Poll: Seafari door opening in or out?

[Bikecop1]

Originally Posted by Bushwacker

I would mount it on right like Potter did. Reason is if you need to open door to get something out of cabin, you can't get it anyway when driving, so passenger has to do it and door won't be in their way if it's hinged on right. I have done that myself when going slow however. It's ok to leave the wheel then for a few seconds, since it's hydraulic steering so it doesn't move when released.

As far as a cooler in the stepdown, that's a cool feature of the '72 and earlier models with the big stepdown, which is big enough to hold a 70 qt Coleman cooler with the door in place. I've personally never found a need for a larger cooler, and I've stayed on the boat for as long as 3 nights at a time. My 65 qt Engle cooler will keep ice for 5 days in the S. Fl. summer! Putting cooler in stepdown improves the ride noticeably when it's rough.

I believe the early Moesly models used double doors with half mounted on each side and latching in the center (see pics below from '69 brochure) but it's not clear if they open in or out. Seems to be a clever arrangement, but if they opened inward, you would not be able to mount a board between door and lid over the head to hold 4 scuba tanks like I did.

They opened to the inside.

[McGillicuddy]

Opening out. Numerous reasons previously noted, and harder for hoodlums to open by kicking in. I stuck with the hinge on the right. I like the magnetic open position latch that Vezo described. Removable hinges is an interesting idea.

[Capt Terry]

Originally Posted by McGillicuddy

Opening out. Numerous reasons previously noted, and harder for hoodlums to open by kicking in. I stuck with the hinge on the right. I like the magnetic open position latch that Vezo described. Removable hinges is an interesting idea.

I like Vezo's magnet idea too. Have one on a bedroom door but would want a stubbier one on the Seafari

Hey Michael where did you get it?

[Bushwacker]

The only problem with using a magnet is that any metal with enough steel in it to be magnetic will rust! Maybe ok in a fresh water area, but not good in the salt! I've used a small nylon cabinet latch with a ball attached to door and a tubular catch screwed to deck at edge of step down. Has worked great for over 30 years!

[Vezo, Part II]

Unfortunately it was broken during some mods by my mechanic, soon to be family, but knows where to get the replacement. I will have to get back to you.

Vezo.

[McGillicuddy]

Good point on the magnet Denny, an adequate nylon ball catch is a good idea. I have original hook, but not the best for quick response if surfin Seafari alone. Rust and breakage = no es bueno. Maybe something like this?
http://www.tashcosystems.com.au/uplo...Ball_Catch.jpg

[Eric B]

Very cool dammit .... Now you have me brain storming a door mod.....

[SailorChlud]

Thanks, Guys.

Chuck: I would have to separate the stiles of the door in order to slide out the lower solid panel, so I think I will keep the lower part solid for now. I think the upper screen is enough ventilation for me - it stays cooler in Jersey anyway.

[SailorChlud]

Interesting. But then the first mate would not have the ability to close it when she uses the Loo.