Description of the stainless steel 316L gas spring 081652 – 700 N – Stroke 400 mm
The 081652 gas spring is a heavy-duty compression gas strut manufactured by Associated Spring SPEC UK / Barnes Group UK Ltd (Evesham, UK), produced to the specification of BJ Technologie — the engineering and components division supplying the Beneteau group of production boatbuilders. It is the direct OEM replacement for the original factory-fitted unit on sailing and motor yachts where this reference was specified at build, and an excellent choice for refit and new-build projects demanding a high-force, fully corrosion-proof strut with generous stroke travel.
What distinguishes the 081652 from carbon steel or Nitrider equivalents of the same size is its full 316L stainless steel construction: both the rod and the tube body are fabricated from grade 316L — the benchmark marine alloy, with molybdenum content that provides outstanding resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion. This makes the 081652 an appropriate choice not only for protected interior locker and cabinetry applications, but also for partially or fully exposed deck-level locations: cockpit lockers, transom hatches, engine bay panels, and lazarette covers on offshore sailing yachts and cruising motorboats where a Nitrider carbon steel unit would have a materially shorter service life.
The strut belongs to the S10 stainless series: a 10 mm rod and 23 mm tube, threaded M8 x 1.25 at each end, delivering a force of 700 N across a stroke of 400 mm. At 700 N, this is one of the highest force ratings available in the S10 series and is well-matched to large, heavy hatches — engine room covers, wide cockpit locker lids, or foredeck access panels — where a lower-rated strut would struggle to hold the panel open securely under the weight of the lid plus any load on it. The body length (L1) is 849 mm and, with both end fittings installed, the centre-to-centre dimension (L2) reaches 909 mm.
Both ends are fitted with EF-BS006S stainless steel ball sockets: cage-type metal fittings machined from marine-grade stainless steel, with a 30 mm body length, a 10 mm ball seat, and an M8 x 1.25 threaded shank. The choice of stainless sockets to complement the 316L body creates a fully corrosion-proof assembly from tip to tip — there is no weaker link in the form of a zinc-plated or plastic fitting. This makes the 081652 the correct specification for permanently damp environments and externally exposed deck applications where lesser materials would corrode prematurely. The sealed cylinder body 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 partner for Associated Spring / Barnes Group components.
Specifications
- Reference: 081652 – Rev B
- Type: Compression gas spring
- Material: Stainless steel 316L (rod and body)
- Force (P1): 700 N
- Stroke: 400 mm
- Body length (L1): 849 mm
- Centre length with end fittings (L2): 909 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 body length
- Original customer: Beneteau (BJ Technologie)
- Manufacturer: Associated Spring SPEC UK / Barnes Group UK Ltd, Evesham
Installation / Maintenance
Installation:
- Clip the EF-BS006S stainless steel ball sockets onto the 10 mm ball studs at each mounting point, ensuring the strut axis aligns precisely with the direction of hatch or panel travel to prevent lateral side-loading on the rod seal and fittings.
- Before installation, verify the 909 mm centre-to-centre length (with fittings) matches the mounting geometry on the vessel — always measure the old strut tip-to-tip before removing it.
- For maximum rod seal longevity, orient the strut with the rod end facing downward where the installation geometry allows, to keep the lubrication film on the seal.
- At 700 N and with a 10 mm rod, ensure that the ball studs and their backing structures are of adequate strength and rigidity to handle the load without deflection or fatigue.
Maintenance:
- Inspect the stainless steel ball sockets periodically for wear or excessive play, particularly after extended offshore passages or lay-up periods.
- Apply a light film of marine-grade silicone lubricant or corrosion-inhibiting grease to the ball joints at each annual service to maintain smooth articulation and protect the socket surfaces.
- The 316L stainless steel body benefits from a fresh water rinse after offshore passages to remove accumulated salt deposits from the rod seal area.
- The gas strut body is a sealed, pressurised unit — never drill, pierce, cut, or heat it. Replace as a complete assembly when force has noticeably diminished or the rod seal begins to weep oil.
Our review
✔️ Pros :
- Full 316L stainless steel construction — rod, body, and EF-BS006S ball sockets are all stainless, creating a completely corrosion-proof assembly that outperforms Nitrider or zinc-plated alternatives in aggressive salt environments.
- 700 N force rating across a 400 mm stroke — one of the highest force outputs available in the S10 series, suitable for large, heavy hatches and structural panels on offshore yachts and cruising motorboats.
- OEM-grade component from Associated Spring / Barnes Group, the original equipment supplier to the Beneteau group — guaranteed dimensional and force accuracy for direct replacement.
- EF-BS006S stainless ball sockets provide a robust, high-bearing-capacity joint consistent with the 700 N load rating of this unit.
- 909 mm tip-to-tip length covers larger hatch and panel spans that shorter-stroke units cannot accommodate.
❌ Cons :
- Fixed force of 700 N — verify this matches the weight and lever geometry of your specific hatch or panel before ordering; this is not a low-force interior locker strut.
- At 909 mm tip-to-tip, this is a long strut requiring ample clearance within the hatch cavity or panel recess; confirm adequate installation space before purchasing.
- The 316L stainless construction commands a price premium over Nitrider carbon steel equivalents — justified for exposed or high-humidity locations, but potentially unnecessary for fully dry interior applications.
- The gas strut is a sealed, pressurised assembly that cannot be serviced and must be replaced as a complete unit when worn.
Conclusion
The 081652 is the definitive heavy-duty choice for Beneteau-group yachts and nautical vessels where the original OEM part must be matched exactly, or where a high-force, fully stainless gas strut is required for a demanding marine environment. Its 700 N push force, 400 mm stroke, 316L stainless body, and stainless ball sockets make it a premium, all-conditions solution for large cockpit lockers, engine hatches, and structural access panels. Before ordering, confirm that the mounting geometry corresponds to the 909 mm centre-to-centre dimension with fittings in place, and that 700 N is the correct force rating for your application. With those parameters verified, this strut delivers OEM precision and long-term reliability in even the harshest onboard conditions.
Good to Know
- OEM reference developed for Beneteau (BJ Technologie) — verify fitment against your vessel’s original equipment documentation or measure the existing strut before ordering.
- End fittings: EF-BS006S – stainless steel ball socket, Ø10 mm ball, M8 x 1.25, 30 mm body length (both ends).
- Total centre-to-centre length with fittings: 909 mm. Body length alone (L1): 849 mm. Always measure tip-to-tip on the old strut before purchasing.
- Body and rod material: 316L stainless steel — the most corrosion-resistant alloy in the Associated Spring gas strut range, suited to exposed deck and offshore applications.
- Looking for a similar geometry at lower force? Reference 081651 offers the same dimensions with a Nitrider carbon steel body and zinc-plated sockets at 500 N.
- 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 material specifications.
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