Problem with 280 DA Sliding Door

Nacho Boat

Nacho Boat

New Member
Sep 23, 2008
482
Orlando, FL
Boat Info
290 Sundancer 2006, Kohler Generator
Northstar 6000 GPS
Towed w/Ford F-350
Engines
Twin 5.0L Mercruiser w/Bravo III Drives
I have a friend who has a 2004 Sea Ray Sundancer 280. The sliding door on his cabin keeps coming off the track, but only when his boat is in the water. when he takes his boat out, the door will usually, at some point, fall off the track, and then he will work about 30 minutes to get it back on the track.

Afterwards, he puts his boat back on his trailer and takes it to the local Sea Ray dealer (it is covered by an extended warranty). However, when the boat is on the trailer, the door will not fall off the track.:huh: Since the dealer is unable to replicate the problem, nothing ever gets fixed. (He has taken the boat to the dealer at least three times for this issue, and still no help....).:smt021

It appears that there is enough "flex" in the boat, that this condition will only occur when the boat is in the water.

Has anyone had this problem with the sliding door to the cabin? If so, how were you able to correct/resolve this issue?

Thanks for your advice.....:smt100
 
No advice, just a thought. Maybe the dealer could attach a lifting strap to the bow only and lift it up a bit. Maybe that would replicate the problem. I have no idea if this would actually work. Maybe putting a jack under the rear keel would help.
 
When does it get off the track? When he is opening/closing? When it's closed and he is cruising? Open and he is cruising? What does he have to do to get it back on?
 
Woody said:
When does it get off the track? When he is opening/closing? When it's closed and he is cruising? Open and he is cruising? What does he have to do to get it back on?
Click to expand...

Here is my friend's reply:

"I would have to say it happens when closed or open. Don’t notice until you try to go the opposite way that it is. I have to shake the crap out of it in order to get it back on the track. Lift it, slide it, push it pull it etc"

Anyone have a similiar experience? I am not getting much feedback....

 
I take it from the lack of response that not many of you 280 owners have experienced a similiar issue???

If you have experienced the same issue, please let me know! Thanks!!!

:smt100
 
I have an 03 and never experienced this problem.


Although I do not beat the boat to death, we boat a lot and do find ourselves in angry seas from time to time.

The only issue we have with the door is the track gets dirty then the door slides hard. Eventually I need t wipe it out.

Every so many wipe’s I lube it with triflow aerosol lubricant.

I tried about a dozen different lubricants like WD-40, silicone spray, LPS lube, CRC dry lubricant and others. Either they did not work well or they attracted gunk. So far the triflow aerosol lubricant is the best I have found. I have found its best to use a very small amount.
 
Last edited:
I have a 2005 and have not experienced this problem either. Sorry man.

Just a thought... i would try shoving a towel in the space between the top of the door and the helm (cover?!?!). Obviously while the door is open. I'm thinking maybe the door is bouncing up and down brining it off the track. If you applied some pressure w/ the towel, maybe it would stop it?!?! Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.
 
I don't have that problem with the door falling off the track, but I do have a question on the removal - if that is possible. Can the door be removed without tearing apart the helm?

I'd like to turn some of the screws holding the metal trim - the only access to the heads looks like removing the slider.
 
PMC said:
I don't have that problem with the door falling off the track, but I do have a question on the removal - if that is possible. Can the door be removed without tearing apart the helm?

I'd like to turn some of the screws holding the metal trim - the only access to the heads looks like removing the slider.
Click to expand...

You will have to tear out the helm to get to your screw heads, but (trying to recollect the space) seems that we created a gadget with a small ratcheting wrench and a very very short screw tip. But you will probably not be happy knowing that some of those screws will never be flush.
 
pete5016 said:
I have a friend who has a 2004 Sea Ray Sundancer 280. The sliding door on his cabin keeps coming off the track, but only when his boat is in the water. when he takes his boat out, the door will usually, at some point, fall off the track, and then he will work about 30 minutes to get it back on the track.

Afterwards, he puts his boat back on his trailer and takes it to the local Sea Ray dealer (it is covered by an extended warranty). However, when the boat is on the trailer, the door will not fall off the track.:huh: Since the dealer is unable to replicate the problem, nothing ever gets fixed. (He has taken the boat to the dealer at least three times for this issue, and still no help....).:smt021

It appears that there is enough "flex" in the boat, that this condition will only occur when the boat is in the water.

Has anyone had this problem with the sliding door to the cabin? If so, how were you able to correct/resolve this issue?

Thanks for your advice.....:smt100
Click to expand...


Maybe this will help, dunno. Tell your friend to use some fender washers as shims (or similar) and put them under the top track. The track just may be too low.
 
Presentation said:
Nope.
You need to remove the throttles, windshield on the starboard side and the helm.
Jeremy has a step by step instructions sheet. From memory, it’s a big job.
Click to expand...

chelepop said:
You will have to tear out the helm to get to your screw heads, but (trying to recollect the space) seems that we created a gadget with a small ratcheting wrench and a very very short screw tip. But you will probably not be happy knowing that some of those screws will never be flush.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback - removing sounds to be too much of a headache for what I need to fix. A small area of the trim is bent just enough to drag on the door when fully closed. I may be able to bend it back for clearance.
 
The bottom track can be unscrewed with the door in place. I did it to shim up the track. You have to do it with the door closed and get the screws under the helm via the access door, and then with the door open and get the screws at the entry way.

Henry
 
I've read every thread on this subject, but haven't found what I'm looking for...I've decided to remove my helm this winter in order to repair my door properly, but can't find info on the attachment points for the helm panel. Before I start needlessly ripping out headliner looking for fasteners, can anyone help me out? I've tried to get info straight from SR without any luck.
thanks!
 
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