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Novel stainless latch is all at sea

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 8, 2004

Boat builders looking for a stylish modern design in marine hardware have a new latch option with Southco's recently introduced Beetle.

Boat builders looking for a stylish modern design in marine hardware have a new latch option with Southco's recently introduced Beetle.

The new Beetle latch combines the best of modern styling with superior functionality in a compact, lightweight, slam-to-close latching solution that compliments today's innovative marine designs.

The Beetle latch offers a distinctive new look with clean, modern lines.

It features a durable, brightly polished stainless steel handle resting flush inside a white, black or stainless-steel covered plastic (PC/PBT blend) housing.

The latch sits flush to the surface to provide a sleek outward appearance on panels.

The latch is designed for doors from 10 to 22mm thick.

A built-in adjustable grip feature allows the latch's pawl to be adjusted up to 6mm to assure precise fit with the mating keeper.

This feature accommodates installation and door or panel manufacturing variances, as well as different panel thicknesses.

The adjustability and a spring-loaded pawl virtually eliminate rattles from the latch with the pawl being held stationary in the housing even under extreme vibration.

The Beetle latch also features a full-size keylock option.

The lockplug's key code can further be matched to other Southco and Mobella latches, thereby reducing the number of keys a boat owner requires.

The latch is also available in a nonlocking version for those applications that do not require additional security.

Installation is fast and easy into a single, round hole.

Simply tighten two screws and adjust the pawl for a precise fit.

The Beetle latch can be used as a drop-in replacement for other round latches for field upgrades.

It is constructed of durable, corrosion-resistant materials that are a lightweight, cost-effective alternative to other, all-stainless-steel latches.

The new Beetle latch is designed for a variety of applications including horizontal and vertical access panels in a boat's cockpit area; cabinet doors for exhibit units; and drawers and cabinet doors for woodworking applications.