Companion way doors

[EdHouston]

Hi All

I have noticed that some have companion way doors as apposed to hatch boards anyone have a good set of drawings or photos to share I think I would like to make a set for my boat.

Ed

[Bay Sailor]

I would have an interest as well although I wonder how things work out when you're in a blow.

[Jim Cozy]

I made mine last year. They are drop-in to replace the companionway drop boards with screen and/or plexiglas inserts. I made a U-shaped frame with two hinged doors. If I am going into rough weather they come out to be replaced by the boards. Mostly they are for in port and daysailing. I love them. On a past boat I simply fastened the two doors to the existing hatch frame with snap-off hinges which also worked very well. I would never consider them a permanent substitute for real hatchboards. If anyone is interested I might be able to post a picture or two but I am a much better woodworker than a computer guy so I can't promise. There are commercial products out there for the non-diy which may also provide ideas from their brochures. Let me know if I can do anything else. Jim

[EdHouston]

Thanks Jim

I would love to see some pictures, my Dad was a full blown Scott which although my Mom was English, it makes me a Scott, Therefore I would never pay someone to do what I could do myself. That said I am very interested in any and all design concepts for companion way doors.

[Booda]

That is on my list of projects, also.

Thanks

Pat

[BlameItOnBuffett]

Hey Ed,

Next time you are up at HYC, take a look at the Shannon in the berth next to me (the one from Telltales). They have plexi doors on the outside, with the tracks for the sliding doors inside of that.

JT

[PeteW]

Jim,

Use the "insert image" icon button which is in the second row of buttons in the post reply page. This will insert the correct HTML code into your text. Then put the url to where you host each pictures in between the two sets of brackets. One set of img brackets ( open & close)  for each picture. Your going to have to upload them to some free file server first. You may need to edit them down using paintshop  prior to that. Theres a lot of file servers to choose from and not all are free. Photobucket seems to be reputable. I've been using fileden which is a snake pit of malware.

Tip: view your picture where its posted, right click to view the url link. cut and paste that link. The file name is most likely case sensitive but you can view prior to posting to make sure its all working.

Hope that helps.

Pete W.

[Dale Tanski]

We want pictures !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jim Cozy]

OK, I will do small postings until my daughter can teach me better methods. These are the doors with screen inserts. there are also plexi inserts. The outside and upper frame members are originally made wide to allow tapering and curving, but leaving the insert area rectangular. This opening is then rabbeted to receive the inserts, held in place with small turnbuttons. The screens are standard hardware stock frames made with plastic corners (Lowes or Home Depot). The outer frame is three pieces morticed or half-lapped to fit. The hinges are set out a bit to allow the doors to fully fold open. There is an aluminum strip screwed along the bottom to stop the doors from folding inward. There are small barrel bolts in the top of the companionway to secure the whole but probably not really necessary. Hopefully, this plus following posts will fully explain. Jim

[Dale Tanski]

Jim,
Very nice!
Can you post a "BIG" picture of the outside and how the doors connect?
Wow, these look way great. Thanks so much.
Dale

[Jim Cozy]

testing re sizing

Barrelbolt inside companionway

[Jim Cozy]

Here is the revised electrical panel project...

Original panel

new panel in a door

electrical panel ...open

I replaced the original voltmeter battery monitor with an AC panel and converted the old AC panel to DC, acquiring eight? more DC circuits. The door allows easy wiring access.

[Jim Cozy]

OK, I think I've got it. Here are the big pics of the doors.

This with screens in.

This with plexi.

Doors open, aluminum doorstop visible along bottom. If anyone wants additional pics, I am now open for business. Jim

[EdHouston]

Jim Thanks

I am inspired and great idea with the bolt to secure the upright!

Thanks

Ed

[Dale Tanski]

Jim,
Outstanding! Simply outstanding!.
Great project.  Very usable and nicely done.  Nice pictures.
I guess I will add this to the list.
Dale