Abstract: A latching apparatus for cowls on outboard motors which catches and locks automatically, but can be released by simply pushing with one hand. Two sawtoothed semi-rigid mating parts are oriented with leading edges and mating teeth facing in a manner so that they interfere slightly when mated. As the parts approach each other, opposing teeth ride on each other and slip past one after another until all teeth interlock. Release is accomplished by a slight force transverse to the latching motion, thus disengaging the teeth and allowing withdrawal.