Sea Catch Clevis, Cotter & Quick Release Pins

Sea Catch Toggle Release Pins: Engineering Built for the Toughest Marine Conditions

When a load must be released quickly, safely, and under full tension, ordinary clevis or cotter pins simply aren't up to the task. That's exactly the problem that Sea Catch was engineered to solve. A registered trademark of McMillan Design, Inc. out of Gig Harbor, Washington, Sea Catch has been redefining what a quick release pin can do since 1994 — and its Toggle Release series stands apart from virtually every other product in the Clevis, Cotter & Quick Release Pins category.

What Makes Sea Catch Different

Most quick release pins rely on springs, detent balls, or brute-force mechanisms that become harder to operate as the load increases. Sea Catch takes a fundamentally different approach. Each unit is precision-cut from aerospace-grade stainless steel plate using computer-generated tooling, resulting in a springless, low-friction toggle mechanism that actually becomes easier to release as load geometry is engaged — not harder. The design is protected under U.S. Patent No. 5901990, underscoring its originality in a crowded market.

Key engineering features that set Sea Catch apart in this category include:

• No springs — eliminates the most common point of failure in quick release hardware
• Multi-directional release capability — can be tripped perpendicular or parallel to the load axis
• Hitch-pin safety lock — prevents inadvertent release during transport or rough conditions
• Low-friction lanyard release — smooth, predictable operation even under extreme tension
• Common shackle connection — compatible with standard marine shackle sizes for easy integration
• 5:1 safety factor — working load limits are set at one-fifth of the tested break load

The TR Series: A Range Built for Every Application

Sea Catch's TR (Toggle Release) product line spans an impressive range of capacities, from the compact TR3 with a working load limit of 1,302 lbs all the way up to the TR18 rated at over 154,000 lbs. Models like the TR5, TR7, TR8, and TR10 cover the mid-range marine and commercial fishing applications that most boaters and crew members encounter. Large Mouth (LM) variants feature an enlarged jaw opening to accommodate oversized shackles or heavy thimbles, while air- and hydraulic-actuated models allow for automated or remote-controlled release systems in specialized installations.

The result is a quick release pin system that has earned the trust of engineers and crews worldwide across industries as varied as commercial fishing, towing, buoy laying, subsea vehicle deployment, and even film production special effects. Some units in the field have exceeded 5,000 release cycles and remain in active service — a testament to the durability of the springless, precision-cut stainless steel design.

Why Sea Catch Belongs in Your Marine Hardware Kit

For anyone who has struggled with a seized pelican hook or a corroded cotter pin at the worst possible moment, Sea Catch represents a meaningful upgrade. The toggle release concept is purpose-built for releasing under load — a scenario where conventional pins and shackles create serious risk. Whether you're working a commercial deck or maintaining a recreational vessel's safety systems, Sea Catch's quick release hardware brings professional-grade reliability to a task where failure is not an option.