Installing aTransom Door? Carver Montego

R

rythmstrat

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In the on-going mental battle of 'upgrade our current boat' and 'replace this boat', I'm strongly considering installing a proper transom door. Among the many, many things we love about our Carver Montego 32, one thing I dislike while on the hook, is climbing onto and over our back cockpit bench to reach the swim platform. There are a few threads on the web about new transom door installations. Beyond the obvious reinforcements req'd, is there more to this?, and has anyone performed/hired out this job? I've given a lot of thought to various relocating of cleats, shore plugs, and cockpit seating, etc.

I'd be interested to hear the good, the bad, and the 'what are you nuts!?"

TIA.
 
Here's one guys approach to it.

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It can be done.

Bob
 
I don't see why you couldn't add a transom door on the 32 Montego as the hull is the same as used on the 32 Mariner which has a transom door in it from the factory. I would probably do some strengthening with aluminum or other material, but it is definitely do-able.
 
how that strenghtening is done is, IMO , the big question.
 
I'd say bond it to the transom just below the transom door threshold. Make it go as far abeam as you can.
 
Well, if you're successful at it, and want to repeat it, my back would greatly appreciate not having to lift 2 dogs on and off the boat constantly.

I agree, a lot of positives to this boat for the price/size, but the transom door (and small refer and dismal following seas ride) is a negative.

Jim
 
One of these is still a major candidate for our next "The Dog House". We don't take it out enough to really worry about the following seas issue. Our Labradoodle passed away last August, and we now have (2) Schnoodles that are of a much more manageable size. The refer is a lot larger than the one in our 27 Montego, so we're good with that also. We LOVE the room in the 3257!!!!
 
Huh...fewer 'You're Nuts!' than I expected...

What are you sayin' Chef? I should start up '32 Montego transom doors are us' Inc., ? Lol.
Yes, I can see lifting dogs in and out being a large PITA.

Thx, rnbenton for reposting these pics of the modified Mariner, I believe...while I plan nothing as elaborate as this, they are somewhat inspirational.

Kenny...I didn't realize the Mariner was the same hull. I've looked online at a bunch of Mariner transoms, nice to know this was done.

Altho the Montego has a slight check/cutout in the top deck in the middle, I actually plan to fill mine in, and install a door on the starboard side of the transom, allowing me to create more of a wrap-around style of cockpit seating, oriented towards the port side. I think I've considered most of the issues, much I will attempt myself. I have access to a fabricating shop, and will have them make appropriate aluminum reinforcement/bracketry, etc. I will also hire out glass and finishing work.
 
There is a guy at our marina who took a sawzall to his Bayliner Avanti transom and cut a huge notch in it and finished it with some do-it-yourself fiberglass work and a transom door. He did it at the dock while in the water. All things considerd, it came out pretty good.
Jim
 
If you would like mine, it's your's and I will have the name changed to "Major Candidate" for you!

Sell it for a steal. It will have new rudders and props in the next few weeks!

2011 was good to me and I would like to dump to move into something newer at a steal. I would be happy to show you around, includes heated storage condo till spring, and I will be glad to show you her issues honestly and clearly.

She is not without her flaws, but I am extremely cynical.

Jim

quote:
Originally posted by RamSport47

One of these is still a major candidate for our next "The Dog House". We don't take it out enough to really worry about the following seas issue. Our Labradoodle passed away last August, and we now have (2) Schnoodles that are of a much more manageable size. The refer is a lot larger than the one in our 27 Montego, so we're good with that also. We LOVE the room in the 3257!!!!

Click to expand...
 
Yes! Exactly!

I like the wraparound idea. The real estate on the platform would be so much better utilized with this transom mod!

quote:
Originally posted by rythmstrat

Huh...fewer 'You're Nuts!' than I expected...

What are you sayin' Chef? I should start up '32 Montego transom doors are us' Inc., ? Lol.
Yes, I can see lifting dogs in and out being a large PITA.

Thx, rnbenton for reposting these pics of the modified Mariner, I believe...while I plan nothing as elaborate as this, they are somewhat inspirational.

Kenny...I didn't realize the Mariner was the same hull. I've looked online at a bunch of Mariner transoms, nice to know this was done.

Altho the Montego has a slight check/cutout in the top deck in the middle, I actually plan to fill mine in, and install a door on the starboard side of the transom, allowing me to create more of a wrap-around style of cockpit seating, oriented towards the port side. I think I've considered most of the issues, much I will attempt myself. I have access to a fabricating shop, and will have them make appropriate aluminum reinforcement/bracketry, etc. I will also hire out glass and finishing work.

Click to expand...
 
Yes, use of the platform will be improved greatly! I've already ditched the lower section of my fold-out swim ladder. I nearly severed a toe last summer on the associated hardware mounted top-side for the fold out section! My platform is being re-cored, and I will install a new hide-away ladder underneath once completed. If I get this transom door thing done for this season, I can do away with the upper section too, and no more climbing over the seat. Keep cheerin' me on, I'll be more motivated.

So, btw, what's the steal of a deal for your boat?
 
Unfortunately Jim, we won't be ready for about a year. Other things to pay off first. If you still have it when we're ready, we'll take a look at it.
 
Well I do think it is a bit nuts to have this done. If you spend 3 grand on it, and decide in a year or two to move on to a different boat, it likely will not be money back in your pocket. Maybe it helps sell it, maybe someone else does not like it.
You have already talked about other issues with this boat you don't like, have you not?
 
Yes, it's true. In my opinion, doing this upgrade is a bit of a tipping point, so to speak. I think about this alot. If I spend the $$, I would have no expectation that it would improve the boat's value, altho, possibly it's appeal. It would have to be done for our enjoyment and enhanced use only.

My other main complaint is the size of the master berth. But...

When I compare what's available in our strong used market here, and the new/different/or in some cases same types of compromises another model or brand has, as well as the agravation of selling a boat I already own and have in my possession, without increased transport costs, etc., etc... It kinda makes sense to me. I'm resigned to not moving up unless I can get 38-40ft, 1997 or newer, with MPI engines, and my budget just doesn't allow for this at the moment. For $5k, I can do a lot with what we have, incl. berth improvements.
 
quote:
Originally posted by rythmstrat

Yes, use of the platform will be improved greatly! I've already ditched the lower section of my fold-out swim ladder. I nearly severed a toe last summer on the associated hardware mounted top-side for the fold out section! My platform is being re-cored, and I will install a new hide-away ladder underneath once completed. If I get this transom door thing done for this season, I can do away with the upper section too, and no more climbing over the seat. Keep cheerin' me on, I'll be more motivated.

So, btw, what's the steal of a deal for your boat?

Click to expand...


Low 20's, very well equipped, tons of upgrades.

I got rid of the ladder all together. I'm still tripping over it, because I cant bring myself to throwing it away! Can crosstie now, no issues! I am tall so I could care less about the height, and the dogs like the room now. I did add a foam teak look padding that really helps. I need to re-core, but its still ok for a couple years. IF I keep and mod the boat to my liking, I'll have a new platform made, likely from teak.

Jim
 
Scott: Asking others here for advice is a start, but I think you should really do two things to answer your question. First, you should contact Carver and speak to them about the two models, one of which has a door and one of which doesn't. Ask them what, if any, differences there are in the transom and stern structures of the two models. Then, if it is still plausible, you should speak to someone in your area who does fiberglass repair on boats. Find a company with a good reputation who's been in the business for a while. Look at the company's work and get an estimate. Then do the same with at least one other company. My gut feeling, from what I've read, is that it can be done and shouldn't cost anywhere near $5k. Good luck. Hy
 
Thx Hy, good suggestions. I have in fact, made contact with a local fiberglass shop, and am meeting with them this week to discuss. They come recommended, and have 'done' many transom doors, apparently. Early comments from them indicate it should be no problem to accomplish, and as you suggest, shouldn't come anywhere near $5K. There is another custom boat builder/repairer not too far, that I will drop in to as well, for an opinion. Unfortunately, my boat, and these guys are 2 hrs from my home, otherwise these steps would be done already.

I hadn't thought of going to Carver to discuss...good idea. There is a Carver dealer I know of who could help, if not at least re-direct me.
 
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