Seafari Cuddy door Question

[fdheld34]

I am now at the point that I am trying to install my cuddy door on my Seafari. I went the cheap route and purchased a bifold door and cut to fit the opening.. How do I keep door from opening up....If I would have gone with a full door, I would just put a locking knob and strike plate...I did construct a frame that is pretty close to the original. I am going to post pics tomorrow morning..Just thinking of it now. Any help greatly appreciated!!!!
Thanks, Fred

[McGillicuddy]

Hi Fred, your solution could be as simple as a slide bolt or 2 to steady the open bifolds and a traditional cabin hook to latch the door open or closed:
http://www.vandykes.com/product/02306019/

http://www.vandykes.com/product/02017057/

Good luck. -- Gillie

[fdheld34]

Gillie--
Would I use the slide bolts on top and bottom of the hinged half of the door and the latch on the other half (strike side)??
Thanks,
Fred

[McGillicuddy]

That's what I'm thinking, Fred. Post a picture if you can. I think where you place them should be somewhat dependent on what side your door swings from and whether it folds out or in like Denny described on the Moesly Seafari. Personally I like the original design and considered it but my rig had a single door and I was not ready to change that. I did make my door frame reversible in case I change my mind down the road. My door will swing from port side because its my boat and I don't want anything blocking my way if I need to take emergency action. Makes it a pain for the passenger side but my ability to keep my riders safe while I'm at the helm is more important to me. If the rider has to release the latch or spring to retrieve something from the cuddy, so be it. Those slide bolts could also be mounted vertically like on storm, or old balcony shutters, locking in the floor or upper door jamb. I'd take Denny up on that offer to meet Mr Moesly at Ft DeSoto or where ever...

[fdheld34]

HERE ARE THE PICS OF THE DOOR. I already cut it to fit and mounted it with hinge side on starboard side..YES I should have gone with original design..but was not too familiar with this site at the time that I cut the door ..little too late now. Might go with Gil 's idea..The door fits snug when I close it..I have to push the middle in and then it fits snuggly on both sides..More ideas appreciated....
DEnny wish I could make Desoto gathering...but I am saving my vacation time...my wife and I are in the process of adopting a baby Hopefully will make a gathering in near future
NOTE: THE PICS DO NOT SHOW THE DOOR COMPLETELY CLOSED

[McGillicuddy]

Hi Fred,
That door is a score. Where did you find it? Looks like teak, yes? With a bi-fold open you can still get out of the helm while it's open, I wouldn't change a thing. Because it has an astragal (the lip that lays on the port frame), you could keep it closed with a single hasp, barrel, or slide bolt placed vertically on the left stile of the starboard door, just right of the hinge any of the following would do the trick:
http://www.sailboatstuff.com/cb_latchasp.html
You could also use a lock like you see on filing cabinets and truck boxes
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_RV-T...4506.m20.l1116

[Bushwacker]

Fred - the original Moesly Seafari, built in about 68-69 also used bifold doors! Check out this brochure on Carla's web site, Moesly Seafari The doors appeared to be hinged on each side and opened inward; I think I'd like that arrangement better than the one-piece door which is in way of driver when it's open! The two smaller doors really would not block much when they open into the cabin, although I wouldn't be able to keep both my small cooler and tool box there like I do with 1-piece door. Looks like some sort of barrel or slide bolt was used to keep the door latched closed. Why don't you just come to the Ft. Desoto gathering and ask the Master Designer what he used?! Denny