Hatch Locks Version 2
Well, I had to do it all again with the new WR17. I was browsing my favorite online hardware site and came across these neat twist-locks. They are McMaster Carr part number 80625A41.
(scroll down for more pictures - click the photos for large versions)
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The latch body uses a square hole to keep it from rotating when the handle is turned. I wasn't sure the plastic was enough to keep from wearing over time.
To help keep the plastic from wearing out, I cut the same square hole in a piece of aluminum strip.
I made the aluminum piece long on one side so that I could use a rivet outboard from the main hole to keep it from rotating.
Distance and placement from the edge of the hatch was critical to get it to grab the cockpit coaming adequately. I "missed" on one of them and had to bend the latch arm a bit.
To keep the rest of the lid on, I use some small aluminum angle riveted to the rim of the cover.
They have to be placed in a position around the circumference such that the cover can slide on, then rotated to get latched down with the turn-latch on an opposing side.
I used two aluminum angle pieces on the back of the aft hatch, and three around the edge of the larger forward hatch.
The latches have openings for two different size lock diameters, one on each side of the T-handle.
The body of the lock keeps the T-handle from being turned when there is a lock shackle through the hole.
Here is the latch installed - no more straps to deal with!
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