Stern Door Latch

[DBBRanger]

Has anyone replaced the stern door barrel latch on an R25? The door on ours keeps opening on it's own while trailering, allowing the door to swing wildly. We check it frequently, but since you can't see it from the truck, it happens without our knowledge. I believe vibrations cause the barrel latch to open on it's own. We have been using a piece of wood to jam in it, but that isn't fool-proof either. There are latches designed to be used with a lock that might work, but I don't want to have the inconvenience of a lock to keep it closed and I don't know if they will stay closed without the lock.

 

[knotflying]

Same happens to us on the R-27. We tend to leave it in the secured open position when towing and it stays there.

 

[CAPTCRUNCH]

The barrel bolt and door on my 2013 R27 repeatedly opened on its own even just in the slip until the knob finally fell out and I installed the replacement latch sent from RT. The new one is much better behaved. The cause/cure is still a mystery, although it may have to do with the black plastic pad that came with the replacement latch. A couple of flat washers under one end or the other of the barrel might make the bolt fit more snug and less free to unlatch.

 

[doke01]

Had the same problem. Replaced it with this Stainless Steel Door Hasp with Turning Padlock Eye Mount http://www.marinepartdepot.com/ststdohawitu.html. $10 is an awesome price and the quality of stainless from these guys is top notch. Works great. Mounted it above the old latch and now I use both.

The vibration of the boat causes the original to jiggle loose and pop open. I changed the angle on the catch side and that helped a bit but the replacement is awesome. Had it for about 3 years now.

 

[South lake]

We always had a noise from the door vibrating so we put a small strip of Velcro that quieted the vibration and also helps keep the door shut. Never have had an issue with the bolt latch coming open.