> Well, that's what they're called over here in North America.
> Chances are that they're commonplace over in your "neck of the
> woods". The following description was taken from Lee Valley's
> 1997/98 catalog, and describes them better than I probably could:
>

> ========================================================

> These modern hinges have many advantages for general cabinet
> and kitchen casework:

> 1) They are completely hidden when the door is closed.

> 2) They are spring loaded with two rest positions; fully open
> or fully closed.

> 3) They install quickly and easily and can be adjusted in all
> three dimensions (horizontal, vertical and depth) after installation.
>

> ========================================================

> Previously I had some worries as to how well sealed the hinged
> edge of the hatch would be, but if one used these hinges, the amount
> of compression of the gasket material could be adjusted in a flash.
> No need to guess as to where to mount the hinges. Careful selection
> of the hinges followed by a little bit of ingenuity could result in
> a very low profile setup. I'll be seriously considering them before
> I reinvent the wheel; they might be exactly what is needed. Oh yeah,
> almost forgot: their prices range from about $9.00 to $20.00 per pair,
> Canadian. The ones carried by Lee Valley are nickel plated. How "rust-
> proof" are they really, anyone?

I know those hinges, yes. Don't count on them to be anything near rust-proof, they're after all made for indoor use, they'r rather complexe in construction and voulnerable to dirt and sand in the mechanism, and they probably won't give the kind of pressure that you want. But this goes for the types that i've seen. They might make them for maritime use in a more durable version than the inndoor type.

And like I said, a good idea needs experimenting to work well, so give it a try and keep us posted.

Totto