How to Install a Rolling Door on Your Boathouse

decorated houseboat on the water
  • 4-12 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 350-1,500
What You'll Need
Steel torsion springs
Hammer
Screwdriver
Lubricant
Tracking for your rolling door
New rolling door
Locking mechanism
What You'll Need
Steel torsion springs
Hammer
Screwdriver
Lubricant
Tracking for your rolling door
New rolling door
Locking mechanism

Steel rolling doors minimize installation and maintenance costs. They are a great addition to a boathouse. Rolling doors save space since there are no overhead tracks on a door to impede the movement of loads or block light. You can install many different types of doors in your boathouse but a rolling door will give you easy access to different areas of your boathouse.

If you have a jet ski or another small boat, you can use the rolling door to open up to a location where your small jet ski can ride in and get stored during periods of no activity or use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install your rolling door on your boathouse.

Step 1 - Remove the Door

Your boathouse probably already has a door or several doors on it. First, remove the old door. Pull out the manufacturer's directions on the old door and follow the instructions on how to take it apart and remove it completely. Remove any track or additional components that were used during this door's installation. You probably will need a screwdriver and a hammer to dismantle the old door.

Step 2 - Purchase a Rolling Door

Take a trip to your local boathouse supply store and order a rolling door based on the size requirements and needs of your boathouse. Make sure the rolling door comes with a track and instructions.

Step 3 - Install the Track

Install the track for your new rolling door. The track will come with your purchase of the roll-up door. There should be manufacturer's instructions included with the door. Take them out and follow the directions.

After you have installed the track, lubricate it with a little lubricant. This will help you when you slide the door onto the track.

Step 4 - Install the Springs

Install steel torsion springs that have been engineered for the specific rolling door you intend to use. These springs are used to provide effortless operation.

Step 4 - Lubricate the Ball Bearings

Before you install the rolling door, lubricate the ball bearings with something like WD-40. Ball bearings are used to suspend heavy, rotating members providing friction-free, trouble-free operation.

Step 5 - Install the Door to the Track

Install the door along the track. The door should slide right up through the track. Add locking mechanisms to the bottom of the door and to the top of the door so that it does not slide off the track while in use. Swing the door up and down a couple of times to make sure it sits well inside the track and rolls without too much friction.

Step 6 - Add Automatic Opener

Take a trip to your local boathouse supply store and purchase an automatic opener. This will come in handy when you want to quickly put away your small speedboat. Follow the manufacturer's directions and mount the automatic opener to the track on the door. Place the keypad on the outside of the door and put the remote control in a safe place.

Step 7 - Test

Test for the proper operation of your rolling door.