330 Sundancer Cabin Door Maintenance

[dpmulvey]

Dovetailing off wileecoyote's post about repairing the cabin door on his boat, does any one have any suggestions as to cleaning and maintaining the tracks on the mid to late 90s series 330 sundancer?

Frankly, I find the design very attractive but completely useless from a maintenance standpoint. Shining a flashlight in the tracks, they are loaded with crap that is causing the door to be very difficult to operate.

As near as I can figure it out, there are 4 devices (dont know if they are screws or bolts) holding the door cover on. I have not attempted to remove it as I don't want to get into something over my head.

What am I getting myself into and how hard is the job?

TIA

 

[330DA]

This is from Spartech a door supplier

http://www.spartech.com/marine/marine_doors.html

Companionway Door Care Instructions


Door Care
Acrylic is much softer than glass and therefore can scratch.* Also, certain chemicals can damage the product. These chemicals will either dull the finish or cause crazing and eventually crack the acrylic.

Do not use paper towels when cleaning (use a cotton cloth instead).
Do not clean with ammonia based chemicals such as, 409, Windex, MEK, or paint thinner (use soapy water or solvent only).

Vinyl Track Care
Hose out or vacuum any debris in the track.
Spray a light coat of Armour All or similar product monthly, this will help the door lubricated and extends the life.

Aluminum Track Care
Hose out or vacuum any debris in the track.
Spray a light coat of silicon spray (not WD40) monthly. This will keep the door operating properly and extend the life of the hardware.

Lock Care
Spray every season with a silicon spray only.

Hints
Do not use grease or marine lube because it will gather debris and inhibit smooth operation.
Do not clean the door with ammonia based chemicals such as, 409, Windex, solvents, paint thinner (use soapy water only)
Do not use sharp objects on the door.
Do not drill or cut the door.

 

[fc3]

MEK contains ammonia? There's no nitrogen in MEK. Maybe they're trying to make rocket fuel?

Just use a strong stream of water from your hose to flush the track. I do that every time I wash the boat. Another advantage of not leaving the cockpit carpets out all the time.

Best regards
Frank

 

[330DA]

I just use water. I started with the Armour All, too. The door slides great.

Frank, I agree with you about the MEK (methyl-ethyl-ketone)