Stateroom and head door handles - too fat for my companion way?-gctid346051

[Foster]

Seeing ducksoop's picture below reminded me about a nagging problem. If you look at the opposing head and stateroom handles (in the foreground), they have this very nice, easy to grab hook shape. The hook is also the perfect size, shape and height to grab into my kidneys as I pass by. And I'm an equal opportunity person, I've been able to create fist sized bruises on both sides.

Flipping the handles over does not help, I just snag from the other direction. While many of you are mumbling "try weight-watchers" as you read this, I'd like to find a flush fitting handle that would work.

[ksanders]

generally the handles on locks/latches are just allen screwed on.

You could remove the handle, determine the size, and podssibly find a replacement. Maybe even at Home depot, you never know.

My 375 lb brother in law said it best...

"boats are not big people friendly"

[MerlinV]

Kevin is correct, the handles are Allen screwed on and easily removed. The challenge (at least on the M490) is the latch assembly, which unlike a normal domestic latch is not reversable, meaning that the square shaft is nowhere near central on the hole cut into the door. If standard house type handles or knobs are used, a cover plate is needed to disguise the holes left by the original.

You could perhaps try mounting a lower profile doorknob, but this could still inflict bruises in 'sensitive areas'. Another alternative could be the installation of a spring latch and small closet doorknobs so that the door clicks open and closed rather than positive latching. Oh for a wider companionway!

[Guest]

I turned the latch handles so the point is facing upward. I still hit them now and then but I do not get caught anymore

[Guest]

On the 4788 the aft bedroom door is a sliding pocket door. Perhaps this could solve half the problem for you since both boats are very simular in dimensions in the hall. I still have to transit the hallway in a kinda sideways walking motion.

[Papa_Charlie]

The ring type handle on the outside of the door is held onto the square shaft by a screw. If you could find another ring type handle you could remove the lever handle, shorten the bronze square shaft, drill a hole and tap it for the securing screw. This way you would have the same type of ring handle on both sides of the door and exposed to the hall way regardless of whether the door is open or closed.

I have the same problem that you have, although I am becoming accustomed to walking sideways down the hall. My cloths seem to be paying the ultimate price. So far I have lost two shirts and several belt loops. The Admiral has had her share of snags as well.

At least this is my plan to eliminate the hooking door. You can probably find the handles at a second hand store if you are diligent enough and keep looking.

PS: I have not found the switch that turns on the fluorescent lights in the hall way. Can someone tell me which switch controls them?

[Guest]

if the latch has a square shaft then they are the same as old antique latches. You may be able to fine a round knob hande perhaps of brass or glass that would be better for you at an antique or architectural antique shop.

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[Guest]

Papa Charlie on my 45 the hall light switch is on the fixture itself. Look under the valance covering the bulb on the side of the bulb holder. Both of mine are rocker type switches.

[Papa_Charlie]

knuckelbuster wrote:
Papa Charlie on my 45 the hall light switch is on the fixture itself. Look under the valance covering the bulb on the side of the bulb holder. Both of mine are rocker type switches.

Thanks, I will look closer. Didn't see anything at first but will double check. You would think it would be easier to get at.

[smitty477]

"45 the hall light switch is on the fixture itself"

Yes - This is true, but most that we have seen also switch the flour. hall lights along with the step courtesy lights (lights on step risers) at each end of the hall. So you would need to have both the step courtesy light switch 'on' as well as the independent switches on each flour. light fixture.

Hope this helps

[Pacrimrat]

As stated the 47 has a pocket door for the aft stateroom so the head door is the only problem.

I turned the handle down 90 degrees. This stopped the torn clothing. I keep the head door closed most of the time and that stopped the bruises.

[Guest]

For the most part interior door knobs on boat interiors are really nothing more then fancy screen or storm door hardware. Saddly most screen door hardware has a lever for the interior trim and a knob for exterior. You could of course buy two sets and use the knobs and keep the latch unit as a spare on board. The reason for the use of screen door hardware on the inside boat doors, is its the only hardware made off the shelf for thin doors. Merit used to make a lot of the replacements sets but its been a few years since I looked up to see if they are still in business. You might call Builders Hardware and Supply in Seattle to see if Merit is still in business and see if they can send you and email with the screen door latch sets to see what might work for your needs.

[mmichellich]

2 or 3 trips down the hallway in our 47 with new jeans, shorts or pants sorta solves the problems by itself. After the 2 or 3 trips all the belt loops have been ripped free.

Us old fat farts can solve most any problem in the easiest manner. Just make sure your pants are tight or you could trip and fall..