'03 280DA sliding cabin door repair question

[Danny Troy]

My sliding cabin door jammed about three-quarters closed yesterday. I played with it, going back and forth and it finally closed, and after opening I found a small piece of white plastic from the lower track had broken off. The piece is about 1/2"x1/2" and is probably Teflon coated. After reading some posts I found someone that had used several lubricants and found that the best was a spray lube called Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant. I found it at a local REI sporting goods store today, in the bicycle parts section. After using it today the door opened and closed easily with no binding.

My question is, is this the beginning of problems for the door, with an eventual major repair in the future, or if I keep it lubed, will it last several more years?

No looking forward to shelling out 2000.00+ for this door repair.

 

[Tonka Boater]

My sliding cabin door jammed about three-quarters closed yesterday. I played with it, going back and forth and it finally closed, and after opening I found a small piece of white plastic from the lower track had broken off. The piece is about 1/2"x1/2" and is probably Teflon coated. After reading some posts I found someone that had used several lubricants and found that the best was a spray lube called Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant. I found it at a local REI sporting goods store today, in the bicycle parts section. After using it today the door opened and closed easily with no binding.

My question is, is this the beginning of problems for the door, with an eventual major repair in the future, or if I keep it lubed, will it last several more years?

No looking forward to shelling out 2000.00+ for this door repair.

I had this happen on the upper track but the dealer was able to replace the nylon trucks (as they are called) without removing the helm. To answer your question... I would say yes, this is the beginning of something bigger. The piece that you found was part of a broken truck and it's likely a matter of time before the rest of it breaks loose.

Consider reposting this in the 280 forum. There were a lot discussions on the availability of replacement trucks and suggestions on how to replace them.

 

[Bucit]

Ask Susanandlance as he just replaced everything on his 2001. I remember he had a wonderful time doing it too! :grin:

 

[Danny Troy]

Yes, I figured it was the beginning of the end for that door. I'll use it and hopefully won't have to do the repair till next year. I just got the boat and made a slew of mods for this season. I will be looking for jobs to do next year (to keep me busy), and this will be a major one. I'm all for taking the easy way out though, so if there is any way possible of not removing the helm, I'll be taking that route. Don't mind drilling holes either, like the JM Marine gimbal bearing shortcut, which I will use if and when I need to do that job.

Then again I can always take my son's advice. He said, "why do you need a door, just use a curtain". These kids of today, and he's no kid at 23 years old!

 

[Tonka Boater]

Then again I can always take my son's advice. He said, "why do you need a door, just use a curtain". These kids of today, and he's no kid at 23 years old!

Ha! That's funny. A curtain would really keep the CO and raccoons out. Not to mention the flies, mosquitos and spiders.