Whats the best way to secure drawers and doors so they don't fly open while underway?

What is the best, simplest and cleanest looking way to keep drawers and doors from opening while under way in rough weather? For the drawers I was thinking of putting a notch in the front of the drawer sides so you have to lift the drawer up a little to slide it open. Is there a better way to do this?

Thanks

 

Lot of choises https://www.google.fi/search?q=latc...BA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1993&bih=1005&dpr=0.95
But I like this http://www.hillarysboatshop.com.au/home.php?cat=1870 Got them at http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...t.do?pid=63314&familyName=Sea-Dog Elbow Catch too

 

I would not use metal latches, if a cabinet was left open it will sooner or later swing open and strike you in the face.

the notched drawers are effective, most older travel trailers use such an arrangement. A bit of a neusance until you get used to them. it will not keep the drawers secure in a full knock down or rollover however.

I like using shallow round wooden knobs (like a mushroom shape), and than have a bungee loops threaded through holes the cabinet face that you stretch over the knobs. Easy to field replace or repair, simple, low cost, secure, out of the way when in port and no hazard to crew.

 

There are nice drawer and cabinet locks used in recreational vehicles. They have no visible metal parts; a 2-position push button operates the lock and shows even from a distance whether or not the drawers/doors are locked.

 

Thanks for the links! Where do you mount the latches from Jamestown?

 

I will check out some RV hardware sites. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

I don't suppose you have a photo of that do you?

 

Avoid the hardware

Magenta, I say your first idea is best. It requires no purchase and reliance on hardware, will not fail, and can be easily made by the cabinetmaker. On my boat I have no hardware for cabinets at all-- all the panels and drawers are lift-out-and-pull. It's an aesthetic, simple, sensible and easily maintained/repaired/modified.

BTW-- avoid magnets! They will rust (and fail) and will interfere with your compasses.

JC

 

This is a link to the kind of lock I had in mind:
http://www.reimo.com/r40/vc_reimo/bilder/firma16/artikel/popup/52531_popup.jpg

 

Inside the door or drawer, beside a finger hole to operate the latch.

 

Okay I'm liking those more now.

 

Does that mean you don't have any cabinet doors?

 

The lift and pull trick is time honored and simple. I like some style, though depending on the boat of course.

 

Par, do you have a link for the people that make those wood lift and pull hardware?? thanks, Stan

 

Nice topic! I'm just starting to think about this kind of thing for my build. To be doubly sure, you could do the notched drawers with a bungee over the wooden knob, saving the bungee for the roughest of days. I suppose spilled silverware is the least of your worries after a knock down.