Companionway lock mechanism

[Alan]

I had my B43 broken into yesterday at our very secure marina (cameras and key-fob entry gate).  The intruder was able to lift the sliding hatch cover over the lock bolt to gain entry into the boat.  

I believe all Beneteau 40-43 have this set-up to 2012 model years and you should check to see if your own sliding hatches have enough play to lift the sliding plexi-glass hatch over the lock bolt.   I had to use some strength to lift and push the hatch cover but not so much that the average person could not accomplish this within a few seconds.

I appreciate the fact that the factory locking mechanism is not a serious deterrent for any would-be thief if they really wanted to break into our boats, a crow bar would be sufficient.  This was far too easy.   Is there anyone that has replaced their companionway lock or upgraded to a better more secure mechanism?

thanks

Alan

[James Taylor]

I have not upgraded my locking system but I am now thinking about doing it. The companion way doors and locking system on these boats make them easy targets. Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Was this in the US?

James

2008 B43

[Mike Brown]

Sorry to hear about the break in. Hopefully they didn't take much or do any damage. No haven't done anything about it but recognize it's a weak point.My hatch board does not appear to be loose enough to lift over the latch. I always make sure I turn the key twice so the latch is in the most upright position. When I do so it's a very tight fit. That said it's unfortunate but those lovely double doors could be kicked in with little effort. I've wondered if a typical aluminum frame and lexan boards found on many Beneteau companionways could be modified for placement behind the wood doors. No plans to do so at the moment but if I felt the need I think I'd explore the potential to get the parts from B or even have a machine shop make something similiar. Hopefully it's not something I'll need to worry about.

Mike

[Alan]

My boat is located in Vancouver, BC.   The only thing stolen were electronics that I did not have bolted down.  So TV, laptop, handheld vhs, binoculars along with a bottle of unopened vintage port.   No real damage to report.  The Port will be sorrily missed. The rest I can replace.

It seems that all one needs is an extra 1/4" of play to wiggle the plexiglas hatch over the lock bolt.   I think it prudent to make sure that everyone check to make sure that you have a tight fit between the lock bolt and the metal hardware fastened to the slider.

Your point regarding breaking the doors is well taken.  Anyone wanting to gain entry won't have a difficult time.

Alan

[Mike Brown]

Glad to hear they didn't damage anything. Most sorry about the bottle of port :) I'm going to double check our lock next time we're there.

Mike

[Mike Brown]

I was at the boat the other day and remembered to check the clearance on the hatch lock. If the latch is in the upmost position I see no way anyone could lift the hatch over it. While the hatch does have some up down movement it hits the hard stops with a decent margin of error.

Mike

[Alan]

Glad to hear Mike.

I wish I had the same problem.  My hatch has at least one half inch of play.   I've since installed a padlock on my sliding hatch for added security.  I think this should do the trick.

Alan

[James Taylor]

I agree with Mike on the latch ( Was at the boat yesterday). If you turn the key two rotations that latch would be very hard to pop over. The companion way doors are the weak link even if we thru bolt a latch.The door material is pretty flimsy but thru bolting would make the task much more difficult and visibly less appealing to the potential perpetrator.