Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Perko latches
Bass Cat Boats.
Im considering a 2005 Puma. I hear alot of discussion relative to the quality etc of the plastic perko latches. Question is can these be replaced with the higher quality stainless latches which im told perform better. If they can be replaced by me, is the installation simple or hard? In other words is it worth replacing the latches and do you recommend a dealer doing it or can it be done easy enough by an owner?
Have you tried a Sawzall yet? jk Sounds like the allen head set-screw has come loose underneath and is not allowing the retaining arm to turn and dis-engage from the lip of the compartment. Sit on the compartment lid and very slowly turn the Perko latch. Sometimes, by taking pressure off the latch arm by applying pressure from above, when the set screw has loosened, you can get the retaining arm to turn. If and when you finally get it open, re-adjust the retaining arm, for proper compartment lip engagement, add a dab of locktite to the allen set-screw, and tighten it back down.
Hi, I have a black keyed latch you can have for $10.00. Works fine. I changed out to the chrome. Email me if interested. I dont check this site to much. Im in Plano TX. [url=mailto:[email protected]][email protected][/url]
Fishmangnet, I was able to turn the lock and open the door. Thanks. Trickster, I just sent you and E-mail and will take you up on your offer.God Bless, Stephen
We have used ones and could possibly have a new one. The ones we have were from exchanges we made with chrome handles and we issue a credit on the old ones for just such uses.
The T Handles can be replaced, and we have a replacement program for the Chrome T Handle Perko latches that give you a $100.00 credit for return of the old latches. The Black Plastic T Handles were used because they are way (WAY) cooler in the sunshine. The plastic in the handle, or process of injection was changed and eventually they were not the same standard. They broke more frequently. If the handles are all in tact and have not presented the present owner any issues, we would not replace them with the Chrome ones for heat related reasons. They flat get HOT in the sun, VERY HOT! That being said, the other latch you may be speaking of is a saltwater latch from Southco, and they are expensive for individual replacement. And are a very nice piece of equipment. Some of the folks out there have been replacing the Perko, with Southco latches. We have admired that latch for several years, and have worked them in boats and on test panels many times. We would have liked to have gone to Southco back a couple of years ago, though our cost to upgrade would have transfered to around an added $400 on a Cougar FTD or a Puma in the upgrade charges. We jsut did not feel the market would bear the increase at that time. Though we do really like those Southco latches and may offer them in the future. BCB BCB
Very easy to do. Just be sure to count the threads or measure the distance the latch arm is up or down the shaft to prevent you from alot of adjusting, and re-adjusting. Also, from experience, be sure to remember the direction of the handle and which way the latch arm is pointing when you take it out, doesnt screw anything up, just makes you swear when you have to undo the arm and spin it around after you install it. Now for my 2 cents, I am an energy conservationist, I like to conserve my own energy when fishing, I prefer the old Perko latches as apposed to the new owns. The new chrome latches available from BassCat do not fold like the old ones. Meaning this, with the plastic and the older chrome latches you can unlock and unlatch and fold the handle back down when you are done without having to turn it and latch it. The new latches have to be latched everytime you close the lid if you want them to sit flush while you are fishing and walking around on your deck . You must latch the compartment, or else they stick up and your partner breaks the dang thing, or you step on it bruise your barefoot, either way bad words that you wouldnt say around any lady start flying. If you want to see one before buying let me know I have a box of new ones that I put in and took back out before finding the old chrome Perko latch and I will send 1 to you. With the bad about the latch, I must tell the good. The new latch by design will not let water into your compartment because the lock is in the handle and not in the body, so water cannot get in. Phil Williams Bay Minette, AL
I swapped them on my 05 Puma and have a pointer. As you replace the latches you MAY need to use the latch bolt (or whatever the bar that holds the lid down is called) from the old assembly as some are shaped a little differently, sort of a Z shape. And if you do be sure to check them as they could be cracked if overtightened. I did mine last year and they have worked fine. And yes they can get so hot you will not want to grab them for long!
BCB, Does your comment mean that you DO have the black T handle, and I can replace it? I just had one break the other day. Thanks, Eric
Check with Parts, if they dont have new ones, they have replacements from the returns. We dont regularly stock the Black T handles. BCB
Email sent
Latches are spoken for
I suspect that at some time that arm that swings was not in the right location and the cover was pressed on or stepped on which easily breaks that latching arm. It does not take much to snap those swing arms and yours probably got extremely weakened at one time by pinching it and then it finally seperated and broke off….My .02 worth but I know how easily they break if you dont latch them correctly and press or step on the lid …..good friend of mine broke one of mine about 20 minutes after I explained how carefully he needed to latch the lids and not jamb the latch arm…..
Same thing has happened to me on my 08 Puma. I have had to replace 4 of those pesky Perkos. They have to be used with care. They are not a very durable item.Scott
© 2026 Bass Cat Boats
