Why Buy Hatch Latch?
One device: - two essential functions
There are two vital aspects of sailboat security that are cleverly solved by using our well regarded product called 'Hatch Latch'. Many examples are sailing the world's oceans, and are considered essential pieces of kit by serious sailors.
1. Security and Safety at Sea
In heavy weather, securing the companionway entrance from water flooding into the boat is a major safety consideration. Opening or closing the companionway is achieved from the cockpit or from below decks, independently, when 'Hatch Latch' is fitted. This is the only product available that meets this requirement in this manner, and complies with ORC rule 6.13.
2. Security in Harbour
When leaving the boat unattended, 'Hatch Latch' is a great deterrent to would-be boat thieves by providing maximum resistance and secruity at the companionway.
'Hatch Latch' is a rugged device that will not fail by wear and tear in the marine environment. Constructed in 316 stainless steel or phosphor bronze, versions are available to suit most sailboat applications. Also, high security padlocks that are compatible and recommended for use with 'Hatch Latch' are provided by us.
In Europe, over 1000 units are fitted with no reported failures or theft. Blue water sailors comment that no other product can compare with 'Hatch Latch'.
Osprey Marine believes that safety and security is enhanced on all sailboats fitted with 'Hatch Latch'.
'Hatch Latch' is supplied complete with detailed fitting instructions, screws, self-adhesive drilling template and drills needed to fit the unit easily and quickly.
Hatch Latch: Specifications
The difference between HL1000 & HL1010 and that of HL2000 is the design of the keeper plate assembly.
HL1000 (316 stainless steel) and HL1010 (phosphor bronze)
This design enables the fitment of Hatch-Latch to traditional styles of sliding hatch. The minimum edge depth of the hatch (where it is pushed to open) to fit the keeper plate assembly is 36mm.
The stainless steel version is commonly used on yachts with polished aluminium and stainless steel deck fittings, whilst the bronze version can be used on classic boats with brass or bronze fittings.
Before fitting Hatch-Latch, it is necessary to ensure that the faces of the wash board and sliding hatch are in line with each other. A spacer of the correct thickness may be needed.
Click here to view a diagram and fitting instructions for the HL1000 & HL1010 as a PDF document.
HL2000 (stainless steel)
This design enables the fitment of Hatch-Latch to modern sail boats where the sliding hatch is made of thin acrylic, perspex or polycarbonate
Before fitting Hatch-Latch, it may be necessary to fit a spacer to the wash board. Also, it may be necessary to fit a horizontal spacer to the top of the hatch to achieve an 18mm minimum total thickness (including the thickness of the sliding hatch) for fitting the keeper plate assembly.
Click here to view a diagram and fitting instructions for the HL2000 as a PDF document.
Common Design Features to all Versions of Hatch-Latch
- The spring loaded ball end incorporated in the keeper plate assembly ensures that in heavy seas, when hatch and wash board/s are secured in position, the ball end engages in an indent in the latch . Thus, the Hatch-Latch remains secured, and the sailboat is safe from flooding. When opening Hatch-Latch from above or below decks, rotation of the latch disengages the ball end from the indent, allowing the hatch to be slid forward.
- For security in harbour we recommend the locks offered by us, which are specifically compatible with Hatch-Latch
Hatch-Latch, with one of our recommended locks, is a powerful thief deterrent, and gives ultimate resistance to hacksaws, bolt croppers, drills, levers, hammers and lock picking. - Both stainless steel and phosphor bronze are very tough materials with a very high resistance to abuse attack
- A labyrinth seal exists between the bearing plate and the latch to prevent ingress of rain or sea water through the wash board.