Replacing latches - plastic to stainless steel

Craigalan

New Member
Sep 15, 2014
428
Great Lakes
Boat Info
2000 Sundancer 270 with all the fixins...
Engines
Merc 7.4, 310 horses
Has anyone tried to replace the plastic latches on the searay cubbies with stainless steel latches? Something a little heavier duty and not as plastic looking...
 
yep ,I replaced all of mine when I got the boat. The identical item is available in SS . The plastic will change color and get brittle over time especially the ones on the vessels exterior,i.e. the lazarette. The SS look great and are virtually indestructible . The process is simple as the kits come with shims and hardware and are available in various thicknesses to fit different panel thicknesses. The cost is a bit high but the results justify it .
 
I think these are the right ones, but I am not 100% sure. I plan on replacing my lazarette ones and once I check to confirm the size I think it will be these that I get.
http://www.searay-parts.com/Southco-M1-medium-size-stainless-steel-p/5151slamlatch.htm
I am tempted to get one in a locking version so that I can lock the lazaratte. But only if they can be left in a unlocked state so I don't need to use the key while I am out on the boat. The locking one is this one:
http://www.searay-parts.com/GEM-stainless-key-locking-slam-latch-p/5154-41x-16mm.htm

I have ordered from this firm before (Used to be called Founder Pounder). They are great and they have a lot of those hard to find replacement parts. Shipping is fast and their prices are really good.
 
Ok, this is just the info I was looking for. So, you are telling me this is an easy DIY project. Anything I should be aware of based on your experience with the removal and replacement?
 
It'll probably take longer to explain it than it will take to actually do it. It's that easy. I take it you haven't looked at them yet? It will be blatantly obvious when you do.
 
Yep, took a look last night. Looks like an easy swap. Just wondering if you had come across a pitfall or two, as often things looks easy until you start to dig in.
 
Replaced all of mine. I preferred the Gem ones over the Southco ones. Got them at Boatoufitters.com. The Gem ones they sell come with two backing plates so you will not have to make any shims or try and figure out the exact replacement southco one. They run 20% off hardware sales from time to time so keep checking.
 
The Southco part number scheme defines the thickness of the door panel. So, if you go to their website, you can figure out the correct part number you need. Ebay is probably the cheapest source. I changed all of mine last winter.

Don
 
http://www.marinepartdepot.com/ststnola.html

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You see folks, this is why CSR is priceless. Invaluable source of quality info.
 
i changed mine as soon as i got the boat and it made a difference to the appearance straight away.i got the southco ones as were easy to swap over and more by lck as didnt look at the manufacture name haha.the plastic latches look cheap imo.
 

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