Broken Bathroom Latch (again)
 

This is the second time the bathroom latch has broken on me. Does anyone know who makes this latch, and do they make a better one?

Seems silly that they have a 3 1/2 foot long stainless steel piano hinge on it, then a little plastic latch on the other side. The Outerlimits I saw in Florida had three stainless latchs to keep the door shut.

Anyone? Maybe I'll just have to have Dick Simon keep replacing under warranty?

I've broken 3. I buy replacements at Boat US, but they're cheap plastic. Last aqbout one big wave.

I agree, the must be a better solution. Do the new ones have the same latch?

Can't remember what these look like (it's winter here on the right coast), but they are probably a Southco latch, in which case, there is probably as stainless version available. I would try a search for their web site to see.

I don't suppose that driving the boat a little softer is an option?
Nah - never mind.:rolleyes:

C_Spay is right.

Southco has a stainless latch that will work.
It's # M1-63-8, and costs $33.42 for one.
You can order from their web-site @ www.southco.com

OOPS!

Southco has a $5,000 minimum order size, and their FL distributor won't sell fewer than 8.

I'll let you know if I can get either of them to "bend."

Or I guess we could pool our buying and get 8 of them.

Whose interested?

How about Thunderbird? They ought to make the switch, anyway.

I e-mailed this page to our service department. Maybe they can help.

Nort it is your toxic craps that are tearing it off the hinges. Try changing your diet :D:D

Well, waddayaknow! I was right about something for a change. Wait 'til I tell my parents that I've actually made a positive contribution to society.....

Boilerdaddy - The invoice for my engineering services is in the mail to your attention. If you have trouble paying it, I'll accept a 400SS in lieu of cash.;)

ApachePete and C_Spray-----

Awesome info guys!!!!!!!

We buy a ton of SouthCo fasteners at my company. I have our buyer checking into pricing too, but in the meantime, they are sending samples to me and should be here in a couple of days. I got the M1-63-8 and the M1-43-8. I'll let you know what the price and delivery looks like.

Phantom
THANKS!

OKAY
 

What next??????

M1-63-8 (non-locking):

10 = 19.78 each
50 = 17.70 each

M1-43-8 (locking):

10 = 22.80 each
50 = 19.50 each

They have 25 of each type in stock. I'm set since I'm getting the samples...........but what do you guys want to do?

Hmmmm - let's see...... What do we want to do? :confused:

(Thinking.......thinking......)

GET OURS FREE FOR PROVIDING INVALUABLE ENGINEERING SUPPORT? OK - sounds good to me! :D

I'm easy: I'll pay whatever it costs . . . although, T'bird really should step up!
Don't need a lock: nobody in their right mind would want to look.

Where should I send the $?

I just got the word this morning that Engineering will be evaluating these locks, but if they're that good, I don't know why we wouldn't use them. The guys in service would probably take care of you if they get the OK...

Chuck, I'm filling your invoice this morning. I just hope the "payment" doesn't attract too many flies while it's en route....:p :D

I've found aq Southco distributor who will sell single units for only $18.00 each.

You can reach them : [email protected]

They accept Visa.

The contact is Monica K. Belanger
Sales Manager
Gem Products, Inc.

I ordered one (#M1-63-8), so I don't need to bother PhantomChaos. But thanks again.

Thank you too, boilerdaddy. Looks like an item your guys should switch to.

Now, if you can come up with a solution to the gas guage problem that several of us have . . .

Guys..............
 

I got my sample latches today. The look great. Can't fit them on the boat yet until next weekend.

Here's a photo of the "locking" one. I'm gonna use that in case I want to lock up all the drug cash inside the head. :D No really, I figured that it might come in handy someday. THe latch looks great.......all polished stainless on the outside. I figured if the latch looks ****ty, I would paint it white, but it really looks like a quality piece of hardware...........just like all SouthCo products.

Looks godd. I'm still waiting for mine to come.

That was plastic on your boats???? :mad: :mad:

yes

I hope you guys are getting some consulting fees........ Boilderdady I think some free T-shirts are in order!!!! :D:D

Speaking of free T-shirts... NORT YOU BETTER HAVE MINE!!!!!!

Jon

Consulting fees? I posted this early on:

GET OURS FREE FOR PROVIDING INVALUABLE ENGINEERING SUPPORT? OK - sounds good to me!

...and all I've heard from Boilerdaddy is:

"__________________"

Chuck-

Email me you address ([email protected]) and I'll end you my extra one. I want the locking one. You can have the other one.

Nort

<Sobbing uncontrollable tears of joy>

Nort -

Not only are you THE MAN, but you have mail.


BoilerDaddy -

Please note that all future dealings with me for engineering advice will be on a "pay-in-advance" basis. While I may have earned my engineering degree at your alma mater (Purdue), I have developed my business sense through the Racing/Boating School of Hard Knocks and Shady Characters. Cash on the barrelhead from now on, buddy.....

Oh - wait a minute. I suppose the T-shirt that you gave me in December is supposed to be "payment-in-advance"?????
:D

Chuck and Jon,

I am a mere figurehead and have no fiscal authority. "Marketing Manager" is just a title they gave me to get my wife off my back.:D

Chuck, I'll let the poor saps in TAG run the paperwork through for your "consulting fees"--I'm sure you'll see the check by the time they carry an NCAA championship back in to Bloomington.:p

Jon, I will absolutely get you a free T-shirt when you show up here at the plant. How do you think Chuck got his? ;)

(P.S. Chuck...Sent an e-mail to Kitty of the Big Game Club and am waiting on a response. If I don't see something by Monday, I'll start making some calls.)

Wow! I always wanted to "Be in the Big Game"!:)

DAMN IT we just drove near the plant!!!! Of course we had a TOP GUN in tow....:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Wish I could have had the time to stop in there. Would have loved to see the place.

Jon

Jon, just call (or post, or e-mail) the next time you're going to be in the neighborhood. I'll be happy to show you around.

FYI to Chuck: Still not sure on the Big Game Club, but I suggest you call the Sea Crest just down the street at 242-347-3477. I've put people up there before and it's pretty nice. It's close enough to the Big Game Club that you can trip and stumble blind from one to the other.

Chaos - Got the package! Thanks!

Everyone,

I just got the word from our TAG department: It looks like Production will be switching to the metal latches on the FASTech applications. They will replace broken plastic ones under warranty on boats within their warranty period. They are still kind of deciding how to handle ones that break after warranty, but, depending on the age of the boat, you might get a substantial discount on the part (no labor), or, if you just want to go to a metal latch, they would probably sell it cheap.

Do not contact your Formula Regional Service Manager. They ask that you work through your dealer as in all other instances of service. This is just much better for work flow, especially with Hell--I mean, Memorial Day weekend--coming up for them.

We aim to please!

A good move by T'bird. I bought the stainless latch from a Southco distributor, and it's great.

Now, any progress on the fuel guage ground problem?

Nothing official that I've heard of yet.