Transom Door

[Cargile]

I am thinking of putting a door in the transom for the dogs, Admiral etc. W hat is the wisdom for having the door opening inward or outward? Mostly I have seen inward opening doors then today I saw a Mainship with an outward door. Thanks

 

[PhilPB]

I have a Mainship 34 mkiii and it opens out and it's fine. It really doesn't take away from the swim platform either. For us, opening out free's up the whole cockpit for chairs, coolers ,etc. If you have a large cockpit that probably wouldn't matter.

 

[MYTraveler]

Be aware that cutting the transom may adversely affect the boat's structural integrity.

 

[kapnd]

Be aware that cutting the transom may adversely affect the boat's structural integrity.

Most inboard powered boats have very little strain on the transom, so cutting a door is probably ok to do.
If you’re nervous about cutting it, consult an experienced professional glass guy, or even a NA.
You may need to add some structure along the sides of the door to carry the gunnel. (Think doorframe)
Pictures of the transom would help here.

 

[boomerang]

The conventional wisdom ,at least for sportfisherman boats, is if you happen to take a wave over the transom and need to get rid of the water in a hurry, an outward opening door will easily open to clear the water.
I would definitely be sure of the structural integrity of the cockpit before cutting a chunk out of it. There's no way I would've cut a door in our Mainship 34 classic, due to the needed support of the bridge deck above,

 

[Comodave]

You can do it. Just make sure that you adequately support the cutout area, with lots of plywood, fiberglass and epoxy resin.

 

[Cargile]

Transom

 

[Cargile]

Be aware that cutting the transom may adversely affect the boat's structural integrity.

Check!

 

[NWpilot]

If you install an outward opening door you can slightly angle the sides to create a wedge so that a big wave from the rear will tighten the door rather than put all of the strain on a latch. Also, as others have mentioned it is easy to open in order to drain the cockpit.

 

[SIBERNUT]

From bitter experience, crawl under the transom or get a mirror & look at what is inside. Moving your plan a couple inches may make a job easier.
And, a scrap boat with one & a sawzall would be a home run in my book. Check local marinas