Need a replacement transom door? Boat Outfitters offers direct OEM replacement Starboard and acrylic transom doors with hardware for many popular boat brands, including Boston Whaler, Chaparral, Sea Ray, and many more. » Read More
Transom doors, as their name implies, are doors on the transom of your boat. The transom is the flat, rear section of the boat. It can be referred to as the stern as well. These doors can be a useful addition to a custom build, or an important replacement part on boats that need to be updated. Read More
They can serve multiple purposes. On diehard fishing boats, they can be used to pull in giant marlin, tuna, and swordfish. In the case of a fishing boat, they might be referred to as a tuna door rather than a transom door. On other boats, they make getting in and out of the boat easier whether you’re swimming at the sandbar or snorkeling.
On larger boats, the transom door can be a heavy-duty piece of equipment, capable of holding back water while backing down on billfish. On smaller boats, they’re more of an aesthetic feature for holding back small children than waves. Some boats use the transom as a storage area. For example, the Glasstream Transom Storage Door provides three square feet of access to your transom storage area.
Transom doors, as their name implies, are doors on the transom of your boat. The transom is the flat, rear section of the boat. It can be referred to as the stern as well. These doors can be a useful addition to a custom build, or an important replacement part on boats that need to be updated.
They can serve multiple purposes. On diehard fishing boats, they can be used to pull in giant marlin, tuna, and swordfish. In the case of a fishing boat, they might be referred to as a tuna door rather than a transom door. On other boats, they make getting in and out of the boat easier whether you’re swimming at the sandbar or snorkeling.
On larger boats, the transom door can be a heavy-duty piece of equipment, capable of holding back water while backing down on billfish. On smaller boats, they’re more of an aesthetic feature for holding back small children than waves. Some boats use the transom as a storage area. For example, the Glasstream Transom Storage Door provides three square feet of access to your transom storage area.
Starboard vs. Acrylic Transom Doors
Although some door transoms are molded from fiberglass by the boat builder, most of the replacement doors made by Outfitters are either King Starboard or marine acrylic. Both are excellent materials, but Starboard doors tend to be tougher and more resistant to UV. Acrylic doors, on the other hand, are more rigid and glossier, which tends to provide a higher-end look.
Transom Doors With Hardware
Most of Boat Outfitters’ transom doors are supplied with hardware including hinges and latches. The hinges might be piano hinges or butt hinges, while the latches are usually sliding barrel bolt style latches or Omni Flush recessed spring-loaded latches with a stainless steel body and black plastic handle.
If you select a transom door that isn’t supplied with hardware — or if you only need the hardware — check out the wide selection of latches and hinges.
Replacing Your Transom Door
Replacing a transom door on your boat can be easy. Boat Outfitters has a vast selection of replacement doors listed on their website. Even if they don’t have your particular model listed on their website, they may have the data file in their system. Simply reach out to them with your specific model and year, and they might be able to make a replacement to manufacturer specifications. Read More
Once you have your replacement transom door in hand, installation is typically pretty straightforward. Remove the old door with whatever tool is required, whether it be a screwdriver or a wrench set. Depending on whether or not your transom door came with hinges, you will want to remove the hinges as well. When installing your new transom door, be careful not to over-tighten and strip out the coring of your boat. Screws should be snug. Also, be sure to seal your hardware to avoid any moisture from penetrating the coring of your boat.
Installing a transom door on a boat that didn’t previously have one is a much more involved project. The transom is structurally critical on most boats. Before starting on such a huge project, be sure to consult your manufacturer or a naval architect to verify that the transom can handle having a door on it, or how it should be installed.
These doors are great for your day on the water. Be sure to keep your boat in perfect condition with replacement parts from Boat Outfitters.
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Commonly Asked Questions about Transom Doors
Where Is a Transom Door Located On a Boat? (show/hide)
The transom is the flat section at the back of your boat. On certain boats, it’s what holds the motor or motors. It can be referred to as the stern as well. The transom door provides a place for people to walk from the cockpit to the swim platform area.
How Do you Install a Marine Transom Door? (show/hide)
Replacing a transom door can be as simple as ordering a replacement, unfastening the old one, and fastening and sealing the new one. Installing a marine transom door in a boat that didn’t previously have one is much more difficult. Since the transom is a major structural part of the boat, a marine architect should be consulted before starting such a large project.
What Is the Best Material For a Transom Door On a Boat? (show/hide)
There are a few materials suited for the abuse that a transom door can take. Starboard and acrylic are some popular options. They’re two synthetic materials that will never rot or decay. Both starboard and acrylic are also UV stable, so they will not fade or crack in the sun. Wood, although a popular boat building material, should be avoided as coring on these doors due to their moisture exposure.
Where Can you Order a Replacement Transom Door? (show/hide)
Boat Outfitters’ is a one-stop shop for transom doors and mounting equipment. Even if your specific transom door isn’t offered on the website, reach out to them. They may have the file on hand and be able to make one to perfect OEM specifications.