sourced separately. Add the length of both chosen fittings to the 450 mm assembly length to calculate the total installed centre-to-centre dimension.
- OEM reference produced for Dufour Yachts — verify fitment by measuring the existing assembly tip-to-tip on the vessel before ordering.
- The LTX series is available in stainless (LTX) and black Nitrider (LTN) finishes for other gas spring combinations. See the full range on nauticspares.com.
- The gas strut body is a sealed, pressurised unit — never drill, pierce, cut, or heat it.
- Distributed in France by Ressorts SPEC — original manufacturer: Associated Spring Raymond / Barnes Group UK Ltd.
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