Getting engine keys cut for Volvo Penta

[scotts_mist]

Our Tomahawk 25 came with just one key for the Volvo Penta engine.

Normally SWMBO keeps it in her car (perhaps to stop me going without her? Or more likely 'cos I have a memory like a sieve and would lose it in no time if I was the trusted key guardian).

Anyway, anyone know where to go to get a spare cut? Can a local locksmith do it or do they need sending off somewhere?

Picture attached.

 

[nigelmercier]

I keep mine on board.

I'd try getting a blank key first.

To quote Harry Hill: “What is it about people who repair shoes, that make them so good at cutting keys?”

 

[Highndry]

Our Tomahawk 25 came with just one key for the Volvo Penta engine.

Normally SWMBO keeps it in her car (perhaps to stop me going without her? Or more likely 'cos I have a memory like a sieve and would lose it in no time if I was the trusted key guardian).

Anyway, anyone know where to go to get a spare cut? Can a local locksmith do it or do they need sending off somewhere?

Picture attached.

The make of the engine is probably a bit irrelevant, it's the make of the switch that will matter. Take the key into your local Timpsons and the chap behind the counter will be able to tell you straight away if it's a stock blank or a special order.

And if Harry Hill wants to know what makes cobblers good at cutting keys, he should read John Timpson's autobiography. It's a good read.
Harry might well ask what is it about doctors that makes them so good at narrating You've Been Framed?

 

[Burnham Bob]

second vote for Timpsons - they do seem to know what they are doing with regard to engine and car keys

 

[Stemar]

Thinking a bit laterally, does a boat engine really need a key switch?

Jissel has one, but I doubt it would take me more than 5 minutes to bypass it if I had to. I know a good many boats, some quite recent and expensive that don't.

I have a cunning plan to move my "ignition" switch, warning lights and stop control outside this winter, so they're easier to access if I need to start the donk in a hurry, and the key will go. Security will be provided by a hidden switch below that will remain on whenever we aren't attached to land. I reckon it'll be a hellava lot more secure than a highly visible key switch mounted in a panel that's secured by a few screws.

 

[VicS]

Thinking a bit laterally, does a boat engine really need a key switch?

/QUOTE]

Not all the Volvo Penta panels have key switches so the answer is no as far as the engine panel goes.

Battery isolation, esp with isolating switches with a removable "key", should provide adequate security.

 

[scotts_mist]

Thinking a bit laterally, does a boat engine really need a key switch?

Jissel has one, but I doubt it would take me more than 5 minutes to bypass it if I had to. I know a good many boats, some quite recent and expensive that don't.

I have a cunning plan to move my "ignition" switch, warning lights and stop control outside this winter, so they're easier to access if I need to start the donk in a hurry, and the key will go. Security will be provided by a hidden switch below that will remain on whenever we aren't attached to land. I reckon it'll be a hellava lot more secure than a highly visible key switch mounted in a panel that's secured by a few screws.

True, it doesn't "need" a key. And I'm sure we could hot-wire if we did lose it.

When I'm not sailing, I do a bit of motor sport and in the race car I just have an isolator and a "push to start" switch. Something similar could be "hidden away".

But, the boat has a relatively attractive (and intuitive if any friends borrow the boat) panel, which is probably the only thing on it that actually worked when we bought it. If it ain't broke, why change it, when a spare key would do the job?

I'll give Timpson's a try.

 

[mparrish]

We had Volvo keys cut at Timpsons - they don't have the floating foam 'lump' on them - but they do start the engine. Also about £30 cheaper than Volvo will charge you !!

 

[Grampus]

Mercedes keys are the same profile but you don't get the soft rubber cushion. I got spares cut at the local shop for a few pounds and often use them - they work just fine.

 

[scotts_mist]

As the OP, I thought I'd post a quick update.

I went into Timpsons and was told "Can' do it". But I got the distinct feeling it was more of a "Can't be bothered to do it". So decided to go to another Timpson's branch.

What a difference! They took it as a challenge.

They got out all the "boat key books" (Yes, they actually have books full of pictures of boat keys - I can't help but imagine some anorak who reads boat key books for a hobby).

There is a whole page of various Penta keys. Sadly mine wasn't an exact fit for any of the blanks. So, they were on the phone to a guru somewhere. He guided them through several other books - "what about the Mercedes key on Page 64, no? well try the Toyota/Jibra on Page 42", until they finally tracked down a blank they felt would be something they could work with.

I need to wait until they get that in, but am pretty sure now I'll get some spare keys. And the cost - £12.00 for one but the second is half price - so £18.00 for two keys.

Definitely +1 for all the Timpson recommendations but don't be put off if one branch says no.