Understanding the Benefits of Marine-Grade Latches for Your Boat
What's the difference between marine latches and standard latches on your boat? It comes down to quality, durability, safety, and performance. Standard latches are more likely to fail at the worst possible moment when you're out on the water, far from shore. Marine-grade hinges and latches should last the lifetime of your boat. Here are some key pointers about the differences between marine latches and standard ones.
What Are Marine-Grade Boat Latches?
Marine hinges and latches are designed to withstand the harsh conditions to which your boat is regularly exposed. Saltwater and UV rays will quickly wear out cheaper components made from standard metals or rubber. Marine-grade latches are made from stainless steel 316 and corrosion-resistant alloys. They can take a beating from the environment and will last for years to come without needing to be replaced.
Standard Boat Latches - What’s the Difference?
The standard latches that you might pick up at a hardware store might be made of aluminum, plastic, rubber, or lower-grade stainless steel. They can be prone to rust or corrosion, especially in a harsh saltwater environment. They might even lack secure locking mechanisms. A standard latch on a saltwater boat will break or crumble into pieces eventually because it's not built to withstand the stress or exposure that a marine latch can handle.
Key Benefits of Marine-Grade Boat Latches
1. Superior Corrosion Resistance
Marine-grade stainless steel (316) contains a key ingredient that other grades of steel don't have: molybdenum. The additional molybdenum content resists the pitting and crevice corrosion that saltwater inflicts on lesser materials.
2. Increased Strength & Durability
It's not just the saltwater and UV rays that you need to worry about on a boat. Components like hinges and latches have to withstand a lot of pressure and vibrations. They're also constantly exposed to moisture. Marine hinges and latches are engineered to be impact-resistant so they can take a beating. They are much longer-lasting and more durable than latches made from non-marine-grade materials.
3. Improved Security & Reliability
Strong marine latches are important to make sure that doors, hatches, and compartments stay shut when they're supposed to. They help to keep water out of spaces and prevent unwanted visitors from helping themselves to several thousand dollars' worth of your gear. Gemlux's stainless marine door latches are engineered to provide a tighter and more reliable seal. They're designed to keep water out and to make it harder for a thief to "jimmy" them open.
4. Smooth & Ergonomic Functionality
Marine hinges and latches aren't just functional and durable. They also look great! They feature sleek, upscale designs that will be an upgrade on any boat. They're built to be ergonomic, and they have easy locking mechanisms, making them more convenient to use.
When & Where to Use Marine-Grade Boat Latches
Hatches & Storage Compartments: Marine latches will help to keep moisture and salt buildup away from the insides of your hatches and storage cubbies.
Livewells & Coolers: Your ice will last longer, and you can keep fresh bait for your next fishing trip, thanks to marine latches that keep lids tightly sealed.
Deck Hardware & Consoles: Space can be at a premium on the deck and around your boat's console. Marine-grade latches will ensure a secure fit and provide added safety when maneuvering around the boat.
Doors & Access Panels: High-quality marine-grade latches will offer added security on doors and access panels that you want to keep unwanted "visitors" out of.
Why Gemlux Marine-Grade Latches Are the Best Choice
Gemlux's latches are the industry leaders when it comes to marine-grade materials and craftsmanship. Our marine hinges and latches are designed from top-grade 316 stainless steel, and we've been in the business since 1945.
Our customers trust the durability of our product because they know that we are boaters, too. We have a range of marine hinges and latches to match different applications and styles- all built to last and designed by our engineering team. You'll find compression latches, lift-and-turn latches, slam latches, installation hardware, and much more in our catalog. Shop Gemlux Marine-Grade Latches Today!