The L&R Boat Latch, a stainless catch that holds a trailer boat by the bow until the skipper is ready, took the trailers category at IBEX 2026. It has been on Australian ramps for years and is already sold in New Zealand.
The trailers, parts and accessories award at this year's IBEX Innovation Awards went to a piece of trailer hardware with no wiring, no electronics and one lever. The awards were presented at the 2026 International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference – IBEX – the North American trade show for boatbuilders and suppliers. The programme is run by the US National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International; this year the panel chose 12 winners and three honourable mentions from 100 entries.
Judge Steve Davis called the L&R Boat Latch "perfect for the solo operator". His reasoning was simple: once the latch is set, the bow connects to the trailer or lets go of it while the skipper stays at the helm.
That's the whole appeal. The latch makes solo launching and retrieval easier, removing the need for a second person to catch or release the bow.
An established Australian design
Co-invented by Geoff Davis and Brian Codd, the latch has been used and refined in Australia for many years.
That history sits a little oddly with an innovation award, but IBEX judges newness by the American market. The NMMA entry rules require that products weren't sold in the United States before 7 October 2025. In the US, chandlery Fisheries Supply now lists the fibreglass kit.
How the L&R Boat Latch works
The system pairs a stainless-steel latch on the trailer’s winch post with a matching fitting on the boat’s bow. It catches the bow automatically during retrieval. For launching, a gentle forward movement under engine power releases it.
The latch must be disengaged for road travel, with the winch, safety chain and tie-downs securing the boat.
Check compatibility before buying
The latch needs the right alignment between boat and trailer. Some installations require adapters or changes to the winch post. Ask the supplier to confirm the correct kit for your boat, particularly larger models.
Also check your usual ramp’s rules. The operating method uses engine thrust, so restrictions on powered launching and retrieval may limit its use.
L&R’s operating instructions explain the setup and operating requirements in detail.
The last word from people who use it
Across the Tasman, the L&R has received positive reviews. On the consumer site ProductReview.com.au, one Victorian reviewer with a Haines Hunter 725HT says he can drive onto the trailer and have the boat in the rigging area within three minutes, and reckons he's saving at least six minutes each time.
New Zealand retailers listing the L&R Boat Latch include Kingfisher Boats and Marine & Sport Wānaka.
