Latch change on 2024 Caracal / Puma?

[JKelley]

I just watched a video walk through on John Crews new 2024 Caracal STS. He made the comment the latches on the compartments we’re changed back to the previous style latches. Was their some issues with the slam latches? Will the 2024 Puma STS have the slam latches or will they be replaced with the previous style?

Thanks,

Jerry

[Bass Cat Boats]

There are several reasons. The original lid layout had lift latches, though the layout was changed and the areas for mounting latch arms were no longer available in the new revised layout. They also squeezed the pricing on the Caracal STS and the lift latches cost considerably more. The Caracal STS lids are also deeper and the slam latches did not consistently work well on that extra depth, and the lids required more angle braces like gussets. Thus they were switched to twist latches after dealer meeting product.

[JKelley]

Thank You for the explanation. I assume the Puma will continue on with the Slam latches.

Thanks Again!

[Bass Cat Boats]

Yes, the Puma STS and Jaguar STS have the lift latches. They don’t refer to these as slam latches because they are different than the Southco slam latches another brand uses, which drop into the compartments and allow water intrusion.

Everything is outside the lips on the lift latches to help keep everything drier.

 

[Author]

Posts