Native Propel Thwart Latch Kit

The complete set. A Propel thwart latch kit is what locks the aluminium thwart tube — and with it your pedal drive — down in the hull, and this is all three of them with bases and hardware.

The Propel Thwart Latch Kit Is Complete, Not Just Sliders

This matters, because Native sell the parts two ways.

This is the full set of three complete kits — each latch with its base and mounting hardware. That is what you want if a base is cracked or missing, or if you are rebuilding a boat where somebody has already lost pieces.

Native also sell sliders only, without bases or hardware, at about half the price. If your bases are sound and only the sliding part has worn or broken, that is the cheaper and correct purchase — tell us and we will get it.

What the Propel Thwart Latch Kit Actually Does

The Propel drive sits in its well, held by a thwart tube across the boat. The latch slides forward to lock that tube down and back to release it so the drive lifts out.

If a latch is broken, worn or will not travel fully home, the drive is not properly secured. At best it rattles under pedalling load; at worst, in a capsize or a hard knock, an expensive drive can come free in the boat.

Replace Them Early

They are small plastic parts in a wet, gritty, high-cycle position — slid back and forth every time the drive goes in or out, with beach sand working into the track.

The failure is gradual. First stiff, then not travelling all the way, then people start leaving them half-engaged because forcing them is a nuisance. That is the point at which they should already have been replaced.

If yours are merely sticky, clean the track first — often that is all they need.

Details

• Native full set of 3 Propel thwart latch kits

• Complete latches with bases and hardware

• Fits Native Propel pedal-drive boats

At our Clearwater shop. Bring the boat if you would rather we fitted them.