Lazarette clasp ?

May 7, 2023
78
catalina 27 lake st clair
Any ideas for something other than these metal clasps to hold the lazarette lid down? They gouge my shins all day. I don’t need to lock them. I thought about removing them completely but I was told that’s a bad idea in the event I capsize. Thoughts…?
 

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jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,005
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
There are some boats that have access to the lazarette lid from the inside. In that case the tie down or lock the lazarette on the inside. Not as convenient but it keeps the seat closed yet still gives accessibility.
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,343
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I've personally seen a boat sink because the lazarette lid opened in a knockdown allowing a massive amount of water into the interior of the boat. It happened very suddenly and if crew were below they would be lucky to escape the in rushing water. The boat went from knockdown to bow up sinking in about 20 seconds. DOG THOSE LIDS DOWN!!! Dam the shins.
For many boats there is no or not adequate bulkhead between the lazrarette and the cabin. In that case the lazarette is a gaping hole in the hull.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,005
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
If you have been a small (20 ft or less), powered boat owner you may have heard there is a CG requirement that the boat must be built with flotation. This build requirement does not apply to sailboats.

Part 183. Boats and Associated Equipment
183.1 – 183.810
Subpart E
Flotation and Safe Loading Requirements-Outboard Motor and Related Equipment Test Weights
§ 183.101 Applicability.​
This subpart applies to monohull inboard boats, inboard/outdrive boats, and airboats less than 20 feet in length, except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, submersibles, surface effect vessels, amphibious vessels, and raceboats.​

Personal flotation is required for all persons aboard a sailboat.

Sailboats will sink. They stay afloat by keeping water outside the boat. If they turtle some boats will float because of captured air unable to escape from the hull.

Proper seamanship remands the skipper and crew to secure all hatches to prevent water ingress. Plan and provide methods to pump overboard all water.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,005
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
These might work. Not locking but fit flat
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uxcell 1.61-inch Iron Butterfly Twist Latch Keeper Toggle Clamp for Case Box - 2 Pcs (Black)
 
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Likes: JBP-PA
Feb 26, 2004
22,891
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Capsizing? Knockdowns?

What are you guys smoking?

For recreational boats like ours, I have not heard of any inshore capsizes or knockdowns in the 40 years I've been sailing and all my internet days (you know, since I invented the internet...:)).

Getting real: Those "clamps" are there to lock the storage compartments from people with sticky fingers who wanna steal your boat cleaning supplies and extra ropes. Ward's idea is great. Or, just move the damn thing to a place where you won't rub against it.
 
May 7, 2023
78
catalina 27 lake st clair
I never thought of moving them !!!! Great idea. I will abstain from the capsizing debate as that is beyond my skill, experience and knowledge level. Thanks to everyone for the ideas
 
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Likes: Ward H
May 17, 2004
5,401
Beneteau Oceanis 37 Havre de Grace
apsizing? Knockdowns?

What are you guys smoking?

For recreational boats like ours, I have not heard of any inshore capsizes or knockdowns in the 40 years I've been sailing and all my internet days (you know, since I invented the internet...:)).
I vaguely remember stories about a Capri 22 broaching and downflooding through the companionway, or something like that. But that aside I agree and I don’t consider the capsize risk of the OP’s Catalina 27 on Lake St. Claire worth considering. Our O’Day 28 came with clasps that were clearly just for locking - without the lock through the clasp it would fall open. I’d have no reluctance using something similar on a boat that size outside of blue water.
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,343
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
See post #3: I witnessed an Alerion 28 sink from water ingress through the lazarette. It was at the MO-A buoy off Shelter Island. Subsequently I sailed with a gal who was on the boat that sank and was plucked out of the water by another nearby boat. The first thing she did after boarding the boat we were sailing on was to check the latch on the lazarette.
 
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Likes: jssailem