• Snare Tensile Strength: 4 Tonnes
• Latch Tensile Strength: 5.4 Tonnes
• M12 Bolts
• Suit Boats: up to 6.5 metres 
• Not intended for road travel - use safety chains & winch cable/strap to secure boat and trailer

NOTE: For very large boats we have introduced a 'Heavy Duty' version. This is extremely robust and they are intended for larger boats (6.5 metres (21 ft), or for very heavy duty applications. 

Strength & Safety:

• With two options – the standard and heavy options – the L & R Boat Latch Kit is designed to be a robust system that can handle almost any boat.
• L & R have established a reputation in Australia for an extremely robust product despite the abuse that boaties throw at it. But very occasionally we get some wild man that manages to bend 10 mm stainless steel plates. We have now added a brace that increases strength by 220% (tested by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia).
• The L & R Boat Latch is not intended for road travel, only for use on the boat ramp. On the road your boat should be tensioned up with the winch and tie downs used to keep it in place. Always detach the winch and the safety chain to launch and re-attach before you leave the ramp at the water’s edge.

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Installation Guide – L & R Boat Latch
(see complete Installation Guide with videos)

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.

 

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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.

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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.

 

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Step 3: Install the Snare

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

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

For Aluminum Boats:

1. Mount snare to towing eye
2. Use Duralac anti-corrosion compound
3. 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°.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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Angle Adjustment if Required

Ideal snare-to-latch angle: 80°±15°

If angle is wrong:

1. Use Wedge Kit (±14° adjustment)
2. Replace winch post/platform
3. 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).

 

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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.

 

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Troubleshooting

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

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• 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.

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FAQ

Q: Is it easy to install?

• In general, the L & R Boat Latch Kit is very easy to install.
• Just refer to the Before you install guide and detailed instructions Installation Guide.
• We can also recommend approved installers Or you can work with your preferred trailer or boat team.
• Please note, the L & R Boat Latch must be installed according to the Installation Guide or your warranty will be void.

Q: Can I take my boat out by myself with your system?

• Definitely! The L & R Boat Latch Kit is designed to let you get your boat (and yourself) onto the water solo and with ease. It’s often called the ‘marriage saver’ because there’s no need to drag your partner into the water to launch or retrieve. You can handle the entire process on your own – and look like a pro doing it.

Q: The angles between the latch and snare aren't correct. What can I do?

• Adjust the angle using the Wedge Kit. Alternatively, modifying the winch post or platform can help achieve the correct alignment.

Q: I have a large boat. Will the latch work for me?

• Yes, we offer a heavy-duty snare suitable for fibreglass boats over 7.5 meters (25 feet), capable of handling up to 7.5 tonnes.

Q: How do I measure the angle between the latch and snare?

• Refer to our installation guide for step-by-step instructions on measuring and adjusting the angle.

Q: Can I fabricate my own winch post or platform?

• Absolutely. Customizing your winch post or platform can facilitate a faster and more efficient setup. Our guide provides suggestions for optimal configurations.

Q: The roller doesn't reach far enough to stop the boat. Solutions?

• Utilize the Roller Extender to extend the roller's reach without the need for cutting, boring, or welding.

Q: There's no solid surface to mount the latch. What should I do?

• Use the Latch Support bracket, included in the Wedge Kit, to provide the necessary support for proper latch installation.

Q: My boat doesn't latch when driving up to the snare. Troubleshooting tips?

1. Ensure the trailer is properly aligned to the boat's centerline.
2. Verify that the snare contacts the correct point on the latch.
3. Check that the trailer isn't submerged too deeply.
4. Confirm that the roller stops the boat before the latch engages.

Q: What's the optimal position for the latch relative to the snare?

• The latch should align precisely with the snare for effective operation. Consult the "Before You Install" guide for visual references and detailed information.

Q: How can I minimize boat movement on the trailer during transit?

• Secure the boat firmly using the winch and rear tie-down straps. The roller should wedge the boat to restrict vertical movement, enhancing stability while driving.

Catamarans

Q: Is the L&R Boat Latch compatible with catamarans?

• Yes, the L&R Boat Latch has been successfully used on various catamaran models. Some adaptations may be necessary due to the unique designs of catamarans and their trailers.