Does anyone have an idea of how to lock the companionway boards and slider from inside the cabin when staying aboard? I would like to install a simple lock hasp or equivalent on the inside for added security. Thanks. David
- Status
locking yourself in
David, I don't have a 33.5 however on my boat there is a barrel slide that will lock the slider in place therefore locking the hatch boards. It is mounted inside of the frame for the slider and goes into a hole in the slider.I'm surprized that there is not already some type of locking device already. At any rate the barrel slide works well,Good Luck!
David, I don't have a 33.5 however on my boat there is a barrel slide that will lock the slider in place therefore locking the hatch boards. It is mounted inside of the frame for the slider and goes into a hole in the slider.I'm surprized that there is not already some type of locking device already. At any rate the barrel slide works well,Good Luck!
Safety & security are different....
David: The conspiracy theory part of me believes that inside locks will provide you with security but not safety. I am always concerned (without basis, I am sure) that some one can lock me in as easily as I can lock them out. If they do, they can have their way with my dingy, motor, lockers, etc while I watch through the washboards as if I was on TV. I have always just installed the washboards backwards at night, which puts the lock mechanism on the inside. All I needed to do was add the second half of the lock to the inside. Admititally, this will allow some water in during a rain, but thats what my dodger is for (unless they steal that, too) Jeff
David: The conspiracy theory part of me believes that inside locks will provide you with security but not safety. I am always concerned (without basis, I am sure) that some one can lock me in as easily as I can lock them out. If they do, they can have their way with my dingy, motor, lockers, etc while I watch through the washboards as if I was on TV. I have always just installed the washboards backwards at night, which puts the lock mechanism on the inside. All I needed to do was add the second half of the lock to the inside. Admititally, this will allow some water in during a rain, but thats what my dodger is for (unless they steal that, too) Jeff
think first
I would not under any circumstances install any lock that required a key or combination on the inside of the boat. In an emergency it could prevent you from a rapid escape. I would stick to a barrel bolt or hook and eye fastener.
I would not under any circumstances install any lock that required a key or combination on the inside of the boat. In an emergency it could prevent you from a rapid escape. I would stick to a barrel bolt or hook and eye fastener.
My ideas
Have thought about this also for security in unprotected areas. Have concluded that I need something to stop hatch from sliding, but will allow fast and easy escape. My unexecuted idea is to cut a piece of wood (like a 1x2) to fit in the companionway like a security bar for a sliding door or window. Figured I could put a bracket on it or use velcro to hold it in place. Since I haven't done that yet, in its place I just jam a wooden cooking spoon between the hatch and the coaming. Looks tacky, gives the wife yet another thing to laugh about, and stops the hatch from sliding.
Have thought about this also for security in unprotected areas. Have concluded that I need something to stop hatch from sliding, but will allow fast and easy escape. My unexecuted idea is to cut a piece of wood (like a 1x2) to fit in the companionway like a security bar for a sliding door or window. Figured I could put a bracket on it or use velcro to hold it in place. Since I haven't done that yet, in its place I just jam a wooden cooking spoon between the hatch and the coaming. Looks tacky, gives the wife yet another thing to laugh about, and stops the hatch from sliding.
dead bolt lock
Can't remember where I saw it, but they installed a dead bolt lock which you are able to lock from the inside and key from outside. Seemed to provide a sturder lock than the little hasp. Jim
Can't remember where I saw it, but they installed a dead bolt lock which you are able to lock from the inside and key from outside. Seemed to provide a sturder lock than the little hasp. Jim
Inside Lock
This worked for me and if your's set up same/similar, should work as well. I installed an eye strap on the underside of the sliding hatch cover. Then, I reverse the companionway hatch boards so that the hasp is inside the cabin. Two snap hooks, and a short line to connect them to proper distance, will "link"/hook them togehter. Bimini top hardware worked fine for me.
This worked for me and if your's set up same/similar, should work as well. I installed an eye strap on the underside of the sliding hatch cover. Then, I reverse the companionway hatch boards so that the hasp is inside the cabin. Two snap hooks, and a short line to connect them to proper distance, will "link"/hook them togehter. Bimini top hardware worked fine for me.
In case of emergency....
...do you really want to have to deal with fact you locked yourself inside your boat? From years of being associated with law enforcement agencies and fire departments, I've seen the result of too many deadbolts, burglar bars and so-called security devices that, while locking the world out, also locked the victims inside their tomb. I share your concerns for security while sleeping aboard. I have installed two smoke alarms -- both with lights -- above my head in the v-berth where only one latch is dogged on the overhead hatch and one right at the companionway hatch. However, if awakened at night by either alarm, the drill is to evacuate the boat forward because just aft of the companionway lies all the electrical and fuel spaces and just a wee bit of smoke inhaled at the wrong time can make the most familiar environment and the simplest of tasks totally incomprehensible. With respect to your concern for security, how about maybe purchasing one of those portable infrared sensors at Radio Shack and rig it so that anyone -- including the Dock Cat -- who's prowling in your cockpit at night sets the thing off? Also, you might consider dropping by your security store and mooching a few stickers that allude to the fact that a security system is installed aboard. Believe me, anything that gives a would-be wrongdoer pause for consideration will convince them to move on to another potential target. By the way...smoke will kill you long before the flames get you and fire is more likely than a prowler entering your boat while you are sleeping. If you have a reason for this security concern -- or have been provided one by similar incidents aboard other boats -- maybe what you should do is consider another marina. Hope this helps.
...do you really want to have to deal with fact you locked yourself inside your boat? From years of being associated with law enforcement agencies and fire departments, I've seen the result of too many deadbolts, burglar bars and so-called security devices that, while locking the world out, also locked the victims inside their tomb. I share your concerns for security while sleeping aboard. I have installed two smoke alarms -- both with lights -- above my head in the v-berth where only one latch is dogged on the overhead hatch and one right at the companionway hatch. However, if awakened at night by either alarm, the drill is to evacuate the boat forward because just aft of the companionway lies all the electrical and fuel spaces and just a wee bit of smoke inhaled at the wrong time can make the most familiar environment and the simplest of tasks totally incomprehensible. With respect to your concern for security, how about maybe purchasing one of those portable infrared sensors at Radio Shack and rig it so that anyone -- including the Dock Cat -- who's prowling in your cockpit at night sets the thing off? Also, you might consider dropping by your security store and mooching a few stickers that allude to the fact that a security system is installed aboard. Believe me, anything that gives a would-be wrongdoer pause for consideration will convince them to move on to another potential target. By the way...smoke will kill you long before the flames get you and fire is more likely than a prowler entering your boat while you are sleeping. If you have a reason for this security concern -- or have been provided one by similar incidents aboard other boats -- maybe what you should do is consider another marina. Hope this helps.
- Status