Thinking about making a bow door, H180.. ideas?

ric · **Posted:** Wed Apr 04, 2012 10:02 am

I really like the idea of having a door that can close off the bow area from the cockpit. I was thinking a "french" style that opens into the cockpit. I did some initial measuring and when open they won't impede with any space. To hold open I was considering using something like what the ski locker uses.. nylon strap with a button snap.

Hinges? I ran across these, they look perfect! They will allow me to remove the doors if I wanted to stow them in the ski locker. They lift apart.

Not sure what to use for a door latch. Something like this?
http://greatlakesskipper.com/product/3_ ... -lock.html

I fear though a french style door will be too "wobbly" when under power? I think a good latch could solve that. Starboard material of course, 1/2in

rtkman · **Joined:** Sat Jul 30, 2011 8:26 pm **Posts:** 18

I believe the H200 has a french door style with a magnet that holds the doors together while underway. I'm pretty sure you can order doors for the H180 as I was considering for my 183..

Giffo · **Posted:** Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:14 pm

Top idea. What year models would they be available for? If you find a part number could you pass it on to me in Oz?
I wonder if its possible to make them out of white plastic about 15mm thick? Lighter and robust?
Steve
:idea:

chrisvs · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 8:54 am

I think the hinges and starboard are excellent for the door. I'm not so sure you would be happy with that latch though. I think with either the french doors or a single door, it would rattle enough to drive you nuts. I would also have the hinge point right under the base of the center windshield section so that the doors couldn't jump out unexpectedly. The base of the windshield would "capture the door" so to speak.

Have a look at this flip over latch on the four winns doors for the 200, If you could order it from them, I would use it. The listing in the catalogue is for the entire door assembly, so I don't know if you can get just the latch. this latch is perfect for the french doors as it fits snug to keep the doors from flopping and rattling. Magnets to keep them open would be the way I would go as well.

If you can't find this kind of latch, I could draw one up in a hurry so that you could make one.... :wink:

chrisvs · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 8:57 am

Giffo, the doors weren't an option for our generation of 180. Too bad, they would have been nice to have. maybe time to build them too?

Sanmiam · **Joined:** Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:05 pm **Posts:** 84

Knowing a little about latches from building tire carriers for Jeeps, a pin style latch like you pictured will most likely rattle like all hell. If you can find a "J" or "U" style latch it would probably suit your application a little better:

http://www.destaco.com/standard-j-hook.html

Probably don't need anything that serious, but you get the idea. I'm sure a local Northern Tool or TSC would have one that will work.

The removable door idea for storage is pretty slick BTW.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 9:51 am

I like that over the top latch. If I could find someone with a metal brake that would be an easy thing to do.

so..

Take apart hinges in SS - found
1/2 Starboard in white - found
Magnets to hold open that can be inlaid - http://www.amazon.com/Neodymium-Magnets ... pd_cp_hi_2
Latch in SS - custom made

Seems easy enough. The hardest part will be making one heck of a good template. After that, I think I will mock up and mount the door that I didn't cut into two pieces yet, line it up perfect, mount it to the boat... then pull it off and cut into 2 so it's an opening door and the gaps are perfect.

chrisvs · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:13 am

Sounds like you are on the right track.

If I get a chance on the weekend, I'll model up the latch in solidworks, just for fun. I am usually up earlier than the wife in the morning, and the lake isn't quite ready for an early morning boat ride just yet.... so playing with stuff like this is just fun for me.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:21 am

chrisvs wrote:

Sounds like you are on the right track.

If I get a chance on the weekend, I'll model up the latch in solidworks, just for fun. I am usually up earlier than the wife in the morning, and the lake isn't quite ready for an early morning boat ride just yet.... so playing with stuff like this is just fun for me.

That would be really awesome!

rtkman · **Joined:** Sat Jul 30, 2011 8:26 pm **Posts:** 18

Here's the link to the page on the fourwinns site. http://www.fourwinns.com/gear/accessories

EvilZ · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:03 pm

A buddy of mine with an older Horizon (the other boat in my sig pic) took a simpler route and built a panel which slides down into place between 2 guides on each side. It was mainly to keep his dog up in the bow area, but also serves to cut the wind down.
Built from Starboard, I think.

rtkman · **Joined:** Sat Jul 30, 2011 8:26 pm **Posts:** 18

Actually that's a really good cheap and simple answer.. great idea.

Berger · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:41 pm

I made one out of white vinyl for my 180. I just used the existing snaps on the center glass and the snaps on the floor. It held up great and really blocked the wind. When I wasn't using it, I just had it rolled up with a piece of velcro. I'll try and find a pic...

Berger · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:57 pm

Couldn't find a picture. But, here is a pic of my 180. I used all 7 snaps under the center glass and the 3 snaps on the ski locker to hold it securely in place.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Apr 05, 2012 1:00 pm

I'm going to do some measuring tonight and start ordering pieces.

Found a decent price on chrome plated brass hinges. I'd rather have SS, but they're too expensive @ $15 each compared to $9.
http://www.boatsupplyonline.com/769-tak ... 12492.html

www.iFourWinns.com

Thinking about making a bow door, H180.. ideas?

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