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Options for doors

Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2021 8:26 pm
by jbo_c
Trying to decide how to build the forward door for my shanty. Door will be 24”x68”. Since it’s in the front, will need to stand up to the “wind” from being pulled down the road. Would like it to have option for screen or “glass”.

Easy to build would be great. Going for simplicity. Multi-panel like on a sailboat is a possibility, but not a preference.

Could buy something, I guess, but the windows will probably be built, so wouldn’t be consistent.

Ideas?

Thanks.

Jbo

Re: Options for doors

Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2021 10:40 pm
by Fuzz
Maybe make all but the frame out of Lexan?

Re: Options for doors

Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2021 10:42 pm
by fallguy1000
Doors on the front of boats are not to swing in. So you need space for them to swing out.

If you lack that space, a second option is a slider.

Need to know the layout, but inswing is a general no-no. The door also would work better with your travel concerns as os or slider.

Re: Options for doors

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 12:52 pm
by jbo_c
I would like to have a slider, but had planned to have seating immediately to each side of the door, so not sure how to make that work since logical seating would be against that bulkhead.

Thinking it will be hinged or drop-in type. I have room for the swing, though it would be a little “inelegant”.

Hadn’t thought about doing an in-swing door, but I can see that being problematic on multiple fronts. :)

Maybe if I did a drop in on the inside for a screen door and a swing on the outside for a full door? Make the full door removable and stow it during mild or non-rainy weather.

Jbo

Re: Options for doors

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 1:20 pm
by fallguy1000
Too much hassle. Make an outswing door. Then, window it. A screen offers venting. This door was $1500. Hard to see, but the window drops down and a screen offers venting. This door has a 3" stepover sill to help keep water out of the cabin.
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Re: Options for doors

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 1:24 pm
by Jaysen
Or stick with your sliding idea but put the doors on the outside.

Re: Options for doors

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 1:55 pm
by Fuzz
Over the years I have had a couple of boats with pocket doors. They have worked out well for me. Put a strip of starboard on the door bottom and one inside the pocket to make the door slide easy.

Re: Options for doors

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 2:28 pm
by TomW1
jbo you won't be able to buy one unless you know of a custom door maker, standard door heights these days are 80", per building codes. Solid wood doors you could cut down are expensive and I only found one with a partial screen and glass in it at Lowe's, it was there smallest size 32 x 80.

So I think making your own would be your best bet. Yes and like fallguy pointed out make sure you have a 3-4" step over to keep water from entering.

Regards, Tom

Re: Options for doors

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 6:01 pm
by jbo_c
$1500 factory door is why I’ll be building one. LOL

I have thought about the pocket door, but can’t get comfortable with protecting it from water intrusion and future issues.

Jbo

Re: Options for doors

Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2021 6:28 am
by jonnymac
a couple options i see.

build a door like fallguy’s, going to be a challenge getting the door window to move up and down. slickest solution in my opinion.

make the window mount to the outside of door with a few thumb screws, screen on the inside and just have a place to store it so can have fresh air when you want.