R23 Head Door Modification

J

jagizzi

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Apr 17, 2017
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Fluid Motion Model
C-242 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
R-23, July 3rd delivery, yippee
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Next Ten
We just got back from Desolation Sound, what a trip! It has been a while since I've posted as we have been using our boat and having a great summer but this modification that I saw while on the trip just has to be shared ;-) It is awesome for those of us doing the gymnastics feat of entering the head on the R23 with the bed cushions in place!

We saw this completed mod on "Wild Rose" but the owners were quick to point out that it was not their idea, they saw it at the Poet's Cove gathering, which I was forced to miss as I was enroute to Alaska. This was not my original idea either but this blog details how I went about making the change and the parts that I used. My hat is off to whoever came up with this originally, it is a great mod, and very straightforward to complete.

The project description is here: https://www.nwesterly.com/home/2018/8/1 ... -head-door

Let me know your thoughts or any suggestions to improve it.

Thanks,

Jim
 
This one is quick and easy Tony, and makes life on the boat so much more enjoyable. You can do it in an afternoon once you have the hinges and screws.

You won't regret it!

I hope to see you on the water sometime.

Jim
 
It appears from your well presented description for this project that there is a very slight vertical center gap (maybe 1/8" wide) between the two panels when the door is locked flat. Does this aspect disturb you or others as it does present a peep-hole into the head area. 😉 :roll:

This project is of interest to me as it may be something worth doing on my R-27-OB model.

Thank you for sharing this project. 😀
 
Ivan at Ranger Tugs in Kent modified our head door. Contact him simply by calling Ranger Tugs and asking for him. He does beautiful work.
 
Barry,

There is a 1/8" gap, yes, but the head is not very well lit and using it as a peephole would be an excercise in frustration is my guess. It doesn't bother my wife or daughter at all but you could always put a fabric cover across the hinge on the inside.

Jim
 
jagizzi":1iz2kibc said:
Barry,

There is a 1/8" gap, yes, but the head is not very well lit and using it as a peephole would be an excercise in frustration is my guess. It doesn't bother my wife or daughter at all but you could always put a fabric cover across the hinge on the inside.

Jim
Click to expand...

You can easily eliminate the gap by simply setting your blade at a 45 degree angle
 
Thanks Jim for posting up!!! It's always a bit nerve racking to cut or drill into a perfectly good door but I'm glad I went for it. First trip out and it's def a must do.
BONUS!!! I ordered to many hinges. I'll send 4 to who ever wants them. My treat. Shoot me a text @ 951-314-7931
take care, mark
 
I’m curious what the advantages are of cutting the door versus carving out the cushion. Seems like a small change to the cushion, like some others have done, would be easier.
 
Ive done both on my boat and if I had it to do over again would do the door mod rather than the cushion mod.

If you modify the cushion you still have to get your body out of the way of the head door in order to open, and close, it. This means getting onto the berth while still holding onto the door. A bit of a yoga move and inconvenient. It also makes it difficult at night when you need to move your partner in order to access the head.

With the door mod you can stand on the cabin floor and easily open the door. This is the whole purpose for that mod, ease of use.

I will also say that if you have access to a table saw the door mod is easier and quicker. Removing the staples, and then putting them back in place, for the cushion mod, is tedious and time consuming. This is a minor point really, and only my opinion. It is all about ease of use.

Jim
 
Thanks much to Jim for the great explanation of the head door modification. It worked out perfect. The only enhancement I would add is to suggest that people buy a set of self-centering drill bits. I bought a set many years ago and use them often to install hinges or anything with a tapered screw head. You can get a set of three for $20 at Rockler. https://www.rockler.com/rockler-insty-d ... ering-bits

Also, thanks to Mark for sending the extra hinges. If you find your way to Bellingham, or somewhere in the Islands, I'll have a cold beer ready for you.

I also found out that some of the earlier 2019 models - line mine, didn't get the head door modification. That should be standard practice out of the factory now, but Jim's description of this process makes this an easy job if you have a table saw.
 
Hey Hamster,

It looks great! And I love your binocular holder as well.

Do you keep Tokitae in Squalicum?

Awesome boat name by the way. I'd like to see Tokitae be trained to eat sea mammals and then come back here, be released, and teach her wild family ;-)

Have fun and we look forward to seeing you in the San Juan next year.
 
Hi Jagizzi,
I'm interested in doing the head door mod but you link doesn't work any longer. Could you please share your plans again? Thanks!
Annie on R23 MV Blue Tug
 
Chiming in here too - this sounds really cool. Can we get a new link and/or pics? Thanks!
 
I can email word copies of the blog post if you email me your addresses. The blog got to be too much to maintain.

My email is jagizzi at gee mail dot com
 
What about simply removing the door and hanging a water proof color-co-ordinated curtain/fabric that runs in a track on the cabin ceiling ? Small weights or small magnets can be stitched into the bottom to keep the curtain from swinging about.
 
This is very simple and the locking hinges I used work very well. I can't recall the brand but got them at Rockler Woodworking in Seattle. Just install with a 1/8" gap and will fit back in place perfectly.
 
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