Hunter 356 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

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Cockpit doors

posted 11-15-2017 by Tipsynippertoo


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I really liked he cockpit doors shown by another owner, and wanted to do similar, but did not like the fact that the doors, when hinged on either side compromised the hand rail, so conjured up this set-up.
The doors are made from Teak, with bronze perspex built in.
They hinge in the middle, and on the port side with in-set hinges secured to the port wall.
To open: a gas strut helps lift the doors out of the original alloy frame, they are then lowered against the light pressure of the gas strut and secured to the port wall.
When the hatch cover is closed a teak bar on its underside supports the doors from behind and prevents them being forced in by water or malicious intent.
Working out the angles of the hinges was quite a problem, as the doors need to lift out of the alloy frame before they can be opened.

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Mounting of the hinges is clearly shown here, as is the original teak bar that prevents them being forced in.
A stainless tag can be seen on the left bottom which helps align the doors for closing them.

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The doors shown in their open position.
They are held closed by two catches, one on the outside that holds the two doors together, and another on the port wall that holds the two back.
You can see that it does not infringe the teak hand-holds.
It is possible to fit the original duck boards (which we keep on board for emergency) in place with these doors open, and close the hatch.

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Showing the lift strut.
My wife has MS, and suffers with problems with her hands sometimes, so I added this lift strut to the hinge assembly. It lifts slightly more than the doors weigh, so slight downward pressure is required to close the doors into the alloy frarme.
The hinges are my own design and construction.
You can see the angle the hinge rod has to be to help the port door clear the slot of the alloy frame.

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I added press studs to the door, and made some blinds that can be attached for privacy.

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