Bungee
 

A few years ago, I let a friend of mine drive my boat on the trailer. Before I could warn him he raised the motor all the way up without unlatching the splashwell door. He pulled both latches off and messed up the engine cowling. I replaced the latches with bungee cord and it works quite well.

Good idea

Could you post the front side showing how bungee is attached!!!! I assume you put a knot in bungee for part entering the wall/storage area? I am going to use your idea as well......
Thanks alot
-Fred

Right now I am in the process of putting everything back together after my unfortunate encounter with dredge pipe and I'm not finished. I did have it knotted in front and then the end heated to get rid of loose ends. On the inside, I put a tie rap (wire tie) around the cord. The tie rap made it easier to get the right tension. Also I would suggest making the hole only big enough to get the bungee through when it is stretched. You can start it through the hole with the loose threads. I messed up the transom cap pretty good with the collision, but the door came through it unscathed.

You could always bolt a saddle to the back side so on the front you only see screw heads/finish washers with no 1/2" hole.