I locked myself in my boat!
- mikeandrebecca
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I locked myself in my boat!
Seriously guys, it isn't even funny!
We launched a few days ago and are docked with the afternoon sun hitting the cockpit. In the mornings the main salon door opens just fine. The last two days, after having the sun on the door all day, I have had to unscrew the door latch just to get out!!!
I have heard that if the rigging is too tight it can cause the boat to "flex," making the doors fit improperly. It doesn't seem too tight to me although I haven't checked it with a gauge (I don't even know what a gauge should read if it is tuned properly).
Any ideas? Has anyone else experienced this?
No laughing!!!
Mike
We launched a few days ago and are docked with the afternoon sun hitting the cockpit. In the mornings the main salon door opens just fine. The last two days, after having the sun on the door all day, I have had to unscrew the door latch just to get out!!!
I have heard that if the rigging is too tight it can cause the boat to "flex," making the doors fit improperly. It doesn't seem too tight to me although I haven't checked it with a gauge (I don't even know what a gauge should read if it is tuned properly).
Any ideas? Has anyone else experienced this?
No laughing!!!
Mike
Last edited by mikeandrebecca on Wed Apr 14, 2010 8:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: I locked myself in my boat!
If it makes you feel better I got myself locked inside Daytona Beach International Airport. I was working on a baggage CT scanner and made a late night of it. When I tried to leave the doors were all locked and the overnight deputy was sleeping somewhere. I had to dial 911 just to get out; that was a fun call to make.
- mikeandrebecca
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Re: I locked myself in my boat!
That helps in a "made me smile" kind of way, but didn't really fix my door dilemma.
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Re: I locked myself in my boat!
More to the point, my door sticks a little also. I think my problem is with the latch though.
Anyone know a less expensive place to pick up a replacement latch/lock mechanism?
Anyone know a less expensive place to pick up a replacement latch/lock mechanism?
- mikeandrebecca
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Re: I locked myself in my boat!
That is definitely where it is catching the most. When it is stuck I can flex both the bottom and the top of the door out. The catch area will not budge!
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Re: I locked myself in my boat!
Have you tried just loosening the harware and shifting the latch over a bit? There may be some slack in the mounting holes.
- mikeandrebecca
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Re: I locked myself in my boat!
Yes, and no. Loosening the hardware from the inside is the only way I could actually get out! There is no real slack in the holes though. When it is tightened up it is solid in that spot.
I appreciate the help. Thank you.
I appreciate the help. Thank you.
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Re: I locked myself in my boat!
Yes the lexan expands when in direct sun. Our door sticks when hot but a full turn on the latch and a firm tug will get it open. You might just want to file off the tip of the latch.
Henry
Henry
Re: I locked myself in my boat!
I posted this on the Katana blog, but it sounds common and worth repeating here.
When I got mine, the latch was a battle. Got locked out a number of times. Almost cancelled the sea trial. I took off the striker, carefully chistled FG away under it, and replaced the striker. No more troubles in 18 months since.
It could be rig tension. However, it could also be seasonal swelling and that the fit is simply too tight.
When I got mine, the latch was a battle. Got locked out a number of times. Almost cancelled the sea trial. I took off the striker, carefully chistled FG away under it, and replaced the striker. No more troubles in 18 months since.
It could be rig tension. However, it could also be seasonal swelling and that the fit is simply too tight.
Writing full time since 2014.
"Rigging Modern Anchors,"Seaworthy Press, https://www.amazon.com/Rigging-Modern-A ... 1948494078
Book Store. http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/ ... store.html
"Rigging Modern Anchors,"Seaworthy Press, https://www.amazon.com/Rigging-Modern-A ... 1948494078
Book Store. http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/ ... store.html
- mikeandrebecca
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Re: I locked myself in my boat!
Thanks everyone. I'm glad to hear it's not just me. I had visions of phoning my wife to come save me. You just know I would NEVER have lived that one down.