Uflex Hatch Hardware

Uflex Hatch Hardware: Engineered for the Marine Environment

When it comes to accessing engine compartments, peak tanks, and hatch beams aboard a pleasure craft, the mechanism lifting that hatch matters far more than most boaters realize. Uflex USA — a Florida-based manufacturer with roots going back to 1989 — brings the same engineering discipline that defines its steering and control systems to its line of hatch hardware. The result is a focused collection of electromechanical hatch lifters purpose-built for the demands of the marine world.

The AV Series: A Workhorse Hatch Lifter Line

The flagship of Uflex's hatch hardware lineup is the AV Series of electrical hatch lifters. These electromechanical actuators are specifically designed for marine use on pleasure boats, enabling full or partial opening and closing of heavy engine hatches, peak tanks, and hatch beams. The AV and AVL hatch lifters feature anodized aluminum and stainless steel construction, materials selected to resist the corrosion and moisture that are constant adversaries in any marine application. In a single-actuator installation, AV Series lifters can handle up to 265 lbs., with dual-installation configurations capable of managing up to 530 lbs.

One standout feature of the AV Series is a manual override capability that allows the hatch to be lifted even in the event of a power failure — a critical safety consideration when you need access to an engine compartment at anchor or in an emergency. For high-performance boats where vibration and speed could cause inadvertent hatch opening, Uflex offers the AVL “Locking Version”, which adds a positive lock to keep the hatch securely closed while underway. All AV Series lifters ship with mounting hardware included.

The Ulysses Series: Advanced Electromechanical Performance

For applications demanding even greater sophistication, Uflex offers the Ulysses Series of electrical hatch lifters. Like the AV line, the Ulysses Series units are electromechanical products designed specifically for marine use, providing controlled opening and closing of heavy hatches with precision. The U1812 model, for example, features an aluminum ram, a built-in circuit breaker to prevent accidental overloading, and an electronic stop at both the closed and full-open positions — safeguards that protect both the hardware and the vessel. It carries an IP 65 protection rating, confirming its suitability for the wet, salt-laden environment found on most boats, and operates on a standard 12V DC system.

Why Uflex Stands Out in Hatch Hardware

Uflex USA's credibility in hatch hardware is inseparable from its broader reputation in the marine industry. As an affiliate of the Ultraflex Group — which has been active in the marine industry since 1935 — Uflex draws on deep engineering resources across hydraulics, electronics, and marine-grade materials. Today, Uflex products are found as original installed equipment on many of the most widely recognized boat brands in the world, a testament to the engineering standards the company upholds across every product category, including hatch hardware.

• Anodized aluminum and stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance
• Manual override on AV Series for safe access during power failure
• Locking AVL version for high-performance boat applications
• IP 65-rated protection on Ulysses Series models
• Built-in circuit breaker and electronic end-stop safety features
• 12V DC operation compatible with standard marine electrical systems
• All mounting hardware included

Whether you are upgrading a cruiser's engine hatch or speccing out hardware for a performance build, Uflex's hatch hardware line delivers the reliability and marine-grade durability that serious boaters expect.