If you put your key in your boat’s ignition system, and it won’t turn or only goes one way, try these things:
- Wiggle the key, make sure you have the correct key, as boat keys tend to look similar.
- Inspect the key, make sure no teeth or cuts on the key are messed up.
- Check another key to see if it works.
- Turn the key upside down, some keys go in upside down compared to what you’re used to.
- Make sure your boat doesn’t have a push in to release or to go in the start position.
- Check the key on other things that are locked. Some boat ignition keys also unlock storage boxes on your boat.
- Make sure it’s the right key. Boats can come with multiple keys that all look the same but unlock different parts of the boat.
- Double-check your boat battery to make sure it’s good.
- Make sure it’s not a bad starter solenoid, you can tell bad battery and bad starter solenoid by the clicks you hear.
- Blow air into the key slot to make sure nothing got stuck in there.
- Spray silicon lubricant (ad) into the key slot and on to the key itself to see if it loosens up and glides in and out better.
- Make sure you’re turning the key the right direction, especially if twin engine, as one key may go in a different direction or not have as many clicks.
Replace The Ignition
If the key ignition, the plastic part the key goes into, is damaged or bad, then you simply replace it.
The process of replacing the ignition system for most boats is super easy. Unscrew a nut or screws, replace the wires, and you’re back on the water in 30 minutes max.
Just make sure to get the correct size and correct wire number, some are 3 or 4. The best thing to do is get the set from the manufacturer, as they can often get you the set that matches your other keys if you know the key code.
Boat Key Damaged – Do This
If other keys work but one, then you need to replace that key.
Just about any lock smith or home improvement store can cut you a new key. I tend to go to the ACE Hardware type stores as they have the old-school “follow a guide” key cutters as they tend to do better for these non-car keys.
Sometimes, if you know the key code, you can search places like eBay and find copies of your keys there. While each boat key is unique, they’re not that unique, as covered here.
Skip The Boat Key
Unless the boat has a digital key, and you know what you’re doing, you can bypass the keys switch and connect the right wires to jump start your boat.
Boat security is not the highest coming from many boat manufacturers, which confuses me. That is why I use a motorcycle alarm on my boat when I dock it and hide an AirTag in it. It maybe paranoia, but I do sleep better.
Boat Security Sucks
Just a rant, but security on most boats sucks.
Here are just a few pet peeves and rants of mine when it comes to keys and security of boats.
- Locations: Boats are often in marinas or on private docks where there’s a natural barrier to unauthorized access, so many boat manufacturers don’t feel the need for better keys or security.
- Simpler Ignition Systems: Many older boats, especially smaller ones, have simple keyed systems. This is changing with newer boats, but retrofitting an older boat with a more complex ignition system can be costly and complicated.
- Lack of Standardization: Unlike the automotive industry, which has a few major players that produce vast numbers of vehicles, the boating industry is more fragmented. This means there’s less standardization in terms of security features.
- Cost Considerations: Boating is already an expensive hobby. Adding complex security systems can increase the cost more.
- Boats Are Not Used Much: Many boat owners use their boats infrequently. This can lead to a mindset of “it’s only for a few days a year, so why invest in advanced security?”
- Insurance: Boat insurance can sometimes cover theft, so some owners might feel that they don’t need to invest in advanced security features if they’re covered in the event of a loss.
- Lack of Knowledge: Not all boat owners are aware or even care how lacking boat security is or what to do about it.