Door lock question

V

Valkyrie

New member
Hi Brats,

I went to do some stuff to Valkyrie this morning, getting ready for the trip to the Gathering next week and I couldn't unlock the door.

I called the factory for advice, but no one was there who could answer questions and I wound up taking the hinges off the door to get in.

The small black locking device on the inside has fallen off a few times and I merely put it back on. It was in place when I took the door off. It appears that there is some sort of plastic clip that should attach to the interior of the lock, but is failing to do so. I guess locking it is out of the question for the moment.

Has anyone faced this before and is there a remedy? This boat is a year old and I'll try to get a new lock, but is there a quick fix?

Nick
"Valkyrie"
 
Pitbull........Armed Guard...... :disgust

Sorry, that I can't be more creative, but I'll be anxious to learn of "proper" solutions from the group. I've always been a bit apprehensive about the lock on our cabin door as well, but have never experienced the same problem as you.
 
I have been boating for over 30 years and I have only had stuff taken off my boat once....that was when it was on the trailer in my driveway. As a rule, the boating folks out there on the water and at the docks are an honest sort. If you are concerned for your safety then I suggest a pump 12 gauge and a PFD. Don't let a broken lock spoil your trip this weekend, and get a new one from the factory/dealer when you return.

Have a good time and don't worry so much.

Mike
 
Guys,

I agree about boaters being honest people, but it isn't in my nature to have anything not working correctly, whether on my boat, truck, home and so on.

While on the road and stopped for food, etc., it won't be boaters who would take advantage of an unlocked, unattended boat. The marina is a different situation.

Nick
"Valkyrie"
 
I've had problems with the door catch/lock catching or locking but it has always been due to loose hardware. My door had a habit of having the screws that hold the bottom door hinge loosing up and then the door latch would bind up.
I've added a $5 general purpose cam lock from Home depot to the door for added security.... I also took Sea Wolf Joe's idea, and through bolted some of the door hinge hardware. I now don't have to worry about the hinge fasteners loosening, or somebody just taking the door off
 
Valkeryie-

Recently B~C noted on one thread how he had installed a utility cam lock (1- 1/8" cam length) on his door to bolster the conventional lock security.

That would be an inexpensiove and quick solution, only involving the cost of the lock ($10-$15), and boring a hole of around 3/4" diameter or so in the door for the lock cylinder.

It would also be a good investment in your boat securiuty in the long run.

I'm going to do it myself as soon as I have the boat home the next time.

I already have the Winchester Model 1200 Pump Action 12 gauge Riot Gun!

Joe.
 
Thanks Guys,

Good tips and I think I will go with some added hardware.

Got an email from Jeff and he is sending an new lockset to Cutter and they will deliver it to me at the East Coast Gathering next week. Quick service!

My shotgun of choice is my old S&W 3000 pump with extended mag and folding stock, an old companion from my cruising days in the Bahamas and Keys.

Nick
"Valkyrie"
 
Joe – enlarge your picture to fit an 8 ½ by 11 paper, print it with the caption on your post in big bold blood red type, then tape it to the door of your C-Dory. It might be better than any boat alarm.
 
Them there rounds are rifled slugs, no pussy-wussy buckshot or birdshot from me!

Intruders will be will bel searching for Davey Jones' Locker down at the -500 foot level of Shasta Lake.

Joe.
 
Valkyrie, I have the same exact problem with my cabin door lock. Sometimes I an unable to get the door to lock. I likewise have had to take the door off twice, and I am always afraid I will sometimes get caught without the correct fitting head for my screwdriver. I am always careful to check that black plastic knob on the inside of the door, to make sure the ketch clicks when I close the door, and that the key turns smoothly to the horizontal position and then back to the vertical. Seems to always be an adventure.
Chica
 
Mine won't lock with the key sometimes. It seems slamming the door or pressing on it while locking works. I also had to tighten the set screws on the handles since they were loosy goosy.
 
flapbreaker":1pvvx8zn said:
Mine won't lock with the key sometimes. It seems slamming the door or pressing on it while locking works. I also had to tighten the set screws on the handles since they were loosy goosy.
Click to expand...

Sigh

A common problem I see. I took the Dremel tool to the door frame and opened up the area behind the strike plate a little bigger than the plate itself. It solved my problem 85% of the time. I do notice that the door is usually less than cooperative if it's on the trailer so I assume it caused by a slight twist in the hull either by misaligned bunks or the C-Dory Gremlins

Don
 
I too have had to use the Dremel tool behind the strike plate, the door slam routine, and the knee to the door for alittle inward push. I did call the lock company, but they did not return my call. Chica
 
Has anybody yet come up with a permanent cure for the recalcitrant lock on the C-22? Mine always works from the inside but locking up to leave the boat is a crapshoot at best. So far the Flapbreaker/Chica method has worked, but to be honest, there have been times it's taken upwards of 20 minutes to get the magic combination. Mostly the key turns but it doesn't latch, and it won't latch unless the latch itself is fully extended. Zero tolerance!

I've disassembled/reassembled the lock and my only comment is that it doesn't appear to warrant the price they want for a new key, let alone a new lock!

Color me frustrated.
 
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