Companionway door project

[Don S/V ILLusion]

My old doors delaminated - first poor attempt at a DIY set of companionway doors to replace the std hatchboards from which I learned to not use veneer...This winter, I am building new doors to replace the old ones and can't decide how big or what shape to make the insert windows which the Admiral insists upon.I checked the projects archives and didn't see any ideas so I thought I'd ask the group for opinions, examples or pictures of any interesting designs or (politically correct)shapes to make them somewhat unique.The materials have cost me around $100 which certainly beats the price for commercially available ones.Would appreciate any suggestions

 

[Waffle]

I would call Hunter

and order hatch boards or use your old ones. They are stronger than any doors you can make and more secure for break ins / waves. I would also get a nice canvas screen window to use when you are at anchor.

 

[Ross]

I made the companion way door for Bietzpadlin

The drop boards need a channel to fit into but doors need a stop and strong hinges. For windows you can use the smallest port hole windows that you can find or just have a glass shop cut some auto safety glass to size and shape, router out a recess around the hole and set the glass in urethane caulk.As for strength you can build them to any scantlings you want and from any wood that pleases you. You can't keep a determined intruder out with any lock or door that you would put on a boat.

 

[RickS]

High Density Plastic

I used the delaminating boards as a patterns and made replacement hatch doors from 3/4 inch High Density Plastic. The high density is very easy to machine and very low maintenance. The cut between the boards is bevelled so the water flows over the boards not into the board. About two inches on the inner side, a 1/2 inch bullnose grove was routed into the plastic. The trough allows the fingers to handle the boards because they are slippery. While I was at it, I also made a single piece hatch out of smoked 1/2 inch plexiglass with a 1/4 inch buildup glued around the parimeter. The edges were polished and when we go cruising, light can come in the cabin. The cost was under $100 for both hatches.

 

[Les]

I put on custom doors

Five or six years ago I installed custom made doors on my Hunter 380 Trumpeter. I then posted some pictures and descriptions on the phot forum. The web address is below:http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=73137976312&fno=17Hope this helps.

 

[Waffle]

Cruising Concepts door will cost you

1000 buck. I can think of a lot better things to spend $1000 on!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Rick et. al. - Thanks for the replies

Waffle - I did consider the cruising concept doors for $1000 - the doors in my house cost less..The old failed doors replaced the std lexan boards used in winter and were made from some scrap 3/4 in. board I covered with teak veneer and epoxied - they lasted 2 years.The new ones will be made from Starboard with window inserts similar to what Rick described - Rick - do you have any pictures you can post or send me? - K1VSK@cox.net

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Tim

Your's look great!I get get them to quote a price at the Chicago show last year which was comparible to the price list on their web site. I guess they must have liked you better...They also make them from material similar to Starboard which I now prefer over the teak look - just a personal preference since there is virtually no other wood on our boat.

 

[Waffle]

Tim you got a GREAT Deal and

man they look GREAT. You would buy a pair right now for $500. I'd buy ours but I have a C-36...TC-10018 is $695.Screen with Window is $275Solid Teak Insert is $225http://www.cruisingconcepts.com/CCPrice_List.pdf

 

[Waffle]

Here is another $1000 option for doors

http://www.sail2000.com/Doors/Index%20page%20C-Doors.htmI hope someone is buying these product becuase I am not! These products are too costy.

 

[Waffle]

Here is a better link

CompanionwayCloZuresCompanionway Doors $795.00  Includes - Screen and tinted Plexiglas inserts*no-see-um screens can be substituted (no extra charge) *includes insert storage bag - n/c  OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Key Lock (Built in) $25.00 Combination Lock (Built in) $39.00 White translucent privacy panel inserts (pair) $29.00 Storage (protective) bag for removed doors $95.00

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Waffle

that's what mine will (hopefully) look like when I'm done except for the window shape which I'm still contemplating

 

[Waffle]

Don, you can make them yourself

but I am sure they cost you around $200 for good wood and $300 - $800 for your time (your time cost money unless you are retired). I think it would be fun to make them. I not good at that kind of thing but if you fail the first time, try try again!Good Luck and keep us in the loop.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Waffle

I am retired so the labor is free and the only material cost considering i'm reusing the old hardware and lexan is $50 for the starboard. I'll post the pictures if it turns out well, otherwise, I ...

 

[Ross]

Waffle, Where do yo buy your wood?

A companion way is almost never more than 8 square feet. And even teak is less than 20 dollars per board ft. Cypress is about 4 dollars.

 

[Waffle]

I don't kown?

I was guessing! Why the heck are these guys charging so much for the doors?

 

[Ross]

Waffle, Because that's what the market will

bear. I would quit my day job to make companion way doors and drop boards for a thousand bucks a pop.

 

[Stu Jackson]

A question

What is the purpose of the doors compared to the boards? I've seen these for years and still don't understand the advantages of them over boards. Please help me understand. I am not attacking them, just trying to find out what the allure of them might be.

 

[Andy]

Zar cor doors look good

I agree with Waffle, the does from Zarcor look nice. I had an email conversation with the owner of the company. He sound fair and nice. I'm trying to save up the nerve and buck to drop the card on a set because they would be very nice while the AC is running. Try the link below for pics

 

[Andy]

Stu , these doors are for you.

Stu, the hatchboards you have to take out 1-2-3 maybe 4, set them somewhere, pass in or out and replace. Meanwhile the cool air from the AC/or hot air from the heater, or all the mosquitoes are escaping in or out. The doors work like doors! Make since- maybe not in Cali where there are no bugs, the weather is always here and everyone is beautiful!