Boat Lift & Turn Latches

What Is a Boat Cam Latch / Marine Cam Latch?

A boat cam latch (also called a boat hatch latch or marine cam latch) is a compact rotary latch used to secure hatches, lockers and doors on a boat. When the handle is turned, the cam bar on the back side rotates and catches the underside of the deck or hatch frame, pulling the panel closed and holding it in place.

Fornd boat lift & turn latches combine a cam latch mechanism with a compression function. Lift the handle to release the compression, then turn to disengage the cam. This provides a tight, rattle-free closure for boat doors, hatches and storage lids even in rough water.

Why Use Marine Cam Latches on Boats?

Marine cam latches are engineered specifically for harsh saltwater environments. Compared with standard industrial latches, a marine cam latch offers:

• Corrosion resistance – 316 stainless steel and marine-grade alloys withstand salt spray, UV and cleaning chemicals.

• Tight sealing – Combined with gaskets and O-rings, compression-type boat cam latches help meet IP-65/IP-67 style water ingress protection for hatches and deck lids.

• Rattle-free closure – The cam pulls the hatch down against the seal, reducing noise and preventing vibration damage.

• Low-profile, safe design – Flush or recessed boat door latch designs reduce trip hazards on deck and keep lines from snagging.

• Easy operation – Lift-and-turn handles are simple to operate with wet hands or gloves.

This makes boat cam latches ideal for lockers, livewells, fish boxes, anchor lockers and many other marine storage areas.

Fornd as Boat Cam Latch / Marine Cam Latch Manufacturer & Supplier

Fornd is a boat cam latch manufacturer and marine cam latch supplier that supports boat builders, OEM deck hardware brands and refit yards. Our boat lift & turn latches are designed as:

• 316 stainless steel boat hatch latches with electrolytic polishing for excellent corrosion resistance.

• Flush-mount boat door latches that sit low in the deck and meet the styling requirements of modern boats.

• Compression-type marine cam latches that combine quick lift-and-turn operation with effective sealing.

As an OEM boat cam latch manufacturer, Fornd offers:

• Wholesale supply for production boats and aftermarket marine hardware lines

• Custom cam bars, grip ranges and handle designs for your hatch layouts

• Key-locking and non-locking boat hatch latch options

• Fast sampling and stable lead times for global customers

How to Select the Right Boat Hatch Latch or Marine Cam Latch

When choosing a boat hatch latch or marine cam latch, consider:

• Cut-out size – Match the hole diameter in the hatch (for example 2" or 2-1/2"). Fornd boat lift & turn latches fit standard marine cut-out sizes to replace common brands.

• Panel thickness and grip range – Check the hatch thickness (for example 2–12 mm) and the distance from hatch to frame so the cam bar pulls the lid down correctly.

• Material –

  • 316 stainless steel for saltwater, offshore and high-corrosion areas.

  • Marine-grade alloy or reinforced plastic for interior or low-corrosion compartments.

• Locking style – Non-locking, keyed or padlockable boat cam latch depending on security needs.

• Mounting style – Flush, recessed or surface mount depending on whether you need a clean deck surface or quick retrofit.

• Sealing requirement – If the hatch must stay dry, choose a boat hatch latch with compression and an O-ring or gasket to achieve IP-65/IP-67 style performance.

Share your hatch drawing or measurements with Fornd, and we will recommend a suitable boat cam latch or marine cam latch from our range.

Typical Marine Applications for Boat Cam Latches

Fornd works with marine OEMs to standardise boat cam latches across different hatch styles and models for easier sourcing and maintenance.

Fornd Lift & Turn Latches | Compression Latches Series Introduction

Materials and Corrosion Resistance for Marine Cam Latches

Boat and marine hardware are constantly exposed to salt spray, UV light and cleaning chemicals. Fornd marine cam latches use:

• 316 stainless steel housings and handles for maximum corrosion resistance in saltwater.

• Electro-polished or mirror-polished finishes to reduce dirt build-up and improve appearance.

• Marine-grade rubber gaskets and O-rings to keep water out of lockers and compartments.

• Optional plastic backing plates to suit thin composite panels and avoid galvanic corrosion.

These material choices ensure that Fornd boat cam latches and boat hatch latches maintain smooth operation and appearance over many seasons on the water.

Boat Cam Latch Manufacturer FAQ

Q1: Can Fornd match existing boat hatch latch sizes from other brands?
Yes. As a boat cam latch manufacturer, we offer cam latches with common marine cut-out sizes and grip ranges, making it easy to replace existing hardware or switch suppliers.

Q2: Do you supply custom marine cam latches for OEM boat builders?
Fornd provides OEM design support, including custom handle shapes, logos, cam lengths and finishes to match your deck hardware package.

Q3: What information do you need to specify a boat door latch?
Please provide hatch thickness, cut-out size, desired material, locking style, and approximate order quantities. Our engineers will recommend the right boat cam latch or marine cam latch solution.

Start Your Boat Cam Latch Project with Fornd

Fornd is a boat cam latch supplier and marine cam latch manufacturer ready to support your next boat model or refit project.

• Free engineering consultation and sample support

• Stable bulk supply for production boat lines

• Custom options for branding, materials and grip ranges

👉 Tell us your hatch sizes, panel thickness and quantity, and we will propose the right boat hatch latch solution.

👉 Submit your requirements now and get professional support.

📩 Get a Quote or Request Samples

Let our engineers help you choose the right Lift & Turn Latch. 

Contact Fornd Engineering Support →