Companion Way Doors vs. boards for Hunter 356
- Thread starter jeff356
- Start date
Prior owner installed Zarcor doors Companionway Doors by Zarcor provides style, comfort and convenience to the entryway of your sailboat
I do like them, particularly the ability to put in screen panels when cruising. I leave the solid panels in at the mooring to keep rain out. Certainly easier for rapid cabin entry or exit than hatch boards.
There are two negatives. 1. Whether by installation error or design, the built in lock mechanism doesn't line up well with the hatch, so I have to use extra eyes and a padlock. 2. Dangerous if open when sailing...they can catch lines and spear you with the top corners. I am always reminding people to shut them after going in or out of the cabin and sometimes even I forget.
I do like them, particularly the ability to put in screen panels when cruising. I leave the solid panels in at the mooring to keep rain out. Certainly easier for rapid cabin entry or exit than hatch boards.
There are two negatives. 1. Whether by installation error or design, the built in lock mechanism doesn't line up well with the hatch, so I have to use extra eyes and a padlock. 2. Dangerous if open when sailing...they can catch lines and spear you with the top corners. I am always reminding people to shut them after going in or out of the cabin and sometimes even I forget.
If you do doors keep your options open by using 'lift off' hinges.
www.marinedepotdirect.com
Stainless Steel Small Lift-Off / Take Apart Hinges
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I made my doors out of starboard. I have hooks so I can hold them open while sailing. Also have a hook so I can keep them closed.
companion way boards are designed to keep the water out of the cabin in all and any storms.
do your doors do the same? it's a question you'll need to answer.
if water doesn't breach the hull , you can't sink. safety 101: rule number1
i'm a safety geek
just my $0.02
do your doors do the same? it's a question you'll need to answer.
if water doesn't breach the hull , you can't sink. safety 101: rule number1
i'm a safety geek
just my $0.02
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We got fed up messing with the three boards all the time so I cut a sheet of 1/4" plastic (not sure what type it is) to fit the opening. Now we can just take one thing in and out and it's lighter than the boards because it's thinner. We can still use the boards when they are needed.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,821
Boat companion way doors are a convenience.
with jon regarding the safety of your boat and crew. If you sail/race in open waters boards that lock in place are a required safety system. If you cruise in open water, while it is your option, I would encourage having boards that lock in place.
When a following sea comes aboard like a freight train you want every structure to be solid and resist the impact of the wave. Doors are just not designed to protect your boat from a storm wave.
Even boats that have strong boards have found them damaged from a boarding wave.
Your boat your choice.
with jon regarding the safety of your boat and crew. If you sail/race in open waters boards that lock in place are a required safety system. If you cruise in open water, while it is your option, I would encourage having boards that lock in place.When a following sea comes aboard like a freight train you want every structure to be solid and resist the impact of the wave. Doors are just not designed to protect your boat from a storm wave.
Even boats that have strong boards have found them damaged from a boarding wave.
Your boat your choice.
Thinking of doing the same but have a couple of questions.
Do the doors open in or out?
Did you use the track that the boards mount in? If so did you secure/screw into the track or surrounding fiberglass?
Would love to have them in the same track and be able to remove and use boards if applicable.
Thanks for the reply...
If the companionway is wide enought you could have the hinges attach to a side board that would slide into the original tracks. You'd lose a bit of width between the doors though.
The edge boards could be pinned in place but still leave the door/hinge assembly easily removeable.
The edge boards could be pinned in place but still leave the door/hinge assembly easily removeable.
Not a good idea.
Why not?
Your Hunter Companion Way should be closed in a Big Storm.
If your boat should flip over, mast under water, Hunter Designed that door to not flood your boat.
Hunter Designed your H356 to be self righting, if flipped over.
If you install Doors, your boat could flood inside.
Jim...
PS: I have seen a video of my H430 during testing, in harbor, a crane pushed full sailed mast fully under water.
It righted itself quickly , with no cabin flooding.
Out.
Hinges outside the track so can still use boards. Bolted the hinge support through the fiberglass and mounted a board on the inside that I put hooks on to hang hats.
I try to stay out of seas that would flip my boat over...... If your boat flips over you have more to worry about than the companion doors. These are not blue water boats. I like the comfort while coatal cruising.
These doors were installed by the previous owner on my Hunter e36. I really like them. Combination lock works fine. Hinges are designed so doors can be lifted out easily and stowed when needed. Boards can then be placed in when required. Zarcor does recommend stowing them while sailing. The doors have aluminum slides to keep them open. They work okay but I use small plastic clamps to hold them tight.
I'm sorry, buy I'm still trying to figure out how to transfer pictures from the Linux machine to the Chrome Book, so no pics. Quite simply, if you live aboard or use the boat often, in a climate where it might rain somewhat often, boards are a real PITA. Put them in for a rain squall and nobody can come and go. Boards are something I wholeheartedly suggest if one is transiting the Southern Ocean, or sailing through a hurricane, but for everyday pleasure sailing, they suck!
Absolutely the very first project I did, after letting the fact that I just purchased a 53 foot ketch to single hand for the rest of my life, was to build a Starboard companionway door. It had to slide in the hatch board slots, and had to be released by unscrewing no more than 2 screws. It was just enough off center so it would automatically close when we were not underway. The total cost was around $300.00 and it was still going fine when we sold her 13 years later.
Absolutely the very first project I did, after letting the fact that I just purchased a 53 foot ketch to single hand for the rest of my life, was to build a Starboard companionway door. It had to slide in the hatch board slots, and had to be released by unscrewing no more than 2 screws. It was just enough off center so it would automatically close when we were not underway. The total cost was around $300.00 and it was still going fine when we sold her 13 years later.