hatch Latch

[tony_brighton]

I'm looking to increase the security on the boat from the manufacturer's nice but flimsy companionway lock. There used to be a product marketed from Moody's (I think) called a Hatch Latch which looked really impressive (well expensive). Anyone know if its still made/marketed? And if so - contact details pls.

Or maybe someone has a better suggestion? Washboard is perspex with a perspex sliding lid (w/ wooden lip).

thx

 

[Danny]

Who would think of securing there house or car with a £2.00 padlock from Woolworth and yet from the small to the big boat that is what we all do. Somewhere among all the mags etc I have info on a hatch locking bar if I turn it up I will pass the info on. For my last boat my friend made me up 6mm stainless steel bar and fittings which certainly would have put any one off trying to get in the companionway but then look at those nice big hatches.

 

[mica]

Yes expensive is the word. We looked at them for the same reason. Contact Trident Marine, Porchester. I think they are fitted as standard now on Warriors.

Although they looked very good, we opted for a padlock in the end, being the cheaper option.

MICA

 

[vyv_cox]

Think it through first. Is installing a large padlock and expensive latch system worthwhile if the washboards can be smashed with a light blow from a small hammer? or a foot? If your washboard and lid are perspex, not polycarbonate, they will shatter quite easily.

There's a lot of sense in using a tiddly little padlock that will satisfy the requirements of the insurers to lock up, but may prevent serious damage being inflicted on the boat. Otherwise you need to beef up many other entry points to be effective as a real deterrent.

 

[tony_brighton]

I'm not too worried about the hatches - they're the locking variety already. Realistically it would be very difficult to deter a serious burglar so maybe something that looks impressive to the opportunist burglar would be appropriate.