Family four and Similar

[grounded]

Hi. Has anyone out the altered the access hatchway into the cabin.
I thought of a bi fold door but can see some disadvantages to this idea.
Wondered if there were any improvements to original design !

[Clive]

Hi grounded (hope there's not history with that name)
Best solution I've heard is to replace the hinges with lift-off hinges, then you can stow the doors and enjoy open access. The 4+2 has two doors and a sloping hatch which, when in place, prevents the doors from being lifted up so is secure. Not sure about F4's.
Not done it yet, but seems a good idea.
Cheers, Clive so is secure

[Mdr24uk]

Hi Clive,

How do you secure the two doors?
I tried ordering some lift off hinges but couldn’t get the right size.

[dellquay13]

Hi Grounded,
My mk4 F4 has bi fold doors. They work ok as folding doors which cover a hole, then fold away without taking up too much space. What they don't give is any real level of security, but what boat doors are secure anyway? At least intruders wouldn't have to trash much to get in, and I entrust overall security to the marina 24/7

[Clive]

Hi Grounded. Not fitted the hinges yet but the 4+2 has the two doors in question and a hatch at about 45 degrees which bolts in place. The hatch prevents the doors being raised so it stays secure. That said, the doors can still open out with the hatch in place when the doors are unlocked.
Someone somewhere on the forum posted a source for ones that were a straight swap. Need stainless steel too. If I find it I’ll post. Cheers, Clive

[grounded]

Hi Dellquy13.
Is there any possibility you could send a photo.
Do the doors hinge on the right or left.

Clive
That would be great if you could .
Lift off hinges seems the way to go.

Thanks to you both for your replies.

[Clive]

Here you go. Got some good pics and an extra security bolt. Link to supplier works so you may just be lucky and have the same hinges as a 4+2.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3946&p=13518#p13518

Cheers Clive

[grounded]

Thanks Clive for the info and photos.

[dellquay13]

I can't get to the boat for a few weeks for photos, but the door is hinged to port and swings out of the cabin and folds back on itself to partially cover the portside bulkhead, and is held in place with a door hook when open.