Catalina 30 engine access doors

[George Da Porge]

I am looking to remove the hinges from the 3 engine access doors and use different hardware to affix. I take the doors off every time I service so I don't step or kneel on the doors and bend the hinges.

I was thinking of creating a lip in the door bottom, and use some type of firm holding catch on the top. Would need to add a low profile handle to the door top.

Any other ideas? Any hardware suggestions? I was looking for a hinge that one can slide the door off of when open (similar to the hinges on our lazarette bench). Couldn't find any that would fit the current door/frame configuration.

 

[Guts1236]

You could remove the hinges and use either one of these on the cabinet door and frame. This would allow you to take the cabinet door off while you are working in that area. I agree this step on me doors are poor planning.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/southco-marine--adjustable-stainless-steel-ball-catch--15578610

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/sea-dog--injection-molded-nylon-cupboard-catch--4629945

 

[Stu Jackson]

Most boat hardware can also be found at a good ACE Hardware store.

There's also this entire topic from Dean:

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1183058#post1183058

 

[mortyd]

also, as easy as the hinges bend, they unbend just as easily. just use an unbent hinge as a guide to see where the right angles belong.

 

[George Da Porge]

also, as easy as the hinges bend, they unbend just as easily. just use an unbent hinge as a guide to see where the right angles belong.

Have rebent the hinges - that's easy. It's the hassle of taking the doors off/on. Plus with the doors open they are just an obstacle in the work area.

 

[Guts1236]

Have rebent the hinges - that's easy. It's the hassle of taking the doors off/on. Plus with the doors open they are just an obstacle in the work area.

So what's wrong with my suggestion?

 

[hvbaker]

My doors don't have hinges they have been modified as suggested and work great.

 

[hvbaker]

My doors don't have hinges they have been modified as suggested and work great.

Not the best picture but you can see the doors on the left side of the picture and you can see the wood latch at the top of the opening. Picture was taking as we were preparing to lift the engine to replace the transmission.

 

[George Da Porge]

So what's wrong with my suggestion?

Not a thing! I took a look at those and they definitely are on my radar. Thanks for the links!

 

[George Da Porge]

<img src="http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84616"/> Not the best picture but you can see the doors on the left side of the picture and you can see the wood latch at the top of the opening. Picture was taking as we were preparing to lift the engine to replace the transmission.

That looks pretty much like my cabin when we were getting ready to hoist the engine to replace the transmission!! Did you place the door hinges on top of the doors, and did you make any mods to the doors or frames to fit the hinges? If you are using "take apart" hinges I would appreciate it if you could take pics of how you attached the hinges to the door and frame. I realize you may not be able to do that now, if your boat is wrapped up for the winter. Thanks!

 

[George Da Porge]

Ok hvbaker - just checked your post again and you said you didn't use hinges! So, if possible, pics of the how you attached the door latches! Thanks!

 

[hvbaker]

Ok hvbaker - just checked your post again and you said you didn't use hinges! So, if possible, pics of the how you attached the door latches! Thanks!

Will take better set of pictures this weekend. I live in Florida. Boat is in water and will sail this weekend.

 

[George Da Porge]

Will take better set of pictures this weekend. I live in Florida. Boat is in water and will sail this weekend.

That'd be great! Lucky you - you get to go sailing instead of freezing your hinder off up here in WI!!

 

[hvbaker]

Hope you can see from these pictures.

 

[George Da Porge]

<img src="http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84702"/> <img src="http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84703"/> Hope you can see from these pictures.

Thanks for the pics!!

 

[Capt jgw]

I modified my hinges to make them removable. I cut the ends of the hinge pins off with a Dremel tool, and replaced them with machine screws (without nuts). Just pull the screws out and the door comes off. A cotter pin would also work.

 

[hvbaker]

That'd be great! Lucky you - you get to go sailing instead of freezing your hinder off up here in WI!!

And what a beautiful sail it was!!!

 

[George Da Porge]

<img src="http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=84733"/> And what a beautiful sail it was!!!

Boo! Hiss!

 

[OS2Dude]

Our hinges are on the top of the doors, no kneeling on them but a pain to keep out of the way. Cutting off the hinge pin and using a cotter pin is a great idea!

 

[Team118]

Velcro?

When I installed the house batteries under the nav table. I made a simple louvered panel to cover it. Originally, it was screwed in.
Then I installed velcro around it.

That was 3-4 years ago and it works fine.