Flush Hatch Handle – Stainless Steel Recessed Latch (45 x 40 mm, Spring-Loaded)

This flush hatch handle is an innovative solution for a clean and orderly look on your boat’s deck or interior. At 45 x 40 mm in size, the handle is small and unobtrusive yet sturdy enough to lift a heavy hatch. It installs into a specially cut hole in the lid or hatch, leaving the visible part almost flush with the surface. This is particularly important in areas where traditional protruding handles would be in the way – for example, on cockpit floors or horizontal panels that you walk on.

Construction & Mechanism: The handle is made from cast stainless material (typically AISI 316), ensuring maximum corrosion resistance in marine conditions. Its surface is smooth and polished, which not only looks great but also prevents snagging on fabric or injury by touch. Inside the handle is an integrated spring. When you press the center of the handle, it “pops up” – allowing you to grab it with your fingers and lift the hatch. Upon release, the spring snaps the handle back into its recess, making the panel flat again. This mechanism is often called a “push-to-open” or “flush ring handle” design and is very user-friendly: press to pop up the ring; pull to open; let go – the ring lays flat.

Installation: Fitting it requires cutting an opening about 45 mm by 40 mm (a rectangular cut with rounded corners is recommended). The handle consists of two parts: the visible top part (a ring with a hinged pull) and a lower cup/base that is secured from the backside of the panel. It comes with the necessary screws/bolts for clamping it in place. Once properly installed, the handle sits firmly – no wobble or rattle even when the boat is in motion. A rubber O-ring or gasket (if provided) under the flange prevents water ingress through the cut-out, which is important for deck installations.

Applications: This flush handle is extremely suitable for:

• Floor/Bilge Hatches: In the cockpit or cabin sole, there are often inspection covers for access to tanks, the bilge, or storage. With this handle, they remain flush and safe to step on, yet always easy to open when needed.
• Lockers and Storage Bins: Both in the cabin and on deck (bench seats, lazarettes) – storage compartments with a flush handle are more convenient and avoid clothing or gear snagging on a protruding knob.
• Console and Panel Lids: Access panels for electronics or fuse boxes – this handle provides quick opening but keeps the panel closed and flush when not being serviced.
• Heads/Shower Doors or Furnishing Panels: In tight spaces where a sticking-out handle could catch on things or hurt someone, the flush variant is optimal.

Locking: The handle itself is a pull ring, but it can be paired with a separate latch mechanism (a tongue, cam or catch) if you need the lid to stay shut securely. Some models come with a small lock and key – if your hatch or locker requires locking, choose a version with that feature. The code 01118 is a standard non-locking version, but it offers the push-and-pop-up action.

Maintenance: Stainless steel is low-maintenance – just rinse with fresh water after exposure to salt spray. The internal spring is also usually stainless or bronze, ensuring a long life. If needed (in case the action becomes stiff over time), you can apply a drop of machine oil or WD-40 to the hinge/pivot to restore smooth operation. Be careful not to lose small parts if disassembling – though rarely needed, the mechanism can be taken apart for cleaning.

With this compact inox handle, your hatches and lids will be both functional and stylish – nothing to snag or rust, and opening them will be a one-touch convenience.