Hey guys I'm looking to order new shocks for all the lids on my boat.  The stock ones have 20lb springs in them would it hurt to go up to 30lb springs?  Its a dollar more and got me thinking.  What do you guys think?  Thanks Josh

I will make the lids pop up faster and harder to close.  Depending on how hard the 20LB ones were when new, it might make them a little stiffer than you care for.

I was thinking the same I haven't felt em new so I'm not sure

Just replace one and see how you like it.  Then purchase accordingly.

Just a little info if you don't know.  Advance, Autozone, etc sell them and might have one that will match yours.  One brand they have only sells for about $12 - $14 on average.  If they have one to match in both weights, try one, if you don't like it, exchange it. 

They are called gas springs, but those place probably will call them hood supports.  All you have to do is find a one that has a parts person that can look up something without the "vehicle make, model, size engine etc.

They are also called gas struts.  Like all other parts, all struts are not created equal.  Some will last much longer than others. 

My preference would be to replace them with the same "strength" as the original equipment.  Stiffer struts will result in more force on the mounting parts, possibly damaging them over time.  It depends on how they fasten to the boat.  That will be the weakest link in the assembly.  I've seen struts work loose at those points.  The "stronger" or stiffer the strut, the more force it puts at those points.

Which reminds me to put "check strut mounts" on my to do list before getting on the water for the first time this season.

Yeah, this thread is a nice reminder for me to add this to my list.  The gas struts on one of my compartments won't keep the lid up for any length of time more than 5 seconds or so.