Build Your Own Doors

Boat Outfitters can custom-build boat doors and boat hatches to your specifications from a variety of materials, including King Starboard, acrylic, and teak. Our custom boat doors and marine hatches are commonly used to replace weathered teak or plastic parts but are also ideal for DIY projects. » Read More

What Are Boat Doors & Hatches?

In the simplest terms, marine hatches and doors are used to cover openings in boats to keep water and the elements out and their contents in. The term “boat door” typically refers to a hinged or removable cover for an opening in a vertical surface. The term “boat hatch” refers to a cover for an opening in a horizontal surface — most commonly a deck that will be walked on.

Doors and hatches may be hinged, removable, or a combination of the two. Hinged doors and hatches can have single door or double doors and can hinge in several different directions. Removable doors and hatches lack hinges and can be lifted completely out of their frames.

Custom marine doors and hatches can be made from a range of materials, including King Starboard, acrylic, aluminum, and teak.

Where Are Marine Hatches & Doors Used?

Custom marine doors and hatches can be used almost anywhere on a boat (or RV), but some of the most common applications include aft-facing console access doors, console side or front entry doors, ski and board lockers, in-floor fish boxes, dry storage compartments, anchor lockers, and bilge access openings.

Hinged vs Removable Doors & Hatches

It might seem like a custom-hinged boat door or boat hatch would be preferable to a removable one, but that isn’t always the case. Removable doors are preferable for some applications. Instead of swinging open, removable doors and hatches can be completely removed from their frames. That makes them well-suited as dash covers; they can be locked in place to protect electronics from theft and the elements, but then completely removed when the boat is in use. They’re also great for openings used for service, like lazarettes, bilge access ports, and rigging access. Being able to completely remove the door makes it easier to reach into it to work.

Hinged boat hatches and doors, on the other hand, work better for most other applications, since the door or hatch stays put when opened. When you order a custom hatch or door, you’ll generally be able to specify where the hinge is located. On a vertically-mounted boat door, for example, the hinge can be located so that the door swings outward to the right or the left so that it lifts up or so that it drops open.

Finally, hinged lift-out doors combine the best of both worlds. Commonly used on flats boats, skiffs, and smaller boat boats, these console doors feature a central hinge that allows the top half to drop open for quick, easy access. For complete access, though, the entire door can be lifted out of its frame and removed.

Boat Door & Hatch Materials

Marine compartment doors can be made of virtually any material, but the most common materials used on recreational boats today are Starboard, acrylic, and teak. Each has unique advantages and disadvantages:

  • Custom Starboard doors and hatches — Virtually impervious to moisture, UV and dirt, King Starboard is a nearly ideal material for marine doors and hatches. Its only real shortcoming is that it has some flex; larger doors and hatches may need stiffeners for rigidity.
  • Custom acrylic doors — Acrylic (commonly called plexiglass) is another good material for doors. It has a glossier finish than Starboard, more like the sheen of gelcoat. It is more brittle than Starboard, though, and is slick, so it’s not well suited for hatches. Acrylic is commonly used for small console access doors like those found on bay boats and flats boats.
  • Custom teak doors — Aesthetically speaking, nothing can match teak, as long as it’s well cared for. For boaters who want a classic look and are willing to do the necessary maintenance, teak makes beautiful doors.

Frame Materials

Custom marine door and hatch frames can be made of Starboard, aluminum, or teak. Starboard frames are durable and easy to install. Powder-coated aluminum frames are lower-profile (just 1/8” proud of the mounting surface) and can optionally be installed with hidden fasteners, but can get dinged or scratched, exposing the aluminum.

Double Boat Doors vs Single

Most of the custom boat doors we make are single doors, but there are certain applications where double doors are ideal. The advantage of double marine doors is that they require less clearance to swing open. That can be very helpful when mounting a console door facing the leaning post or facing the gunwale

Louvered Marine Doors

Some marine doors and hatches need to provide ventilation even when closed. Airflow through a compartment can help prevent mold, mildew, rot, and corrosion inside. Many custom doors can be ordered with vented louvers to encourage airflow.

When choosing a louvered boat door, pay attention to how the louvers are cut. Simple horizontal slots tend to let water in. Louvers with slots that are angled downward help keep water out while letting just as much air through.

Why Order a Custom Boat Door or Hatch?

There are various reasons you might choose to have a custom marine door or hatch built. Often, customers use them as replacements for worn or weathered hatches. In many cases, the old part is teak that is beyond repair. A new Starboard part is less expensive, easier to maintain, and more contemporary looking.

If your boat is relatively new, you may be able to order replacement doors or hatches from the manufacturer. In many cases, even if the manufacturer doesn’t have the part, Boat Outfitters may have the exact specs on file. But if not, you’ll need to order a custom replacement door or hatch. Feel free to Contact Us if you are unsure and need any assistance!

In other situations, customers are adding new openings on their boats. These might include bilge access hatches, console access doors, anchor lockers, etc. With a new hatch or door opening, the only two solutions are off-the-shelf hatches and doors in standard sizes or custom solutions.

Even if an original door or hatch is still in good condition, ordering a custom replacement hatch or door can improve its appearance and/or function. For instance, customers often have custom Starboard doors and hatches made to replace inexpensive plastic parts that came with their boat.

Need More Help Deciding? Give us a call!

 For the last 40+ years, we’ve perfected the art of upgrading boats and helping boaters better enjoy their time on the water. If you have a question about a product or project give us a call! Our team of experts is here to help!

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