Upper helm storage compartment door size - i.e. increasing size

[Bob Quinn]

Just wondering if anyone has ever made the storage access doors on a 1980's version 53 MY larger.
These are the ones on the upper helm straight down from the windscreen, the ones you would kick with your feet if you were sitting on the front bench.

I have a water leak in there ( I think were the wires go down to the salon area) and it's a a pretty tight fit to get in there to work on it. I have seen the other posts on how to improve the drain by building a channel to direct the water to the outside of the helm etc. and I think I have the same issue.

Just wondering if there is an easy way to make it a larger hatch without spending a fortune or a lot of time.

Thanks!

[Bob Quinn]

I found this on Boat Outfitters.com
They will custom make you a variety of styles and custom sized doors in 3-5 days!
Has anyone used any of these that can speak to the quality of these?
They are made from Starboard.



BoatOutfittersDoors.jpg

[SEVEN]

I found a skinny young fiberglass guy to put a copper tube from the inside corners to the outside. Had them caulked in with 4200. Water drains right out. 3/4” tube.

[Bob Quinn]

I found a skinny young fiberglass guy to put a copper tube from the inside corners to the outside. Had them caulked in with 4200. Water drains right out. 3/4” tube.

Copper tube sounds like a good way to do it. Especially since it probably isn't perfectly flat in there.
Did you split the tube in half or just leave it whole?

[SEVEN]

Left it whole. I blow it out at least once a year because even at 3/4 of an inch debris gets in there and clogs it.

[Bob Quinn]

Left it whole. I blow it out at least once a year because even at 3/4 of an inch debris gets in there and clogs it.

Thanks Rusty, that sounds easier than what I was going to do!