Overview

The TACO Marine F16-2525 is a LATCH-tite stainless steel square latch for securing hatches, lids, and access panels on boats. It has a 2-7/16" x 2-7/16" square face, a 2-1/16" hole size, 1-3/4" adjustable depth, and 2-5/16" overall depth, giving installers clear measurements for retrofit or new-build work.

The latch uses cast Type 316 stainless steel for the latch, shaft, and tongue, which suits exposed marine areas where saltwater, spray, and frequent handling are part of normal use. A stainless steel shaft with bushing and twin Nitrile O-rings helps limit water penetration around the handle assembly.

Key features

• Cast Type 316 stainless steel latch, shaft, and tongue for use in saltwater marine hardware applications.
• 2-7/16" square face with a deluxe polished finish for a clean look on hatches, lockers, and access panels.
• Installs vertically or horizontally, so it can suit different panel layouts and hatch orientations.
• Over-center anti-rattle handle helps keep noise down when the boat is underway.
• Stainless steel shaft with bushing and twin Nitrile O-rings adds water protection around the latch mechanism.
• Adjustable 1-3/4" depth helps fine-tune engagement with the hatch or panel catch.
• Concealed fastener layout keeps the installed face neat and reduces visible hardware.
• Uses #8 screws and fits a 2-1/16" hole size.

Installation and fit

This latch is a practical match for boat lockers, deck hatches, console doors, and service panels that need a low-profile square latch with a polished stainless face. The 5/32" edge thickness, 2-1/16" hole size, and adjustable depth should be checked against the hatch core, liner, and catch position before drilling or replacing an older latch.

Because it can be mounted vertically or horizontally, it gives more flexibility on tight panels where hinge position, gasket compression, or nearby hardware affects the best handle orientation. The concealed fastener layout is also useful on visible cockpit, transom, and cabin hardware where a finished appearance matters.

Materials and corrosion resistance

Type 316 stainless steel is a strong choice for marine latch hardware because it handles salt spray and wet deck environments better than ordinary stainless grades. The polished finish also helps the latch blend with other stainless fittings commonly found on center consoles, sportfishing boats, cruisers, and sailboats.

Use cases on board

This latch suits owners, refit shops, and builders replacing worn hatch hardware or fitting new access points where the latch needs to stay quiet and secure underway. It is especially useful on storage lids and deck panels that see spray, washdowns, vibration, and repeated opening during normal boating.