L & R Boat Latch

Installation Guide – L & R Boat Latch

There’s a wide range of trailer types and winch setups out there. Here’s a simplified guide to help you get the best result when installing your L&R Boat Latch.

Key Things to Check Before Installation

Snare to Latch Angle: Ideal performance depends on a proper alignment. Adjust with a Wedge Kit if needed.
Roller Position: If the roller doesn’t reach the bow, use the Roller Extender.
Latch Support: Ensure the front latch bolt has backing support. Use a Latch Support Bracket if it doesn’t.
Winch Post Angle: Fibreglass boats are usually OK at ~65°. For aluminium boats, 85° is often better. Use a Wedge Kit or new post if required.
Winch Platform: Ensure height and angle let the wedge press snug against the bow. Platform too short? Add a Latch Support.

Step 1: Align Trailer Rollers/Slides

Boat must run true along the trailer’s centerline.

Measure from trailer frame to roller pivots on both sides: L = R and H1 = H2.
Bow should align with winch drum, post, and front roller.

Step 2: Move the Winch Post

ou will need to move the winch post on the trailer in order to replace the U-bolt with a snare, either fibreglass or aluminium depending on your boat type. This is generally easy to do by simply loosening the bolts securing the winch post and sliding it out of the way.

Step 3: Install the Snare

For Fiberglass Boats (including Poly/Wood/Jet Ski):

Remove existing U-bolt
Widen holes to 12mm (0.475") if needed with drill
Apply marine-grade silicone
Install snare with short section "UP"
For boats >6.5m, use Heavy Duty Snare (16mm holes)

For Aluminum Boats:

Mount snare to towing eye
Use Duralac anti-corrosion compound
For thick eyes (>20mm), use Heavy Duty version

Image Key: (a) Hole for shackle for the winch hook. (b) Best Roller position for ‘wedging’ the boat. (c) The ‘Latched’ boat should be held about here. The point the Latch first hits should be about here. Allow for ‘kick-up’ as it approaches if you ‘gun’ it too hard. (d) Safety chain attaches here.

Angle between latch and snare should be 65°–80°. Use Wedge Kit if needed to adjust angle by ±14°.

Step 5: Install the Latch

Mount Latch under the winch platform.

Support the front bolt using a Latch Support bracket (required for warranty).

Drill holes to mount latch, use spring washers or nylon nuts, and ensure lever clears bolt ends.

Step 5: Adjust Latch to Meet Snare

Adjust position so gap between snare and latch bar = 25mm (1 thumb width) when bow is snug against the roller.

Use a G-clamp to hold latch in place temporarily while aligning.

Step 6: Adjust Winch Support Post

The winch support post can be adjusted both in its base position and height. Once you have determined that the winch support post is in the correct position by the finger test, tighten all the nuts and bolts on the system.

Angle Adjustment if Required

Ideal snare-to-latch angle: 80°±15°

If angle is wrong:

Use Wedge Kit (±14° adjustment)
Replace winch post/platform
Make custom pos

Optional: Install Roller Extender

Use Roller Extender if roller doesn’t reach bow properly—common with aluminium boats.
Adjust horizontally (4 positions) and vertically (slotted holes).

Step 7: Final Checks

Securely tighten all bolts.
Ensure the latch hits the snare in the correct spot and supports the boat during retrieve.
Make sure the boat is “wedged” snugly—no vertical movement when towing.

Do not rely solely on latch—always use safety chain and winch strap when towing.

Troubleshooting

Wedge Kit: Adjust latch angle ±14°. Great for odd winch post/platform angles.

Roller Extender: Projects roller closer to bow. Horizontal and vertical adjustments included.
Latch Support: Provides critical structural support for front latch bolt.
Heavy-Duty Snare: Available for larger/heavier boats over 7m, in both fibreglass and aluminium towing eye models.