Main salon doors. Replace or repair?

[Capt. Rodbone]

Hoping for a few nuggets of wisdom regarding how we approach the aesthetics of the two doors on our 78 Grand Banks 42 Classic. She’s in heated storage in Michigan for the winter, and we will renovate and complete our loop next summer. Over coffee this morning the Admiral and I realized this might not be a project that has to wait until we finish. We became friends with the Harbor Hosts in Whitehall where she’s stored. I suspect I can both get permission for the doors to be removed at the facility as well as recruit on an as needed basis the local knowledge and assistance of the hosts.
We need to first decide if we repair or replace. Prior to looping the Port door exterior side had some rot. Not sure if all older GB’s have the laminated type, but that’s what these are. I was able to repair, however admittedly not to the desired level of professional looks. Stopping rot and shoring up achieved, but “look” wasn’t perfect but if you’ve Looped you know there are only 100+ projects to complete in a short amount of time. A little more attention to those repairs would suffice regarding exterior, however we both would love to have varnished solid wooden doors if the price doesn’t kill us. Another reason to consider a complete replacement is the laminated teak on the inside of the doors is in terrible shape. I know we could re-laminate and maybe we will, but just wondering about solid doors?

We look forward to thoughts and comments from the forum!

[KatyLeigh]

The question I have is where would you even find a solid wood door like that? I just went through a significant interior renovation and had a craftsman replace all the delaminated teak on the interior. It turned out very well. I was promised that after a short while, the sun would eventually convert the new teak veneer to match the teak color of the rest of the salon. And it did!!


The reason I bring this up is that of you have good craftsmen available to you at that yard, you may want to start there. I've found that a good carpenter can do miracles.


It will be pricey, but compared to finding a replacement door in pristine shape won't be cheap either.


Food for thought.

[Choices]

Post a picture.

If the frame of the door is salvageable you can just put in new core and refinish.

A new solid teak door material is $300. Labor ? Awlwood finish $200, glass, if wanted $75.

My door was good but Cetol finish was horrible. I stripped and refinished both sides at home. Now looks beautiful.

You and guests will see and touch the door constantly. Needs to look and operate well.

I almost cut out the bottom wood panel and replaced with glass to match the top panel. Would have been a killer upgrade, like the newer GB EUs.

[Capt. Rodbone]

I always respect and appreciate your replies. I’m confused this time though. Quick math on your comments on a solid teak door AND AWLWOOD finish seem to indicate we could do this turn key for less than $600 per door? I consider this a nobrainer if so.
I’m also not sure about your comment on “the frame”? Do you mean the outer edges of the door itself, Or what I would refer to as the “door jamb”?

[Comodave]

As said above it would help to have a couple of photos. Maybe include some rough measurements too.

[Choices]

I am assuming you are talking about the door into the salon.

From what I recall, that door is a framed door with inner panel.

If the bottom is rotted it can be replaced along with the panel.

That is not a lot of wood. But the entire door is not a lot of wood.

If it is more complicated a picture will show it. That price doesn't include labor. A lock has to be fitted, etc.

Show both sides.

[Capt. Rodbone]

I understand now what you meant on both accounts. Wish I’d thought to take pics before we packed up, put her in storage in Whitehall MI, and drove back to AL. Was able to find a couple which I’ve attached here. I suppose if you have older boats long enough then you have the “oh crap” moments, but note in the picture showing the rot the circular spot hear the handle. That’s where a spot caught my attention when walking by and I stopped and pressed with my finger which went right through. That’s when my priority list shifted!
Thanks to all of you for responding. My next step is to contact the Harbor Host up there and feeling him out on local options and his availability to assist. They are a wonderful couple, and he offered multiple times to assist us in any way needed during the winter, so I’m going to take him up on it.

Sent from my iPad

[Choices]

That rot is probably from water working down the glass.

You might be able to remove bad wood and save door.

You need to find a good ship wright in your area. Since it is winter, great time to find one.

I would just remake the door. Double finish cost to spray Awlgrip GB white on exterior.

My guess $1500@ for one, $1250@ for two.

[Comodave]

This is what I would do if it were my boat. I would remove the door(s) and take them home for the winter. Then I would disassemble the door and see how it is built and what exactly is rotten. If the door isn’t completely rotted I would likely replace the rotten wood and call it a day. I would not make a door out of solid wood, it will be expensive and may warp as time goes by. Building the door by the stick method will help prevent it from warping. Since the boat is pretty old the original method of build lasted fairly well. Why reinvent the wheel?