I recently launched a Pygmy Coho and want to share the hatch latch design modifications with other builders. Like many builders, I find the multi-strap, hatch hold-down system functional, but esthetically distracting. I have scoured this Forum’s archives on hatch designs and have seen bits and pieces of this design concept, but none exactly like it. The 1-Knob Hatch Latch uses common readily available materials, is easy to construct, is easy to open and close with cold slippery fingers, doesn’t leak, and looks great. The latch requires only one penetration through the hatch lid, and has only two moving parts. Admittedly, the knob is visible and protrudes slightly above the deck. The design concept could be modified to recess the knob by inverting the ABS Pipe End Cap used for the knob base. Then you would have a completely flush-deck profile. However, I find the above-deck knob acceptably unobtrusive considering the array of black bungee lines normally added to the deck, and the construction complications associated with recessing the knob. I chose to mold my own knob for the hatch latch, but a wide variety of knobs are readily available. You can see several more photos of the hatch latch and the material and design details at the HATCH LATCH DETAILS link.

The picture below shows the boat’s maiden launch. Deck lines will be added after I finish the protective coats of varnish. You will note that I added a fishing rod holder on the deck ridge-line in front of the cockpit. The rod holder also accepts a 6-ft. fiberglass mast that can be used for a small spinnaker sail, or visibility flag as shown. I won’t argue the esthetics of a divot in the deck and a fishing rod, mast, flag, or sail. But heck, I like to fish so that’s an esthetic compromise I’m willing to make.

I would appreciate your comments, thoughts, and questions.