I was planning on installing 2 struts but after putting the port side in it provided enough support. By using just the 1 strut it left plenty of room to access the storage door under the v berth. I like your finished arch that looks like a good solution too.
I have read every post on this thread twice since buying my 2005 Sea Ray 300 in the summer of 2018. The boat was previously owned by a CSR member (bel_mar_pointe) and we'll cared for with only minor upgrades needed mainly navigation electronics. After installing new simrad gps, VHF and radar...