Abstract: A boat trailer latch includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a V-notch formed in a front portion of the top and bottom plates, and a latching element having a tooth. The latching element is sandwiched between the top and bottom plates and configured to rotate through the V-notch. The latch also includes a pawl having a rounded notch configured to lock in the tooth of the latching element and prevent the latching element from rotating. The latching element is configured to rotate in a first direction in response to a boat bow hook entering the V-notch so that as the latching element continues to rotate in the first direction the latching element closes behind the boat bow hook, and the tooth of the latching element engages the notch of the pawl so that the latching element is prevented from rotating in a second opposing direction and releasing the bow hook.

Abstract: A boat trailer latch includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a V-notch formed in a front portion of the top and bottom plates, and a latching element having a tooth. The latching element is sandwiched between the top and bottom plates and configured to rotate through the V-notch. The latch also includes a pawl having a rounded notch configured to lock in the tooth of the latching element and prevent the latching element from rotating. The latching element is configured to rotate in a first direction in response to a boat bow hook entering the V-notch so that as the latching element continues to rotate in the first direction the latching element closes behind the boat bow hook, and the tooth of the latching element engages the notch of the pawl so that the latching element is prevented from rotating in a second opposing direction and releasing the bow hook.