Engine box latches, for any boat co who feels like listening

[aupatking]

For all of us who ski on public water, and have to deal with other boat wakes, 1 latch is totally inadequate. Well, 1 rubber latch with a little metal pin in it. One wave rips out the pin, the second wave Hungry-Hungry Hippos your foot under the engine box.

Broken foot.

No fun.

Not calling names, but please use stronger latches, or more of them.

[Waternut]

Sounds like maybe that boats first mod.... Stainless steel hinges

 

I'm a tweaker/modder at heart but I've never been on a single boat that I thought couldn't have been improved with just a little more thought and consideration from the start. I will say the 2 rubber hinges on the late 90's/early 2000's nautiques were fine by me but the front latches were a gigantic PITA. Haven't seen a boat with just 1 rubber hinge though. Have to weigh your options because external hinges can be kicked and stepped on but those internal rubber hinges are clean and out of the way. Sleek and clean sells easier than functional and ugly.

[MISkier]

@aupatking, you are going to have to change your avatar back to the one with the cast on your leg.

 

[The_MS]

It takes 2 people to lift and move the engine cover on the 200

[fu_man]

@aupatking Sorry if I am missing something....The waves were big enough to bounce the engine cover on your foot? The engine covers that I have ever encountered are so heavy that I can't picture this. None that I am familier with even have a front latch. The weight is enough to keep them down. Have they made the boxes that much lighter on new boats?

[oldjeep]

@MS small people?

[aupatking]

@MISkier really wanted to dislike that one. Couldn't do it because I was laughing. To be clear, it was not 2 waves in sequence. 1 wave busted the pin out of the rubber latch. Hit another boat wake and, yes, a big heavy engine cover went up, and came slamming down on my foot, riding as the observer. @fu_man the box is plenty heavy, even has added weight of fire suppression under the box.

@Waternut I worry that a fully rigid latch would rip out the mount, either in the floor, or the box. They very well may need a slight amount of give/shock absorption. I like the old rubber Nautique latches. That and the 2 piece box.

I really think just a second latch may be enough. The single pin is probably no more resistant than a couple ft/lbs of force, but the object held motionless likely can't develop sufficient inertia to create the force needed to rip two of them out, unless a much more violent crash occurred. And all bets are off.

[BraceMaker]

Picturing a very simple lathe project.

 

Turn Delrin into a "cam" profile and place a small L bracket on the front of the engine cover. When rotated back the cam goes over the L bracket fully and traps it down. Most engine hatches get pretty close to the pylon base.

[JAG]

I love the way the cover recesses a bit into the floor on my 2002 MB Sports 190. In rough water, it always stays put.

 

rpg

[DW]

Lightweight carbon fiber engine box is a fun project, from 65# down to 23# so when it bounces it won't break your foot and more importantly no back strain when opening and potentially losing valuable ski time.

[bigskieridaho]

@aupatking If you want strong latches I would suggest going to a aircraft parts supply company and getting latches. Most made from 2024 T3 aluminum, lightweight, and won't break. May pay more, but worth the money. I am in the aircraft business, so if you need help PM me.