Glad you like the cabin doors. I really like them as well. While just relaxing on the boat the two doors easily open over the seats on each side without removing them. To go below all we have to do is pull the only drop board. While sailing we lift the two doors and the drop board for storage below. I am not smart enough to make them myself, They came with the boat but I am not aware how they originally got there.
If you would like, I will be most happy to take as many pics as you deem helpful and send them to you. It may help your builder know what to do. Might be best to send to you by postal mail so as not to bore others that may not be interested,
Joe: it just depends on the sail plan for the day. If it’s a daysail, we usually just throw them in a corner in the cockpit. If it’s a longer trip they usually get tossed in one of the lockers. I will say this. Sitting on one of those buckles will get the blood flowing really quick. Haha.
Butch: I love your doors. We’ve been looking for months for someone local to make us some swing doors. Since we’ve moved aboard the drop boards have gotten very inconvenient. Did you order those or have them made/ make them yourself?
Joe: it just depends on the sail plan for the day. If it’s a daysail, we usually just throw them in a corner in the cockpit. If it’s a longer trip they usually get tossed in one of the lockers. I will say this. Sitting on one of those buckles will get the blood flowing really quick. Haha.
Butch: I love your doors. We’ve been looking for months for someone local to make us some swing doors. Since we’ve moved aboard the drop boards have gotten very inconvenient. Did you order those or have them made/ make them yourself?
Great idea, but I cant find the Nonsuch Facebook page. Didn’t know we had one (shame on me). I would appreciate it if you would send me the site address for it.
I will do as you suggest and post on the Facebook page. It started to rain hard today and it’s supposed to last forever. I will obtain pictures soon and let group know they are on Facebook.
Joe: it just depends on the sail plan for the day. If it’s a daysail, we usually just throw them in a corner in the cockpit. If it’s a longer trip they usually get tossed in one of the lockers. I will say this. Sitting on one of those buckles will get the blood flowing really quick. Haha.
Butch: I love your doors. We’ve been looking for months for someone local to make us some swing doors. Since we’ve moved aboard the drop boards have gotten very inconvenient. Did you order those or have them made/ make them yourself?
Joe: it just depends on the sail plan for the day. If it’s a daysail, we usually just throw them in a corner in the cockpit. If it’s a longer trip they usually get tossed in one of the lockers. I will say this. Sitting on one of those buckles will get the blood flowing really quick. Haha.
Butch: I love your doors. We’ve been looking for months for someone local to make us some swing doors. Since we’ve moved aboard the drop boards have gotten very inconvenient. Did you order those or have them made/ make them yourself?
Joe: it just depends on the sail plan for the day. If it’s a daysail, we usually just throw them in a corner in the cockpit. If it’s a longer trip they usually get tossed in one of the lockers. I will say this. Sitting on one of those buckles will get the blood flowing really quick. Haha.
Butch: I love your doors. We’ve been looking for months for someone local to make us some swing doors. Since we’ve moved aboard the drop boards have gotten very inconvenient. Did you order those or have them made/ make them yourself?
Joe: it just depends on the sail plan for the day. If it’s a daysail, we usually just throw them in a corner in the cockpit. If it’s a longer trip they usually get tossed in one of the lockers. I will say this. Sitting on one of those buckles will get the blood flowing really quick. Haha.
Butch: I love your doors. We’ve been looking for months for someone local to make us some swing doors. Since we’ve moved aboard the drop boards have gotten very inconvenient. Did you order those or have them made/ make them yourself?
These are photos of my companionway doors fabricated from 1/2 inch Starboard. They are mounted on removable hinges and do not interfere with using the hatch boards. When living aboard, it is so much easier then putting those hatch boards in and out while going in and out. It has certainly made shipboard living much more comfortable. They were simple to make by using the hatch boards as a template for a rough pattern then holding the panel up to the companionway and tracing the cuts, adding a half inch so that we could groove the edges where they joined for a tight fit. After that we just cut it down the center,and mounted the take apart hinges. The cost of material was under $175 by shopping online. While sailing, we simply remove the doors and store them in the shower. Yes, someone bent on breaking in can remove the hinges and force their way in but I’m sure there is a way around that. Fortunately we live and cruise in a relatively crime free area.
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
Since we had a break in the weather, I went to my boat to gather pics for the companionway door subject. Had to hurry though as another storm was looming.
Close up of back side (inside) view. Screen hard to see but there. Also note there is a slide for Plexiglas insert. Could not find Plexiglas for this presentation and new storm was closing in. Trust me.
I wish I had thought of using a lower drop board with the swinging doors so you can open the doors all the way.
What did they say in the old Guinness commercials “Brilliant!”
Now I’m going to have to modify mine.
I guess it’s OK to be a copy “cat” since we are “catboat” owners.
Jim Krzyzewski
S/V Toyger N30U #422
Port Ludlow WA
Thank you so much Joe and Butch for posting these! This is exactly what I needed. I love the idea of using starboard. Lord knows I ignore enough brightwork. That would help me avoid avoiding more.
The lower drop board is perfect for us. Our current setup is two drop boards. Often we want to come in and out but not let the dogs jump out (They have gotten VERY comfortable with the companionway stairs). We worried swing doors would take away the option of keeping them in while still allowing us to “leave the door open”. What a great solution!
Now to dust off the saws and see if I can make this work.
