[C320-list] Additiional ignition keys or replacement ignition switch

[Beverly Wright]

Joel, thanks for your reply.  I searched the prior forum postings and saw
the same comments/questions you pose in a discussion called "[C320-list]
Ignition Key Problem" but can't see that anyone actually did that.  Some of
the later models have a button to start.  I couldn't understand the entire
discussion or what the original issue was. I agree that the key is in an
awkward position (broke my floating key chain, hence my concern).  I am not
capable of doing any modifications myself nor assessing the difficulty or
possibility of what you suggest. PS. I'm not nervous about security where my
boat is.

 

Bev

 

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
Of Joel Krauska
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2015 8:59 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Additiional ignition keys or replacement ignition
switch

 

Along these lines: Has anyone considered just bypassing the key entirely?

 

The weird angle makes it awkward to use a keyfob float.  Keys get
rusty/lost/etc.

 

Are people really stopped from stealing boats just because they have to get
past some flimsy locks to open a nav table and find the engine key?

 

I was thinking of replacing the starter key with an on/off switch and a
'glow' button.

 

If I was nervous about security, maybe a secret key somewhere closer to the
engine would be a better bet?

 

 

Is boat theft a big problem or am I being naive here?  Maybe an insurance
issue?

 

--J

 

 

 

On Thu, Apr 30, 2015 at 5:50 PM, Beverly Wright <
<mailto:bev.wright at verizon.net> bev.wright at verizon.net>

wrote:

 

> I have a Perkins engine and the ignition switch has four wires, one of 

> which goes to the glow plug so when I turn the key, I hold it in the 

> "heater"

> position for 30 secs before turning to the START position.  I wanted 

> an extra key for safety but wasn't able to find a key blank anywhere. 

> Catalina referred me to Dennis Igarashi, Seaward (mentioned in this 

> list before) , and he didn't have any keys so I purchased a new ignition
switch from him.

> But it only has 3 wires and the marine tech company here traced the 

> wires back to the engine and found that the original had 4 wires.  Has 

> anyone found a key replacement or a 4-wire ignition switch, or will 

> the 3-wire somehow work?

> 

> 

> 

> Thanks.

> 

> Bev Wright

> 

> s/v Whoosh #15 (1993)

> 

>