refridgerator latch

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Syversens

Syversens

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Oct 29, 2006
388
Beneteau 381 Olympia, WA
Hi all, I got a problem that I thought was silly but I'm putting it on here anyway. our refridgerator door is held closed by a latch. Here is the problem: to fully close it (and lock the latch) I have to flip the "lock" on the latch out, then close and it will lock. to open I just pull the handle but in doing so the latch locks in the "open" position, if I try to close the door again it will not lock until I manually release it... Is this how its suppose to work ? I'm not expecting anyone who opens the fridge to figure out the release mechanism to get a soda... any ideas ? Gaute
 
A

agaliha

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Sep 24, 2006
236
Sabre 36 Express Chattanooga, TN
Strong Right Leg

I have to push the fridge door with my right knee to get the latch to work. I mean REALLY PUSH. It is annoying. I hope someone has a solution because my right leg is twice the size of my left and summer isn't even here yet.
 
Rich18836

Rich18836

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Jun 3, 2004
51
- - San Diego, CA
Not suppose to work that way

Syversens We had a 2001 361 and we now have a 2006 473 and neither of these boats required any special way to open or close the refrigerator. Just pull out on the handle to open and push to close. The latch must be broken or installed incorrectly, it is not normal and should be repaired or replaced. Rich
 
Syversens

Syversens

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Oct 29, 2006
388
Beneteau 381 Olympia, WA
any idea where this can be found ?

thanks Rich, I had a look around internet and on Beneteaus pages but didnt find a replacement. I'm thinking any locking device will do here but its nice to maintain the original design. This is a pretty common latch for refridgerators and such but I havent found where to get one. I'll visit local hardware stores this weekend but I wouldnt mind getting it online if possible (not in harware heaven here) Gaute
 
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larry w

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Jun 16, 2005
476
- - long beach, CA
latch

On my OC 400 the fridge has a latch that must be pushed in and allowed to pop out to open, and to close it, I found it easiest to push on the button. The door closes and the latch engages in the same effort. If yours is difficult to operate, you may have too much foam or rubber sealant on the door. I added a layer to seal it better.
 
M

Mike

Use WD 40 on it

Gaute try lubing it with WD40. Mine had gotten a little dirty and was hard to open and close. Lubed it and all is well now. I suspect your's may be dirty and is hanging up. Give it a try before ordering a new one. Mike
 
Rich18836

Rich18836

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Jun 3, 2004
51
- - San Diego, CA
Refrigerator latch

Gaute, You can get it from Beneteau Customer Service people at Beneteau USA in South Carolina. Their telephone number is 843-629-5300, ask for Todd Cranford he is really great to deal with and very knowledgeable of every model and the parts on each. He will help you and tell you the price and will ship it directly to you. His email address is todd.cranford@beneteauusa.com I have dealt with Beneteau USA many times and they have been extremely helpful. Their prices are very reasonable, they are there to provide customer service not to rip you off. I am sure he can solve your problem. Hope this helps Rich
 
L

larry w

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Jun 16, 2005
476
- - long beach, CA
Beneteau service

I'm glad someone has had good results dealing with Beneteau parts dep't. I've had nothing but trouble and "don't have/use/make that part anymore or it has to come from England/Italy (starter solenoid)" They sent me the wrong vinyl rub rail and when I informed them of it, someone there suggested I just "jam it on and put some 5200 on it" I've dealt with Ward Richardson and he just can't seem to find his elbow, let alone the part I need.
 
Syversens

Syversens

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Oct 29, 2006
388
Beneteau 381 Olympia, WA
great information all

I really appreciate all feedback, since the W40 and some tinkering is cheapest I think I'll start there. I agree with Rich about Beneteau parts, I just got the new sail and everyone ask me how much and when I tell them they simply don't believe me. Took a while to get it but I have no comparison and the price was unbeatable.... I'd be happy to contact them if the others fail though I thought this would be cheaper/easier to get from a hardware store since its just a latch like on RV's and similar. thanks again all, great ideas Gaute
 
Syversens

Syversens

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Oct 29, 2006
388
Beneteau 381 Olympia, WA
now working

Update: WD40 helped but also figuring how the lock works, the little spring mechanism had bent slightly so I put that back. When closing the door it latches fine, however it doesnt "release" when the door is open which is fine. thanks to everyone
 
M

Mike

Fridge door latch

Gaute it's not supposed to release. It should stay in the open postion until you close the door and push on the handle, then it should snap shut. When they're working propery it takes just a firm push on the handle to latch it. When they start to get dirty then you have to thump it to latch it. That's when it's time for WD40. Mike
 
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