Flush Latches

Flush latches are low-profile closures without exposed hardware typically used on access doors, livewell lids, glove boxes, drawers, and more. Boat Outfitters offers a wide selection of Gemlux and Southco flush slam latches. » Read More

Learn More About Flush Latches

Contents


What Are Flush Latches?

Flush door latches or flush mount latches are latches that mount mostly inside a hole bored in the door or hatch, rising only a small distance above the deck or outer door surface. This not only gives the hatch or door a streamlined appearance, but also makes it safe and comfortable to walk on. Flush transom door latches also mount mostly inside the door but at the edge, rather than away from the edge.


Flush Mount Slam Latches

Most of our selection of flush mount hatch and door latches are slam latches, meaning they latch automatically when closed. Much like a door in your home, a spring-loaded, wedge-shaped latch bolt clicks into place when the hatch or door is closed. Pulling on the exterior handle retracts the latch bolt, allowing the hatch or door to open. The most common alternatives to slam latches are cam or compression latches, which require twisting the handle to secure the door or hatch.


Flush Mount Slam Latch Materials

Slam latches for boats are available in either cast stainless steel or plastic. Both are highly resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel is significantly more expensive but also more robust and, in most boaters’ view, more attractive. Plastic latches are perfectly sufficient for most applications, though, and some boat owners actually prefer a matte black, white or off-white plastic latch to the polished silver finish of stainless.


Non-Locking and Locking Flush Slam Latches

Most of our flush slam latches are available with or without a key locking mechanism. A lock obviously provides an additional layer of security for hatches and doors that contain valuable items like electronics, fishing tackle, tools, etc. At the same time, locking latches cost more, and the key is one more thing you have to keep track of. Read More

Most of our flush slam latches are available with or without a key locking mechanism. A lock obviously provides an additional layer of security for hatches and doors that contain valuable items like electronics, fishing tackle, tools, etc. At the same time, locking latches cost more, and the key is one more thing you have to keep track of.

It should be noted, also, that the locks on these latches do not provide the same level of security as, for example, a home entry door lock. Keys are simple and often interchangeable. While a locked slam latch will slow down or deter a casual thief, you should not depend on these locks alone to protect high-dollar fishing tackle or electronics.

Our Deluxe Stainless Steel Locking Flush Latch from SouthCo and the Stellar Series Stainless Steel Flush Latch from Gemlux use more robust locking mechanisms and better keys.


Flush Mount Transom Door Latches

Flush mount transom door latches are recessed into the edge of a transom door, much like a home pocket door handle is mounted. Available for various door thicknesses, they provide easy opening and positive latching of transom doors for access to swim platforms. These latches are original equipment for many boat builders, including Sea Ray.


Slam Latch Design Variations

The “standard” slam latch for boats has a round footprint, fits in a round 2” cutout, and opens with a ring-style handle. When the ring is lifted upward with a finger, the latch opens. There are numerous variations on this basic design though. Some are purely aesthetic and others are functional too. Read More


How to Install Flush Mount Slam Latches

Most flush mount slam latches are easy to install. They essentially “sandwich” the hatch or door between two separate parts and tighten with two bolts. If you’re replacing an existing latch with an identical one — or even upgrading from a plastic latch to stainless latch of the same size — all you need to do is fit the latch into the existing cutout and tighten the two bolts. Read More


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Commonly Asked Questions About Flush Latches 

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