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Boat Sliding Door Track Repair by YachtService.me: A Real Case from Boka Bay
Sliding doors are workhorses on modern yachts—connecting saloons, cockpits, and cabins while saving space. When they start sticking, rattling, or leaking, the inconvenience quickly becomes a safety and value issue. This case study shows how YachtService.me handled a complex sliding door track repair on a 20-meter motor yacht based in Tivat, and how the right process turned a frustrating problem into a flawless result.


The Client and the Complaint
A seasonal owner moored in Porto Montenegro reported three issues:
  • Door jammed after longer passages and swells
  • Loud grinding noise when opening
  • Occasional water ingress during rain on the aft track
They wanted a quick, durable solution without replacing the entire door assembly. That’s where our yacht technicians stepped in with a clear plan: diagnose, restore, and only replace what’s necessary.
Initial Assessment: Go Deep Before You Go Fast
Our Boka Bay yacht service team started with a full inspection:
  • Track condition: visible pitting and light corrosion on both top and bottom tracks
  • Rollers: flattened tread and seized bearings on two of four rollers
  • Alignment: door leaf leaned 3–4 mm toward the latch side, stressing the lower track
  • Sealing: aft lower gasket was compressed and wicking water into the drainage channel
  • Contamination: sand, salt crystals, and fine debris compacted in the lower raceway
We also checked adjacent structures (threshold, frame, and fasteners) to ensure no hidden structural movement. The conclusion: a targeted yacht repair Tivat plan would restore performance without a costly door swap.


The Repair Plan: Restore, Replace, Re-align
1) Controlled Dismantling
We removed the door leaf using protective slings and padded stands to avoid gelcoat damage. Hardware and shims were cataloged for accurate reassembly.

2) Track Rehabilitation
  • Decontamination: vacuum and solvent wash to remove compacted debris and salt residue.
  • Corrosion treatment: mechanical polishing to bare metal, then passivation.
  • Surface refinement: micro-lap of raceways to reduce friction and noise.
  • Protective coating: application of a marine-grade, low-friction anti-corrosion film compatible with stainless and anodized aluminum.

3) Roller Replacement
Two rollers were replaced with sealed, stainless-bearing, UV-stable polymer wheels rated for marine loads. The remaining two were serviced and re-greased with a salt-resistant lubricant to maintain even rolling resistance.

4) Precision Alignment
Using digital calipers and a laser line, we re-established parallelism between the top and bottom tracks. Shim packs were adjusted to restore a uniform 2.0 mm clearance on both sides. This eliminated lateral drag and the “lean-in” that caused jamming.

5) Seal and Drainage Upgrade
We replaced the aft lower gasket and cleared the drainage scuppers. A new capillary break and subtle slope correction now usher water outboard rather than toward the interior—solving the leak that appeared during heavy rain.

6) Hardware & Lock Optimization
The handle and lock striker were realigned to the door’s new geometry. Latch engagement went from a forceful shove to a smooth, two-finger close—no more slamming or misfires.

Outcome: Smooth, Silent, and Dry
After reinstallation and torque checks, the door glided through its full travel with a measured opening force reduced by over 60% versus intake numbers. Noise dropped from a metallic grind to near-silent operation, and a freshwater hose test confirmed zero ingress at the aft lower threshold. Most importantly, we avoided a full door replacement—saving the owner both time and money while preserving the vessel’s original finish.

Why the Process Matters (and Saves Money)
  • Root-cause focus: Rather than defaulting to replacement, we isolate friction, misalignment, and sealing failures.
  • Marine-grade parts: Corrosion-resistant components keep performance stable between service intervals.
  • Repeatable QC: Digital measurements and post-service checks ensure the fix lasts beyond one season.
This approach exemplifies what sets yacht service Montenegro by YachtService.me apart: pragmatic engineering, meticulous craft, and transparent communication at every step.

Common Sliding Door Track Problems We Solve
  • Corrosion and rust buildup that increases rolling resistance
  • Misaligned tracks or rollers causing jamming
  • Worn or seized rollers leading to noisy, heavy movement
  • Track blockages from sand, salt, and debris
  • Cracked or deformed tracks after impacts or long-term stress
  • Seized mechanisms from lack of lubrication
  • Water intrusion from failed seals or poor drainage
  • Handle and lock misalignment affecting security

Prevention Tips from Our Technicians
  • Rinse tracks with fresh water after long passages; avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Schedule light lubrication with a marine-safe, non-tacky product every 3–4 months.
  • Inspect seals annually; replace flattened gaskets before the rainy season.
  • Have alignment checked after any refit that involves deck or superstructure works.
  • Book routine yacht maintenance before peak summer to stay ahead of wear.

Call to Action: Book Your Sliding Door Service in Tivat
If your door is sticking, noisy, or leaking, don’t wait for the track to fail. Choose the team trusted for yacht repair Tivat and across Boka Bay. YachtService.me delivers precise diagnostics, durable materials, and craftsmanship that stands up to the marine environment.

Request your inspection today and enjoy smooth, silent, and secure sliding doors on every voyage.
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