Transom Door - How to keep open?

RAW BAR

RAW BAR

Member
Aug 27, 2020
81
RI
Boat Info
2005 Amberjack 290 V-Drives
Engines
Twin MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI Horizon w/ V-Drives
Hi All! I have a swinging door on my transom to get to the swim platform; I assume it's similar on most Searay sport cruisers. Is there a latch or clip on any models that hold the door open? I want to install something this spring. I'm sure I could use a bungee cord, or door stop or something but I want something that looks good and stays with the door.

Related Question: How about a bumper or pad so the door doesn't slam when it closes?

Google image so you know what I'm talking about (not my boat):

421641.60d29bacbc0d461a10fc0dc3.xl.01ce53108a094d82a9e9b21dfd57f799.jpg
 
That's exactly what I'm thinking would work too. Figure I'd copy what's out there if it's already done well.
 
A nylon strap was typically used with snaps. The strap was also used to help keep the barrel latch closed while underway to keep it from vibrating open. I got rid of the strap and bedded a strong magnet in the door and behind the gunwale.
 
RAW BAR said:
That's exactly what I'm thinking would work too. Figure I'd copy what's out there if it's already done well.
Click to expand...

I updated my comment above with a picture from my door. See the black strap? There's also a snap to snap it back to itself on the door so it doesn't flop around while on the way.
 
Black nylon strap mounted to the sidewall and a receiving snap on the outside of the door. So, when it's latched open, the nylon strap comes over the top of the door and snaps on the outside.
 
I really like the magnet idea. Going to see what I can find on amazon
 
RAW BAR said:
I really like the magnet idea. Going to see what I can find on amazon
Click to expand...

On the hook or even tied to the dock and some A**hole comes by throwing a wake and you start rocking back & forth... The transom door breaks the magnetic hold and starts bang back and forth...?
 
The Bill Collector said:
On the hook or even tied to the dock and some A**hole comes by throwing a wake and you start rocking back & forth... The transom door breaks the magnetic hold and starts bang back and forth...?
Click to expand...
I'm not sure what you mean? Right now there's nothing holding it so a magnet would be an improvement. Are you saying that a strap would be a better solution?
 
The Bill Collector said:
On the hook or even tied to the dock and some A**hole comes by throwing a wake and you start rocking back & forth... The transom door breaks the magnetic hold and starts bang back and forth...?
Click to expand...
The latest generation of magnets (neodymium) are insanely strong. I would think you could bury a couple in the door and gunwale and it'd work just fine.
 
The Bill Collector said:
On the hook or even tied to the dock and some A**hole comes by throwing a wake and you start rocking back & forth... The transom door breaks the magnetic hold and starts bang back and forth...?
Click to expand...
My initial thought, as well. But they were really strong neodymium magnets - never happened. Plus it held the door snugly so it didn't slap and make noise when a wake came through. I hated that sound.

I'm sure they can be bought just about anywhere - I had gotten them from K&J Magnetics. The tricky part was bedding it into the door - start with a spade bit, then cut the tip off. Measure and use tape - DON'T go all the way through! :) I just used PC-11 which was close enough to the color of the door for me. I also made sure to cover the magnet so it wouldn't rust over time - just in case.

Once you have it in the door, put the other magnet behind the gunwale until it "mates" with the door magnet.
 
Lazy Daze said:
My initial thought, as well. But they were really strong neodymium magnets - never happened. Plus it held the door snugly so it didn't slap and make noise when a wake came through. I hated that sound.

I'm sure they can be bought just about anywhere - I had gotten them from K&J Magnetics. The tricky part was bedding it into the door - start with a spade bit, then cut the tip off. Measure and use tape - DON'T go all the way through! :) I just used PC-11 which was close enough to the color of the door for me. I also made sure to cover the magnet so it wouldn't rust over time - just in case.

Once you have it in the door, put the other magnet behind the gunwale until it "mates" with the door magnet.
Click to expand...

The latest generation of magnets (neodymium) are insanely strong. I would think you could bury a couple in the door and gunwale and it'd work just fine.

Okay, I had the image of kitchen door magnets in my mind... I'm not familiar with these new super magnets (neodymium) I already have the snap strap and corresponding holes so I'm staying put.
 
This is what I had on my Sundancer. With the door closed there was another half snap left to keep the strap from flopping around. Just to be clear, the strap attached to the gunnel and the door only had the snap receiver.
You may notice that I found some window weatherstripping at Home Depot and stuck that to locker area so the door never rattle but need a little help closing and securing the latch.
9827C0CD-40CF-44D5-B3BA-812B28DD6F8A.jpeg
 
Lazy Daze said:
A nylon strap was typically used with snaps. The strap was also used to help keep the barrel latch closed while underway to keep it from vibrating open. I got rid of the strap and bedded a strong magnet in the door and behind the gunwale.
Click to expand...
My barrel latch used to rattle open while underway, replaced it with one of these. Problem solved. And a web strap to hold open.

F4211132-DFF4-43BB-9524-211EEE27DC3C.png
 
I have the nylon strap same as posted above, definitely needed to keep it open until we get out a ways.

The door sticks shut in the closed position so I don't even have to latch it. Normally I just tell the warden ( or whoever is in the back ) to slam it shut and all good :eek:
 
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