Bertram33 User Forum

Anyone out there converted the rear cabin door from the slider to the hinged type? Was there a aftermarket kit for it if so?

I considered making that change earlier this summer but decided to stay with a slider. I built a new door out of solid teak, and was able after a ton of looking on the internet to locate all new stainless rollers, track, and lockset. The problem I had with the hinged idea was how to fasten the door in the open position. My flybridge ladder is in the way on the port side, and I wanted to use the space against the stbd side of the aft bulkhead for a cooler or fish box one day. I don't recall the details of the 77 FBC cockpit so I don't know if my reasons apply to your boat. One day when I have the time I plan on doing a writeup with some pics on the door for the owner tips section of this forum.

I was digging in a cabinet the other day and found a brand new set of door rollers that I had purchased from HiTide. Seeing how I no longer have that POS sliding door if somebody wants them, you can have them for the shipping. I paid about $80 for them if I reember. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders

Frank: Do you recall where you found the lockset? Mike Ford

Mike... I bought the latch/lockset from a place called "The Brass Works".. It is Model 3448, and the cost was about $100. They have all kinds of door locks and latches and other cabinet hardware for marine use. I can't recall the name of the woman who answered the phone there but she knew all about their products and was a great help. Here is the link... http://www.marinedoorandcabinethardware ... _locks.htm She first suggested a $350 latch, and I told her that was way more than I could afford, then she quoted the #3448. When I asked why there was such a price difference she said the expensive one was made in Germany, the #3448 was made in Italy. Since installing the latch on my B33 I have seen the exact same latch on a 60+ foot new sportfish which must be worth a couple of million dollars. If it is good enough for a millionaire it is good enough for me! (and probably you too!)

Frank: Thanks for the info. Was the one you bought an exact replacement for the original size-wise or were any modifications necessary? Mike

Mike... I decided to make a new door myself out of teak, so the latch I refer to above was chosen to fit that. I gave the old door and accompanying hardware to another B33 owner who's original door was damaged. Sorry if I got you thinking I had just replaced the old latch. Hopefully someone else here will have a source of replacement latches. BTW.. I just checked High Tide Marine's site and see they show pics of what appear to be direct replacement latches.. http://www.hightidemarine.cc/doorlocks.htm I have not bought very much from them, so I can't offer very much first hand experience about them.. my understanding is that their prices are high but they are a good source of replacement stuff.

Thanks Frank. Mike

Gene if you still have the rollers I may have some interest if there not too hard to replace.

I still have them. I think the only thing was to replace them I would have had to knock off the bottom of the frame. I had glass in the bottom of the old slider. I know some had a solid filler in the bottom half. BTW, I've been wiring up the Maxwell. One good thing was the 2/0 Ga. cable was all in there. All I had to do was wire the breaker back at the box in the engine room. I was going to run 14/3 from the bridge, but only got as far as the 12v breaker panel. I couldn't get up the Port side of the boat, even with a snake. I bent the snake all to hell. So as luck would have it, the boat is also pre wired for docking lights. I used one of those cables that terminated at the breaker panel. Added another 5 amp breaker for the switch. So all I have left is cut a hole in the deck. The template isn't even close, so I'll have to draw it all in myself. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders

It is great that you had the 2/0 wire already installed. I had to pull new wiring from the batt to the bow. Glad to hear that you are almost done. My template did work and deciding exactly where to drill was the biggest concern. Maybe we can hook up at your convenience on the rollers. If you want to look at my installation/location to drill give me a call. 954-646-1543

George, As part of the Maxwell kit, they included what they call a Performance Plate for thicker decks. I'm using that for the template. I just need to center the holes. Yes, getting the thing in the right spot isn't as easy as it looks. I've changed my mind twice. The rope hole isn't on center cuz the feed hole has to line up with the roller. Looks like it may drop the line down to the side a little. With the new 8 plait line, I hope that isn't going to be a problem. The anchor locker is pretty shallow, but it held 300' of 5/8 double braid and 30' of chain, so I hope I got it right. I'm not drilling today. I want a good clear day so I can epoxy around the holes first. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders

I was certainly glad to see those wires in the locker as well. Made life much easier. Not to change the subject, Gene & George, but are you guys up for a raft up to see the Lauderdale Boat Parade this year? It's on the 12th & we usually have a few boats meet us out in front of Bahia Mar & then wait until all the traffic passes then wander into Lake Sylvia and spend the night on the hook. It'll be a good area to test your windlass installation! Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

Joe thanks for the offer. We would enjoy rafting up however we will be getting back in town on the 12Th and by the time we got underway it would be late so maybe next time.

Gene: What did you replace the POS with? I call mine "The Shear" when fishing in the winter rough water and someone forgets to latch the door. Did you have it made or find someone that had aftermarker?