Hatch
- Thread starter rblevens
- Start date
Security? It is only as good as the hasp. Boats are very easy to break into and their security might depend on other things than locks. For example the security at the place it is docked, dependable neighbors, lights, a clean and well maintained boat indicates it is cared for with the implication it will be protected, a good insurance coverage will reimburse for any losses. You could add alarms and security cameras but they are only good after the fact.
I think I remember others talking about a place called Marine Plastics in Annapolis, MD that makes companionway "hatches"
So you are just needing the hatchboards? I made one of 3/4" plywood that I use for winter storage. Then I made one of a very light cedar. I like a single board because I have A/C and I am in and out all the time. The original three boards were a real hassle. Many like "doors" but when they are open they cover the cockpit bulkheads where people like to sit and lean. They are also expensive and usually make the entrance narrower. Just Google "companionway hatchboards" and you will see lots of example.
Attachments
I just bought my Cherubini and the PO had tinted Lexan hatch boards made. They look alright and even come with a protective, slotted bag. I like the idea of being able to see the cockpit and a bit of what is behind me especially in the rain. Some people have put a port in the middle board. Good luck. Also I agree that the opening doors look great, but are not practical since many people like to face aft and lean against companion way bulkhead (as Ed stated). When it comes to security. Forget it. Not gonna happen on a boat.
A fair question for you is the price range you would like to pay. You could make something for less than $100, or you can pay roughly $1000 for a completed door set with hinges.
This forum's chandlery sells custom fit companionway doors. I have doors that came with the boat with a small circular window in each. I love them and have never had comments regarding comfort or otherwise being in the way.
I also have the boards for very foul weather or long term storage. Three of them for my boat, the middle one is smoked plastic to be able to see in/out. These boards could take a good amount of beating from waves and are very sturdy for heavy weather. I can close the doors with the boards installed. I wouldn't even lean on the closed doors without these installed...
The cheap and simple solution would be to take the assembly you have, trace the exterior dimensions onto some good void-free plywood, and cut out a single piece (stain/varnish to match if you choose). This would be a very stout solution. I like the three-piece boards because of ease of storage compared to a single board. You should bevel multiple board solutions to allow for drainage between the boards.
By request, here's a few older photos of my boat's companionway doors (just something I had on the hard drive). I can take better ones if it's helpful.
Because they are mounted on the face of the frame, I can still use the boards or some other insert.
My plan is to make a simple screened insert, so I can keep the doors open and keep the bugs out but still be able to close the doors if I want to. I have a soft screen secured by hook and loop tape, but it seems to always come loose and get dirty. The screened insert could also support a box fan.
I also have an insert I made that holds a small window A/C unit. This helps take the edge off on humid days but is kind of a nuisance to deal with. I don't use it too often...
Because they are mounted on the face of the frame, I can still use the boards or some other insert.
My plan is to make a simple screened insert, so I can keep the doors open and keep the bugs out but still be able to close the doors if I want to. I have a soft screen secured by hook and loop tape, but it seems to always come loose and get dirty. The screened insert could also support a box fan.
I also have an insert I made that holds a small window A/C unit. This helps take the edge off on humid days but is kind of a nuisance to deal with. I don't use it too often...
Attachments
Nice!
Except now I see yet another difference between the newer and older deck molds - on my boat the wood 'sliders' are recessed back about 3", meaning that the doors would not fold back flat but would stick out at 90 degrees :-(
Except now I see yet another difference between the newer and older deck molds - on my boat the wood 'sliders' are recessed back about 3", meaning that the doors would not fold back flat but would stick out at 90 degrees :-(
Attachments
Other boats with this same sort of protected companionway or having other obstructions have lift-off hinges, so if you want the doors open but know they will get in the way the door panels would be stowed.
http://www.cruisingconcepts.com/Codoor.htm
Looks to me like these are what the SailboatOwners chandlery sells, same picture for the teak variety... I do like the privacy/shade filler plates shown in the left larger image and will likely be doing something like that...
http://shop.hunterowners.com/cat.php?51993/Companionway Doors
