: I know that there is a lot of fun and satisfaction in designing and building
: solutions to problems we face, but I just did a quick Google search and
: came up with a few exisiting pieces of stainless steel hardware that look
: like they might do the trick. They hold the lid from below, and they are
: also flush and relatively clean looking. I know price plays a factor (and
: for the hardware I found, you have to contact a salesperson to get the
: price) but other people outside of this community have found possible
: solutions to the lid hold down problem this community faces. I have to
: admit that I haven't ordered one of these latches, and I don't know if it
: actually works at a hatch hold down, but it sure looks like it would. I
: personally never had to come up with a hatch hold down system because I
: use bulkhead access ports instead.

: Has anyone else looked around at available hardware and discounted it? If so,
: why? Is it the price? Is it the desire for a certain look? I think these
: look much better than webbing or bungies, but that's just one person's
: opinion. Magnet hold downs and Leidy lids both look better, and they may
: be the answer, but concerns have been voiced over both.

: Just throwing this out there.
: -Dan

Well they certainly would be a good solution to use with the magnetic
hatch covers to ensure the hatch cover stays in place. And at the same time
allow a pull point to release the magnets. One on each side of the hatch
would hold the hatch cover in place.

You would loose the clean look but some people might like the look of
the latches.

Thanks, I may try to order some for use with my magnetic hatches.

I have seen these before, out of plastic, in the Cabalas Outdoor catalog,
but at $20 a pop, and without the ability to see the actual size, how they
work, and if they will also be waterproof, I've not moved on buying some.

The Southco stainless compression flush latches look like they could do
the job and I bet they cost more than $20 a piece.

If I can get hold of some and try them out I'll certainly let you know what I think
and the cost.

Rob