Letting Air In & Keeping Thieves Out - Hopefully (MJ Sailing - EP 37)

[@allynonderdonk7577]

It is a masterpiece of engineering there Matt. Airflow is great for an Aluminum boat. Aluminum boats are super hard to sink, though their main drawback is they do tend to get very hot in the sun.

[@MJSailing]

I agree. It was hard to get a good nights sleep on our shakedown because we had to close up the companionway and it would get *so* hot and stuffy inside the boat. This is going to make things much more comfortable.

[@Illinoisinsulators1121]

Canvases and sun Shades look great

[@tomharrell1954]

it's very nice. You thought, designed it out and constructed it. Wow great job. You are very handy.

[@troyboyd3100]

You both do very good work. I like your attention to detail, and well thought out design. Lots of sweat equity in your boat!

[@mattjohnson6716]

Lots of sweat... little equity :( Matt

[@HopeOfJoe]

Great video of 'buts-n-bolts' stuff. Must say, you two are sure skilled craftspeople. WOW !! 😊👍👌⛵️⚓️🍷🦃🍗

[@tartansailor]

Clever design and nice workmanship as well, congrats, Richard

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks Tartansailor. I've always loved the Tartans and came really close to buying a 37 instead of our Sabre, but just couldn't work out a good deal at the time. Matt

[@robertallen7106]

Very nice design on the doorway and very well executed it looks great it looks like it's supposed to be there

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks Robert.... just don't look too closely. Matt

[@jackwmoody]

Nice door! You are so meticulous with your designs and building. I'm very impressed!

[@MJSailing]

This one was all Matt, I can take no credit. 🙂

[@KnotVikings]

Awesome project, we once had somebody break into our boat while we were sleeping in a marina! It took us a really long time to get over that experience and now we always keep everything locked and the alarm on.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks. We've always had some way to lock ourselves in at night just for that issue. It would be enough to turn us off to cruising for a long while. Matt

[@KnotVikings]

Yeah it nearly did for us, the alarm helps to get a good night sleep though. Weird thing was that we where sleeping 4 people and a dog on our 37ft boat and nobody woke up. Now when i think of it i'm glad we didn't wake up would have been really scary to stand face to face to a burglar in a confined space in the middle of the night.

[@45searay]

Matt, ur not just a pretty face. U have mad skills and all ur projects look great. Much enjoy ur videos...

[@MJSailing]

I agree! 😉

[@chiefvia4170]

I am impressed with your detail and the beauty of the finished door.

[@paulie123ish]

Well done Matt - an excellent to solution to yet another annoying feature of modern sailboats. I'll be ordering my one as soon as you have your factory up and running! Huge congratulations to you both on the refit.

[@MJSailing]

Let's see how fast he can start churning these bad boys out, make a little cash on the side!, lol.

[@onthebeaches]

Super sweet job on making that door. Can't wait to see how it, and all the canvas work you've done, works out to keep you cool out of the elements. BRAVO! PEACE OUT!

[@mariner3]

Y'all do great work...Fine job!

[@MJSailing]

Thank you!

[@martyhandley4456]

That door is an awesome idea, really well thought out and super versatile, well well done guys, thanks for sharing and inspiring, I am looking at a boat in 3 weeks, steel to do what you guys did, cant wait

[@mattjohnson6716]

Marty, what ever you do, don't do what we've done and totally rebuild a boat :) Matt

[@martyhandley4456]

Well budget wise....I cant really afford to buy a ready to go boat, and I dont want to rely on someone elses half assed work to get me across an ocean, I have the skills and tools to do the work, my wife is all in, and I really want to be completely self sufficient and capable of knowing every wire, hose and system on the boat. the cool part is I can put the boat in my backyard and do the work there, so no fees for storage and not having to go to the boat with all the shit everyday, its in my yard and will get it done, move onto it and then get my house ready for a long term lease.....thats the plan anyway....its up for modification as are all best laid plans, but I am expecting it for sure

[@melee401]

Nice, well thought out companionway door there.

[@rickjames4882]

Fantastic handy work. I think it will keep out more thieves than so many on here think. Especially outside of the U.S every thief doesn't have access to a battery powered tool that might make quick work of door hardware and locks. You have to try anyway, or at least that's my thought process. Some things unfortunately are like trying to keep a squirrel out of the bird feeder! Thanks for another great video. Be safe.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks. We really hope the thieves don't come aboard with the correct security bit to undo any of our precautions.... maybe it wasn't a good idea to show this on KZbin :) Matt

[@thomaswilkinson6276]

Nice work on the companionway door Matt, I like your ingenuity and skills. One suggestion though: I would countersink those eleven external screws and then hide the heads with white phillips-grip plugs like the kind you find on Ikea furniture. I think it would give it a much cleaner look.

[@mattjohnson6716]

I thought about that Thomas, but being only a 1/4" of Starboard, I needed all the strength I could get. Also, we hope this gives a bit more industrial and heavy duty look to help deter some intruder. Matt

[@geremychubbuck3730]

Nice workmanship, Matt. Keep up the great work, guys.

[@sailingblackphoenix4974]

Awesome job with making the companionway door. I want to do something similar.

[@sailingmaverick2480]

Great job on a worth wile and needed project.

[@MJSailing]

Yes, this project moved to the top of the list as soon as we got back from our shakedown and were nearly getting heatstroke in the boat. 😉 (To be fair, it had been in Florida in August, that is just going to be miserable all the way around, lol)

[@sailingluana3037]

As always... Great craftsmanship!

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks... Just don't watch on a 4k tv and see all the flaws. Matt

[@scs130773]

Wow really nice job on both projects! This is really timely as come Dec 1st, I'll be a liveaboard as well and have been considering security and ventilation. Those awnings / shades look fantastic!

[@mattjohnson6716]

Please at least figure out a way to lock the cabin up at night. Something as simple as a barrel bolt holding the sliding door closed helps tremendously. Matt

[@jetlaggedchef6806]

I've been binge watching. This door is my favorite project so far! Totally amazing.

[@MJSailing]

Thank you for following along!! 😀 We absolutely love that door too, it has not come down since we've installed it.

[@sailingmutzer6426]

It looks very good and solid, nice job!!

[@donalexander2480]

Really great engineering.....great job and super video!

[@thatdutchguy2882]

Great job with the door Matt, it looks like it was always there👍. Love that dodger Jessica, must have been a pain in the butt all that stitching, it looks good👍.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks, When are you back to the marina? Matt

[@kevinvondran6353]

You are so meticulous, I really enjoy your DIY videos . Many of times I write down in a notebook of mine, which episode it is, so as to refer back to it. Thanks

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thank for the compliment Kevin. Matt

[@spinnaker5514]

Once again, you prove to be the master craftsman! Amazing job on the door from conception to execution! Well done!

[@edrosenberger6947]

That door is much better and looks nicer than those stacked boards....never was able to abide those suckers.

[@mattjohnson6716]

I agree... we cursed the drop boards everyday. But until we could remove the airconditioner from that spot, we had to live with them. Matt

[@calvinh.8882]

The things you two have done to the boat are awesome!! I really like the new door, and the sun shades.. Now i can't wait to see your sailing and traveling video's.. Peace!!

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much! Only a few more videos now until we're out sailing!

[@billb.6109]

Matt, well thought out design, and quality work,........Great Job!

[@tinmanrobby]

Ingenious. Talented builders. Enjoy seeing craftsmanship. Excellent work folks.

[@mattjohnson6716]

I really appreciate the compliment. Matt

[@theislandpackrat]

Good job, They make an Aluminum plate with small holes that will keep out the bugs and let lots of air in, I made mine out of that and love it!

[@mattjohnson6716]

That would have worked great too, but I had issues locating anything like that online. Do you have a link? Matt

[@grantmyers7593]

Wow, beautiful carpentry, I love the new door and insert idea. It looks OEM.

[@flawoodsy]

Dude helping you had his hand totally laser-locked on the camera. I kept thinking “witness protection, witness protection”!!

[@paulmilton169]

I know I will love your videos when you are sailing, but must admit I will greatly miss your renovations videos. Please keep showing your work as you go along. You may have told before, but what is the make and model of your sewing machine? Thanks

[@sailingsvteakkeyrandyfryli8206]

Nice job I love Starboard ...S/V Teak Key

[@MJSailing]

It has come in really handy for us on a lot of projects!

[@donavankoehn1487]

Love the door. Good job.

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much!

[@user-earthandfire]

great job Matt

[@SailingTanker]

Very clever design, well done!!!

[@MJSailing]

Thanks Larry! Matt is extremely good at figuring these things out. 😀

[@MrRourk]

Next year you might want to try one of the new Heat Reflective Marine Paints and Kool Teak. Helps keep the boat cool.

[@mattjohnson6716]

I've never seen the CoolTeak before. A very nice product, but I'm sure way out of our budget. Matt

[@Cameron-ur2tk]

Damn good job on the door, shade is always good too

[@mattjohnson6716]

Willow. We were reminded how important the shade was on our short shakedown sail. I could never find a comfortable spot away from the sun. Matt

[@SailingShaggySeas]

Awesome project. So glad you guys are back on the water!

[@MJSailing]

Thank you! And yes, we can not wait to be traveling full time again. 🙂

[@jamestaylor3075]

With regards to rear ventilation referenced in this video, You can always cut an opening in the large fixed plexiglass port and mount a smaller opening port into it. The same way that you mounted the chart plotter in the opposite fixed port. Pictured is an example which is common on newer boats now.

[@richardswatman7027]

Great work on the door. Very Impressive! Really enjoying the channel...

[@nickhouben5834]

Great video, I've been waiting all week. Thanks guys, LaVaga rocks..

[@MJSailing]

Thank you! And we agree, LaVaga does rock. 😉

[@mymonster156]

I think you folks need to go into the boat building business! Wow, excellent series!

[@MJSailing]

But first, a much deserved cruising stint. 😀

[@robertgarbe6348]

Very awesome job. Looks great.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks Robert for following along. Matt

[@donjohnston3776]

This looks like a tremendous opportunity to kick-start a consulting & customization business. The door is first class all the way. The shades could be branded with 'MJ Sailing' and sell like crazy.

[@gac914]

Really nice job!! Looks "factory."

[@MJSailing]

Thank you! I agree, I think Matt did a very good job in making it look professional. 😀

[@klouism1]

Great Job!!

[@DeeCeeTheGreat]

This was an awesome watch! Thank you for sharing this, I always wondered how to re-enforce entry doors, boom you solved the riddle!

[@bird718]

nice job on the door. i like it

[@TowerHand]

To increase air flow you could quite easily and inexpensively mount a "fan module" to the inside of the door utilizing a pair of surplus 12 volt 3 or 4 inch muffin fans with a plug blowing out your lovely new panel. Center each fan in front of the top of each opening with a simple bracket and wing nuts or drop in slot like the bottom panel does. Just a thought.

[@MrDannyr2000]

I love your youtube channel, you make a great team, love seeing the projects come together step by step, thanks for the entertaining videos 😃

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks for following along. Matt

[@br5498]

Looks real nice..thanks for the idea... As far as a hot boat..we smudge pots use ac's... LOL

[@mattjohnson6716]

Yeah, I don't think anyone will argue with the powerboats being more comfortable. Someday we'll have a sailboat large enough to justify a generator... then A/C and all the other toys too. Matt

[@br5498]

matt johnson oh you have one now, package AC units take up very little space, y'all must have at least one 30amp shore power plug, just run one inport then maybe move on to a Honda gen-set later...I sailboat friends that finally did this after 2yrs of hell..

[@mattjohnson6716]

Nope... we're only plugged into a 120v outlet for the A/C itself. All power used onboard comes from solar and we do not have shore power. I'd need an expensive and heavy isolator for that. Matt

[@br5498]

matt johnson that's to hard core for me... I like ICE...LOL

[@tri-westrealtygroupinc.1192]

Great project,

[@jimbolton2513]

Neat idea and good craftsman ship

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks Jim for the compliment. Matt

[@conniefontenot2793]

Fun to watch

[@tomatobrush3283]

Your finishing work is very good, you should build a huge modern catamaran and could always sell it for $200k when done.

[@kipbrown1549]

very good work.came out great//

[@sailingvesselsouthernlady447]

Great design!

[@pahunter3]

Good DIY design and construction.

[@MJSailing]

Thanks!

[@prometheus7504]

You got a follower... first sail boat screen door I ever saw =) keep up the good work yall

[@kencousins]

Great job. One thought - did you consider using carriage bolts, instead of the star-drive heads? I'd think you'd gain some level of security by not having a way for someone to dismantle the door from the outside.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Ken, Carriage bolts would have been a great idea, but I'm not sure how to install them in the starboard. The only time I've used them was in a softwood that allowed the square end to pull itself flush. But, I'm sure there's a way to do it. Matt

[@HighFlight2k2]

Awesome awesome job! That really looks and functions great. My OCD kicked in though with the grates not being in the same orientation. :) But seriously, great work!

[@MJSailing]

Matt's OCD usually kicks in for that stuff too. :) I think it has since been fixed when we went to add the screen material to keep bugs out. 😉

[@jameslane2667]

Good video James Kansas City Missouri

[@fredoooo5411]

Good job as usual 👍👏💪

[@georgechaney2579]

Nice job

[@RobFomenko]

Hatch came out real nice. Great idea. Shade and bimini, not as great from what I could see. I would use something like phifertex instead for airflow. Also the slope down to the dodger to me looks like water will come back in at the dodger / bimini joint. But then if it works for you, great. Shade is a lifesaver.....

[@matryxmichaelcimino3913]

Very nice. I like it alot.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thank you, Matt

[@Jamieizkissable]

Well Done...

[@randyowens2717]

Nice!

[@alphasxsignal]

Looks NICE

[@hughvanduyn6482]

Love the shorts! Matt!

[@mattjohnson6716]

They are Armani.... only about a decade out of fashion, but were really cool when new :) Matt

[@charlesbabb9154]

Nice job on the door but, did I miss the part about how you will have air and no mosquitoes? I'm guess there is something for the front hatch (under the wind scoop) for that too. You guys are doing a great job. Anxious to see you heading out for the islands.

[@MJSailing]

I think Matt mentioned it somewhere while describing them, but there will be mosquito screen to keep the bugs out. We just didn't have it on yet at the time of filming as we were waiting for Amazon to send us the heavier duty stuff we have trouble finding in stores. We have screens on all our hatches as well. 🙂

[@charlesbabb9154]

As much time as you have spent here in Florida, I was confident that it had surely been something that you had discussed. Do so enjoy following you kids. You are doing a great job.

[@AnthonyPaun]

thats a great idea!

[@lionelguilbert6493]

Matt, are you not worried about where the water will go when you have the lexan inserts in the door if water gets on them? Will the water seep inside the sandwiched part and stay inside?

[@mattjohnson6716]

Lionel, We'll have to wait and see, but with the small gap between panels, I think the water will flow right out. But, since we are typically at anchor pointing into the wind, I anticipate very little water will reach the door once we have the dodger finished. We can usually keep just a screen in place and get no water below. Matt

[@svgrunt2053]

beautiful job!

[@MJSailing]

Thank you!

[@SeaFarmHydroponics]

Saw a later video and noticed the handles you used on the companion way door. If possible where did you source those handles. Cheers Ken.

[@rosco1024training]

Hi Guys. You have made your boat look like the back of a bullion van. Also saw Tyresa from 'Ruby Rose' wearing one of your t shirt's the other day(very nice it looked to),what's the connection, do you guys know one another? BTW really enjoy your vlogs, it's a nice little channel. No BS and no clickbait. Just good old honest everyday boat stuff. Keep it up and Thank you for all your hard work and for entertaining us.

[@MJSailing]

Hopefully that means we look impenetrable?, haha. Yes, Tyresa and I are good friends on Facebook and we decided to do a swag swap. She sent me one of her shirts, and I sent her one of mine. Thank you so much for following along!

[@Slimefollower]

I’m immensely impressed and relieved to have a SAILING channel which does NOT resemble the disaster of Sailing Miss Lonestar !! UGGH ! Great video and brilliant solution to a fairly common problem. SAIL ON !

[@khyvich]

I wonder if it might not be better to use a small magnet on the door and one on the aft cabin to hold the door open instead of a latch. The magnet to magnet bond is super strong. A latch, especially a hook latch, has the potential to catch on clothing and tear sails.

[@mattjohnson6716]

You've had the same thought process as a few other posters here. I hadn't thought of magnets before, but I'll have to investigate how much strength I need to hold the door open in a seaway. Matt

[@khyvich]

Matt, one danger of the magnets, though, is whether or not they could affect your compass. I have a few small magnets fixed to Fabella just to hold things when my hands are full. There are hats with a magnet strip across the front for the same thing. These are awesome for holding screws, washers, fish hooks and other doodads. Beware around the compass with them.

[@robertorzech2466]

I would show tough SS on the outside of the door so the would be intruder won't even try kicking the door in and breaking his foot .Also locks are so easy to pick , I'd use a good combination lock.Maybe put some rubber stoppers on the door to silence the slamming when opening.

[@mattjohnson6716]

I was originally going to cut a 3/16" aluminum sheet for the outside, price and weight won out this time. But like everything, this is an evolving project and I'll probably weld-up a door for a more permanent solution eventually. Matt

[@shannonmcafee4169]

Happy Thanksgiving

[@arottie4097]

Next video Jessica need to be in front of the camera with those Beautiful Blue eyes!! You now so Matt can wk on his camera skills!! I'm just saying : ) good video & an Awesome channel. Thanx for sharing!

[@mattjohnson6716]

I agree! I much prefer being behind the camera than in front of it. Matt

[@brianmoore5498]

that is very nice work on your new door and the awning canvasses give some much needed shade. i was wondering this week how you make fresh water at sea? Did I miss that video? few wisps of snow already in kalamazoo Have a Happy Thanksgiving

[@mattjohnson6716]

We have a watermaker I rebuilt and stripped of the automated parts for simplicity and reliability. HRO Seafari 200 was the original base for the set-up we have now. It worked for three years on the last boat well. Matt

[@RomboutVersluijs]

Cant they unscrew the bolts on the hatch or does the top lock prevent that?

[@SailingEsperanza]

great video's you 2

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks. Jess does a great job as usual. Matt

[@tswrench]

Epoxy recessed neodymium disc magnets instead of a latch to hold the door open = cleaner, less expensive implementation.

[@mattjohnson6716]

I wonder how secure I could make that. We need full assurance that it wouldn't swing shut when sailing, so I'd think a pretty strong magnet. Matt

[@tswrench]

Neodymium magnets are the strongest magnets available. The neodymium are graded for strength - N35, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50, N52 - with the higher numbers indicating the stronger magnets. Depending upon how it's mounted, a 0.5" diameter, 0.125 thick, N52 disc magnet exerts a pull force of approx. 20 lbs. There are a lot of online retailers who would be able to advise you on which grade to go with based on the weight of the hatch, and some guesstimating at the forces you'll encounter at sea. Search for the corrosion resistant magnets such as ferrite magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, alnico magnets, or magnets specially plated for harsh environments. Be aware of any sensitive electronics mounted in the immediate area of the magnets, as the magnetic field could cause interference.

[@Xyzabc998]

Someone is enjoying themselves.

[@lesabre1972]

they used that tune in the movie (Anger Management )

[@robertlaird6746]

Nice design on the door. How do you prevent someone from unscrewing the hinges? Also, why did you use green canvas instead of grey?

[@PayNoTaxes0GetNoVote]

If they are through bolts, just loctite nuts then bolts will just spin or possibly, security flathead screws only notched to tighten. I am most concerned about the lift off hinges. Possibly a lock on the "lid" (I don't know my sailboat parts) keeps it down

[@robertlaird6746]

@@PayNoTaxes0GetNoVote Good point on the loctite. I didn't even think about that.

[@JeffyPop247]

15:15 couldnt people just unscrew the door off the frame here?

[@jmc3354]

to keep a hach ​​open you can yous strong magnet.its less noisy.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Jaanus, Someone else suggested magnets too. I'm just concerned with how strong they'd need to be to be sure it doesn't slam close when in a rougher anchorage. Matt

[@jmc3354]

magnets are pretty strong. but they need to be covered with some plastic paint because they tend to rust when damaged. It would be good to try if as possible under controlled conditions

[@urabus7875]

nice

[@EdmundRobinson]

Shouldn't the hinge screws be on the inside to prevent them being unscrewed?

[@mattjohnson6716]

Edmund. The screws have security heads and are through bolted in oversized holes. If you tried unscrewing from one side without holding the other, it will just spin and do nothing. Matt

[@EdmundRobinson]

Ah, good design.

[@deanmojica4734]

Awsume

[@rickchollett]

While I was in the Marines I learned that ventilation is very important aboard ship. Living in close proximity with a hundred other men has many not so pleasant odors.

[@MJSailing]

I can imagine not! Probably the only time in your life you wish you were nose blind. 😉

[@OneGenericName]

Also grabbing the top bunk up against the overhead was important, the overhead piping for storage and the top bunk to keep you from the heave-ho in rough seas (if ya know what I mean)

[@rickchollett]

OneGenericName The bottom two bunks were the worst! You'd either smell feet or ass all the time.

[@rickchollett]

offplanetevent I can neither confirm nor deny that as I have never met him. You'll have to ask Jessica about that.

[@br5498]

Rick Chollett you ain't kidding as a Sailor on a LPD I can contest to you guys stinking... Marine.. haha

[@topgun8683]

Nice projects, but why did sell you old boat for a fixer upper that you spent two years on and poured your savings into ? Could you put a/c on the boat to keep you cool in the summer ?