Companionway door project

[Don S/V ILLusion]

what Andy said

StuGoing in and out of the boat multiple times is much easier than with the boards - kind of like putting boards in every time you open and close the door to your house, especially if you have the AC or heat on.The other perspective is the way I and others apparently look at it - the only purpose of boards is to keep one or two in case you want to heighten the bridge deck to keep the ocean out.

 

[Ross]

Stu, It is really quite easy

When I arrive at my boat, I remove the padlock, slide the hatch open and open the door. There are no loose pieces to be stowed somewhere and if it starts to rain I slide the hatch shut and close the door. If Nancy wants to come out at that time she just opens the door and slides the hatch open from the inside or just hands me a hot cup of tea. When it is time to leave the boat and go home I close the door, slide the hatch closed and lock the padlock.

 

[Steve Dion]

Stu, I concure!

I have also alway wondered too.Our old boat had 5 sections about 6-7" each. The new boat has two sections. I doubt that any of the door would be adequate to take the fury of a wave at sea, so they are NOT an option there.I suppose that if you have several sections like our old H'31 there would be a lot more value for hangin' 'round the harbor.

 

[Phil Herring]

Pinboards are better underway

But you can't beat the doors at anchor or at the dock. They're quicker to get through and don't have to be stored anywhere or stepped over.The outfit that's made them the longest and best is http://www.cruisingconcepts.com

 

[Ross]

Steve, My companion way door is 1 1/2 inches

thick and closes against black locust jambs and is dogged shut with white oak turn button latches. It is mounted on heavy bronze hinges secured with # 12- 1 1/2 inch bronze screws. You can't expect kitchen cabinet doors to stand fast in a storm but I am betting ten years of work and the price of a thirty foot sloop that these will.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Now I get it, thanks for the explanations

nm

 

[NautiDuck]

Dick - those are beautiful!

You do very fine work. I am no good with wood and am appreciative of those who are.

 

[Seattle Scott]

No doors here

hatch boards and a permanlty installed sunbrella cover with a plastic window screwed into the end of the hatch with a couple of battens sewn crosswise into the fabric so the fabric won't be blown into the companionway. Added a flap at the bottom of the cover that covers the cockpit brightwork tread at the top of the companionway. Yeh, hatchboards (3) are a pain to remove and stow and then insert at begining and end of trips/outings, but once away from dock the cover is flipped up or down easily and does solve the problem of a rainy following wind, not getting into the cabin, or exhaust fumes with a following wind.