Snapped keys

Rock Dodger

Rock Dodger

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The engine instrument panel is in the cockpit of my boat. Someone with large feet managed to kick the engine key and snap it in two. Long story short the boat was brought safely alongside, the engine was stopped and after a lot of fiddling about, the broken blade was carefully withdrawn from the barrel. I cannot relocate the panel in the cockpit and Sod's Law says breaking a key is likely to happen again. I don't want to build a box around it to prevent a recurrence but a shroud that fitted around the starter keyswitch would be the answer.

Does anyone know where I might get such a device as extracting key fragments and getting new keys cut is a pain?
 
Rock Dodger said:
The engine instrument panel is in the cockpit of my boat. Someone with large feet managed to kick the engine key and snap it in two. Long story short the boat was brought safely alongside, the engine was stopped and after a lot of fiddling about, the broken blade was carefully withdrawn from the barrel. I cannot relocate the panel in the cockpit and Sod's Law says breaking a key is likely to happen again. I don't want to build a box around it to prevent a recurrence but a shroud that fitted around the starter keyswitch would be the answer.

Does anyone know where I might get such a device as extracting key fragments and getting new keys cut is a pain?
Click to expand...
how about a key below deck
 
Hi Rock Dodger,
I used a long D shaped kitchen cabinet drawer pull for this purpose.Another suggestion is a grab handle used by the aged to get out of the bath,but may be available in chandlerys as a s/steel item.Guessing that the engine control panel is not recessed, an acrylic panel overlaid will not work?Two D shaped cabinet handles might be neccessary to give the proptection needed.lastly replace the keyswitch with a pushbutton type.Uses a small push switch to energise the panel then the bigger rubbery contactor to actually engage the starter.Not very difficult if a popular make of engine.Parts may be readily available from OEM.Safer when sailing to not have to worry about keys.Theft angle covered by switching off main battery switches whilst away from vessel.
 
Most keys for panels and boats are pretty standard. Look for a code on it usually a letter or number or 3 and speak with the manufacturer
 
get a small jar and drill a large opening in the lid, big enough to go around your keyhole. Glue lid over keyhole. Insert key, start engine. Then screw jar on. :D
 
Last edited:
Rock Dodger,

I had a boat with a similar instrument / key panel which worried me, some clown - probably me - was guaranteed to step on the key !

I got a simple alloy sheet as wide as the panel about 4" protruding length, bent it at 45 degrees and fitted it above the panel.

This deflected feet, sunlight and rain away from the ignition and instruments.
 
Another vote for getting rid of the key and having a starter button. Much easier to waterproof too.
 
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