2007 38DA transom door

Richey rich

Richey rich

Active Member
Sep 23, 2012
393
Lake St Clair
Boat Info
2010 Sea Ray 450 SunDancer
Engines
Twin 480 Cummins w/Zeus pods
just purchased a 2007 38DA and the center transom door does not line up properly. At first as long as I would slightly lift the door while closing it would be ok but now it’s not just the top but now also the bottom of the door that is not lining up. Not sure if the cooler weather is playing a part or not but there must be a way to align this door. This has obviously been a problem for a while because the gelcoat on when the door latches has scars from it hitting and rubbing. Any help is appreciated.
 
Richey rich said:
just purchased a 2007 38DA and the center transom door does not line up properly. At first as long as I would slightly lift the door while closing it would be ok but now it’s not just the top but now also the bottom of the door that is not lining up. Not sure if the cooler weather is playing a part or not but there must be a way to align this door. This has obviously been a problem for a while because the gelcoat on when the door latches has scars from it hitting and rubbing. Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
First good luck with the boat, Can you post some photos so we can get a look ?
 
There is no built in adjustment in the way that door is hinged from the factory. Faced with the same problems as you with my 2006 version, there was a lot of slop in the 9 year old (at the time of purchase) hinges. I ended up sourcing new hinges, slightly grinding the back of one of the new hinge bases and the result was much much better, but still not perfect. Weather, weight or load doesn't change the situation on my boat.
 
Don't know what type of hinges are on your door but....you haven't had it long enough that wear would account for the worsening in the way it works. What I'm going to describe is a problem I had with my cabin entry door within days of taking possession.

The door sagged little by little until it rubbed hard on the bottom and had to be lifted in order to close. What I found was several hinge screws were stripped out. Those screws had been doctored with clear caulk which kept the screws in the holes and did little else.

My solution was to fill the stripped out holes, shim the door vertically and horizontally in the right position, then swing the hinge half in position so to use as a template and drill new holes....good as new.
 
I had the same problem. My door was actually filled with water, which obviously made it heavier. There is a gasket and some drain holes at the bottom underside of the door. Make sure they are clear. Mine weren't and a good amount of water came out.
 
These are the hinges so they are not your typical hinge and are made of aluminium so they are more prone to wear.

There is a recessed nut at the bottom of each hinge. As a stop gap measure you could tighten the nut on each hinge to see if they will take up any play. Yes, mine also had water in the door and when installing the new hinges I drilled a couple of holes in the bottom of the door to prevent it happening again.

sea-ray-380-390-da-transom-door-hinge.jpg
 
Thanks everyone. All very good feedback. I got some good ideals I can try in the next couple day when I go back to the boat.
Thank you
 
Richey rich said:
Thanks everyone. All very good feedback. I got some good ideals I can try in the next couple day when I go back to the boat.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Hey Richey.
i just bought a 2006 380 and am realizing how much sun exposure I have in the back. I saw your canvas and am looking for something similar. Can you send me some pictures of yours or info on where you got it? It looks great.
 
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