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Alecadi · 19-10-2011, 07:56

I hope I put this thread in the right place.
The problem is the following: preparing (improving?) the boat for cruising when retired, I'm wondering how I can secure the companionway hatch
My boat is an Endeavour 35, 1984 and the doors of the companionway are easily overcome as just with a Phillips screw driver anyone can take them off even when secure with a lock...........

So how can I have the hatch securely closed or at least not so easy to open...

Thanks for your tips, advices

oldjags · 19-10-2011, 08:08

You can slow them down with tamperproof screws, but that will slow you down too if you ever need to unscrew them and you don't have the proper tool.

Tamperproof Screw Company: Security Screws, Fasteners & Spanners

Most of time, making it harder to break in just results in more damage to the boat. Locks are only to keep honest people out.

colo.sail · 19-10-2011, 08:25

I bought one of these
Buy Combi-Cam Black Lock 1-1 8 Length at Woodcraft
installed on top of drop board so that lock stops hatch slider from being opened. Seems to work OK but not sure of its lifespan in a marine environ.

Alecadi · 19-10-2011, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by colo.sail

I bought one of these
Buy Combi-Cam Black Lock 1-1 8 Length at Woodcraft
installed on top of drop board so that lock stops hatch slider from being opened. Seems to work OK but not sure of its lifespan in a marine environ.

In my boat they are doors, not slides.
The problem is that the doors can be easily unscrewed as the hinges are apparent and simply screwed on the panel

Blue Stocking · 19-10-2011, 08:57

Do the doors close against a rebate? Will machine screws with nuts on the inside clear the rebate? If so, use Phillips heads, and drill out the cross with a small bit.
Same on the door jamb, or just drill out the cross on screws.

Cheechako · 19-10-2011, 08:58

Can you change to hidden hinges so they cant unscrew them? Also, is there room inside the doors for drop boards? My CT44 was all set up for drop boards as well as the doors.

Alecadi · 19-10-2011, 09:01

the picture is not very clear but you can see the hinges .
The screw heads are apparent and the whole thing can be unscrewed quite easily.

Alecadi · 19-10-2011, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Do the doors close against a rebate? Will machine screws with nuts on the inside clear the rebate? If so, use Phillips heads, and drill out the cross with a small bit.
Same on the door jamb, or just drill out the cross on screws.

Sorry this is Chines for me

In lay terms ?

Cheechako · 19-10-2011, 09:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alecadi

the picture is not very clear but you can see the hinges .
The screw heads are apparent and the whole thing can be unscrewed quite easily.

It's probably easiest to go to special head screws like they use on hardware in public bathrooms etc. You can only do so much, 5 mins and a crow bar will destroy most anything.

Alecadi · 19-10-2011, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheechako

You can only do so much, 5 mins and a crow bar will destroy most anything.

Yeap.... Unfortunately you're right!
Was hoping about a miracle solution!

Blue Stocking · 19-10-2011, 09:19

Cheechako probably has the better plan.
My suggestion would require (now that I see the photo) that you drill and bolt thru the hinges with nuts on the inside. Then drill out the Phillips head screwdriver cross on the outside.

ssanzone · 19-10-2011, 09:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alecadi

Yeap.... Unfortunately you're right!
Was hoping about a miracle solution!

a 12 gauge pointing aft and piece of string tied to the inside of the companionway door.

as others have said, no wood door will stop a determined individual.

change the hinges so they are not exposed. if you are planning on cruising, you now have a double reason to install a board instead of the doors.

gl
-steve

**hummingway** · 19-10-2011, 09:35

I got to my boat once and realized I didn't bring my keys. I keep a spare on the boat so I broke in. I like my boat so I did it very carefully but it was quite apparent to me that locking things keeps out the drunk who has got on the wrong boat, not a thief. I doubt you have to worry about someone unscrewing the hinges. If you are concerned about securing the companionway you probably need to look to something more secure then wooden doors.