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Author Topic:   Managing All Those Boat Keys

PeteB88 posted 08-28-2009 08:46 AM ET (US)
With three Whalers, two hitch ball sizes, hitch locks and tow vehicle does anyone have any suggestions on how to manage all those goll dang keys? I have keys to the console locks, gas cap, boat key, hitch lock for the 17, keys for the 13 and other misc locks. I wind up with a fist full of keys and always on the hunt for them. I have gas keys on one floating fob for 17 and ignition and console on another.

I am trying to standardize keys for hitches and coupler except 17 has surge brake coupler and hard to find a shackle except straight one that works.
Ideas? tips and tricks
an86carrera posted 08-28-2009 09:22 AM ET (US)
Keys for the boat stay in the boat, keys for the trailer stay in the tow vehicle.
Len
PeteB88 posted 08-28-2009 10:20 AM ET (US)
Totally logical. My cousin would be self employed in Florida within 20 minutes if he and his boys knew you Florida guys left all your keys in your boats and vehicles.
pglein posted 08-28-2009 10:50 AM ET (US)
For me, each boat has it's own key chain with floating fob. It contains all the keys associated with that boat, including trailer hitch locks and lockers. I don't do locking gas caps.
In addition to that, my "main" key chain, has a compact copy of the ignition and hitch locks for both boats. That way, if I ever forget the boat key ring (which happens from time to time), I can at least still go out.
My "main" key chain has 13 keys and one keyless-entry fob on it, and I find it plenty manageable. I buy the decorated keys when possible (I prefer sports team logos) to help keep track of what's for what (works well with rental houses).
Scott Grey posted 08-28-2009 04:50 PM ET (US)
You need to replace hitch pins with a combination lock and for the tongue lock as well. Buy the type you can set to the combination you want and make them all match. If you cant find them use standard combination padlocks you can set. They make them small enough to fit in the pin hole on a standard hitch pin or drill it out a little to put a larger lock. No keys to mix up, no keys period!! Just grab the keys for the tow vehicle and the boat and DONE!
My 2 cents!
lakeman posted 08-29-2009 07:09 AM ET (US)
Get programmable Combination locks for everything possible. I wish I had that too many boat problem. I can only afford one boat, that is enough, but if I had the problem,I would get the, different colored floating key keepers, the ones with a water proof container. Now keep a $50 bill in each one for emergency money, and a copy of your AAA travel assist number in there also(door unlock etc). Well I guess the number could be programed into your cell phone.
fishgutz posted 08-29-2009 09:14 AM ET (US)
If you can't figure out what to do with all your keys, it makes me wonder about your ability to operate a boat.
It's not rocket surgery.
PeteB88 posted 08-29-2009 03:02 PM ET (US)
fish - No need to take a personal shot at me, pal. There is such a vast amount of experience using Hebert's website I thought it was a fair question. This includes some boaters/Whaler owners who live on the water, can run their boats everyday and have a 12 month season. I just figured some of the innovators out there in Whaler -land might have some ideas.

I can handle my boats just fine, been running small boats since I was a kid - a long time ago. I have an 11.5 (no keys), 13 (keys) and 17 (lots of keys) and other trailer.
As for keys, I have lots of keys and although I can run my boat and life pretty well, I need key management advice.
I hope you have a better day.
fishgutz posted 08-29-2009 03:05 PM ET (US)
I'm having a great day. You just made mine.
fishgutz posted 08-29-2009 03:53 PM ET (US)
Ok I'm very sorry. I'll be serious and help.
They have these things called key rings. You can put all the keys for one boat on one of these key rings. Hang said key ring in a cabinet in your house on a little hook. You can even write something above the hook like "Keys for 17" or "Keys for 13".
If you need some things like padlocks to use the same key, thus cutting down on the number of total keys and making one key open various locks, you can go to almost any hardware store and get several locks "keyed alike". That means you can use one key for several locks.
***Another good tip***This is a good one. Don't waste money on fancy locking pins for your drawbar. Just use a standard pin and make the cotter pin hole just big enough to accept a standard padlock.
My car/trailer setup uses 3 padlocks. All are keyed alike. One for the drawbar pin, one for the lever on the trailer, and one for the swing tongue. A 4 pack of No.1 or No.3 Master locks is very reasonably priced and prepackaged at the hardware store. That gives me one extra lock to suit my fancy.
So that's one key for the trailer, one for the ignition, one for the tackle drawer, one for the console door and one of those McGard lugnut keys for the spare (kept in glove box of tow vehicle). Basically turning 7 keys into 4. Or 6 into 3 but who's counting?
Another cool tip but I haven't worked all the bugs out. Use a Dymo Laser label maker and use the white plastic label cartridge. Type something like "Whaler 17" and about 15 spaces. Or "Whaler 17" 5 spaces and "Whaler 17" again. Print label and put it around the keyring folding it over onto itself to make a nifty tag that is waterproof. The only snag I've found is for some reason the glue doesn't stick real good to itself. It'll stick to anything else but when you fold the label over the glue side doesn't adhere to the other glue side quite as well.
Good luck man.
HAPPYJIM posted 08-29-2009 04:12 PM ET (US)
I bought a package of various colors of key markers. They come in different sizes for different keys. You pick out the tightest fitting marker and write on it with a Sharpie. You then dip it in boiling water and the marker shrinks around the key nice and tight. A package of 25 was around 10 bucks.
TransAm posted 08-29-2009 04:40 PM ET (US)

quote:
It's not rocket surgery.
Hey gutz, I'd focus on getting your sarcastic comments straight. What's rocket surgery anyway. Makes us wonder....LOL
R T M posted 08-29-2009 05:20 PM ET (US)
Hey Pete, what`s with all the keys. I figured you were a rope starter guy. I know you start your car by jumping the solenoid with a screw driver. You gettin upscale in your new neighborhood.
Its not brain science. LOL
fishgutz posted 08-29-2009 05:27 PM ET (US)
Hey transam,
You wouldn't know sarcasm if it bit you in the...well if it bit you. You guys are killin' me. My son's old band director used to say, "It ain't rocket scientry."
Oh yeah, take it from HAPPYJIM. Color coding works very good too. I use those cheap rubbery ring thingies that fit around the top of the key.
Think of innovative ways to adapt those No.1 and 3 Master locks to fit your needs. Always get a few more keyed alike locks then you need. Either you will lose one or you will find a need for one or two more.
Slick 50 posted 08-29-2009 07:16 PM ET (US)

Quote: Its not brain science.
Very good.
TransAm posted 08-29-2009 08:47 PM ET (US)
Oh, I get it now. An all this time I thought sarcasm was suppose to be funny.
fishgutz posted 08-29-2009 08:49 PM ET (US)
It is?
PeteB88 posted 08-30-2009 10:30 AM ET (US)
You guys have f'd up my self-xtreme. Thanks alot. Screw these boats, Life was simpler and better w/ my 9.5 Johnson and an old Crestliner and a drift boat w/ sitka spruce oars. Rich is right - I'm going back to rope. Plus I used to catch l lot more fish too.
Perhaps I should have just called a locksmith to see if he can key two sets of Master Locks (or if there was a manufacturer of hitch and ball locks besides Master I have not heard of) to one key instead of relying on so-called friends.
I've seen many threads on this site a hell of a lot dumber and lame-er than this one.
88. Out.
R T M posted 08-30-2009 10:45 AM ET (US)
Ease up man, this thread is not dumb at all, maybe a bit simplistic, but not dumb. After all, sometimes you need to start some threads that the folks that cannot answer the technical questions that you, me, and others ask. A thread like this give the 3rd stringers a chance to play. After all, everyone knows how to use a key. LOL
rich/Binkie
RJG posted 08-30-2009 11:13 AM ET (US)
I use different colored floats on my key rings. Green for the 13 sport, red for the 18 Outrage and yellow for the Hydra-Sport. Big and easy to see.
PeteB88 posted 08-30-2009 12:34 PM ET (US)
I meant to spell Self- EXteme not extreme.
Thanks Rich
andygere posted 08-30-2009 02:15 PM ET (US)
I seem to have a lot of boat related keys, many of which are for the trailer, dock box, dock gate, and various non-boat locks. On the boat itself there are 2 ignition keys, the cuddy lock, the console locks and the radio box lock.
I have two identical strings of keys. Each one uses a quick release separator, that combines 2 key rings but can be quickly parted. On one side is the 2 ignition keys and nothing else. On the other is the other big gang of keys. I have double floats on the auxiliary key side, but should probably check to see if it is enough to float it all. When I get on the boat, I separate the ignition keys and put them into the key switches. The other half goes in my pocket. The second full set of keys goes in a semi-open storage box on top of my console.
In general, I like this system, but it could be improved. The next iteration will be to have a 3-way separating key string, with the trailer related keys on one ring, ignition on another and boat/dock keys on a third. Despite the large number of keys, I seem to be able to identify them visually and pretty much know what key goes where. Hope this helps.
brisboats posted 08-30-2009 02:57 PM ET (US)
No keys at all for me. I use a boat with a thumbprint recognition ignition system. Unfortunately it recognizes everyone Else's thumbprint too.
brian
PeteB88 posted 08-30-2009 07:44 PM ET (US)
Andy - now that's what I'm talking about - I knew there'd be some fresh info on this thread. I also found a great key hanger in Men's Journal I will get.
HAPPYJIM posted 08-30-2009 08:14 PM ET (US)
Here's some good storage solutions on the cheap and not so cheap.
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=key+box
PeteB88 posted 08-30-2009 11:11 PM ET (US)
Now we're loggin'
pglein posted 08-31-2009 11:39 AM ET (US)
I just wish the locks I'd bought for the front and side doors on my center console used the same key. I wonder if it can be re-keyed for anything approaching a reasonable price.
contender posted 08-31-2009 11:48 AM ET (US)
If you have the same engines on your boat, rekey them to use the same key, use the same locks, same key, same key for the ignition. Now no matter which ring you have/grab it will match any of your boats/trailers. good luck
Tohsgib posted 08-31-2009 12:42 PM ET (US)
Pete I agree with Len. If my boat is sitting in my driveway under a cover and trailer is locked and blocked in, what difference does it matter if the key is in it? The ONLY thing I could see is a prankster uncovering the boat, find the key, prime the bulb, and start the engine and running away...c'mon.
PeteB88 posted 08-31-2009 03:54 PM ET (US)
Yep, you're right biggie. That is one rotten prank. My wife is a middle school principal. She fell in love with the house we bought last year. She insisted that we live in the community that pays her salary. There were a ton of houses available - she just had to have the house we bought - it is just right for us. Except (as far as I'm concerned) it's too close to her school - three blocks!! I told her - "when I was in Jr High School and I knew where the principal lived... man that house would be ground zero for eggin' bustin windows, bleaching out the lawn, TP'in, and worse. I told her the first time there is toilet paper in my trees you are going to clean that stuff up.
Then the kids sent a search party to knock on my front door. I just got back from river fishin and no shave etc. They asked if the principal lived here - I said "who wants to know?" and kept them around for about 10 minutes messin' with them. Finally I said - "my security cameras have had enough time to record all of you jokers..." and they took off running like hell.
Hell yes i've thought what a rottne thing to do - find keys in an boat ignition and fire it up out of the water... Rotten.
Back in the day when we used to shred (statute of limitations long gone) we used to say "you can't outrun those Motorolas..." now everything is security cameras. No wonder youth are angry.
F' the keys - close this stupid thread. Last time I start one on margaritas!!!
K Albus posted 08-31-2009 04:13 PM ET (US)
Pete, you might want to try one of these for each boat: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07023.html Just try to keep them out of your month after you've been drinking margaritas (choking hazard).
fishgutz posted 08-31-2009 04:43 PM ET (US)
Bottom line, you're going to look like a janitor no matter what.
I have several different rings with various keys for different activities. At least all my padlocks are keyed alike. When I need more than one ring they go on a cheap carabiner.
If it goes on a belt loop I look like a janitor. If it goes in my pocket, chicks won't leave me alone.
The Chesapeake Explorer posted 09-04-2009 11:17 PM ET (US)
I have been a govt locksmith for the past 34 years. And keys are still a hassle. Yes Ive got a big ring myself and thats my personal ring. Work wise forget it. I could tote a ring with 500 and it would not be enough. I have about 5 master padlocks on my whaler hitch I keyed them all alike to my Master # 34 hitch lock so at least there all the same. You can buy keyed alike padlocks from Master lock and others at hardware stores and locksmiths. The two cam locks on my 17 classic Montauk were keyed alike from the factory. There were made by Chicago lock co. and are a slightly hard to find "6 tumbler" wafer key blank many of you may not now that about those locks on your teak access doors. The ING key is differnt so my whalers floating key ring has a Master padlock hitch key, Chicago key, a Yamaha key and two door keys to my 2003 and 1992 Chevy trucks. More keys are in each truck in case of emg. Then there's the home keys. Shop key ect. Oh well like you say a lot of keys. Setting up sets color coding all can help. Grinding notches on the sides of the keys to Id them too. Just everybody be glad there not all "transponder" type with the computer chips in the head and cost 60 dollars a pop programmed into your padlocks, hitches ect!
My best advice to anybody buying a new car. !. get extra keys even if there 60 dollars each. When you neogotiate the deal see if they will throw in a couple extra. At todays prices thats a good thing.with the computer anti theft systems getting replacements is not what it used to be so be prepared with extras.
Wow! you have have many teen age kids driving? $$$$ keys alone!
R T M posted 09-05-2009 12:08 AM ET (US)
Set up your trailer like CE says with keyed alike pad locks. Then set up your ignition and starting with a pull switch for the ignition and a toggle switch for the starting. Maybe need another toggle for the choke or fuel enricher. Mount them on the dash, simple to do. I had an old truck I set up that way many years ago. I loved it. They do it like that on race cars and inboard race boats. You only will have one key to lose,
Funny thing, the 150DT Suzuki I had on my bass boat never had a key. Just turn the switch on the controls and the motor starts, Push it for choke. It was OE too. Keys are a pain.
rich/Binkie

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Author	Topic: Managing All Those Boat Keys
PeteB88	posted 08-28-2009 08:46 AM ET (US) With three Whalers, two hitch ball sizes, hitch locks and tow vehicle does anyone have any suggestions on how to manage all those goll dang keys? I have keys to the console locks, gas cap, boat key, hitch lock for the 17, keys for the 13 and other misc locks. I wind up with a fist full of keys and always on the hunt for them. I have gas keys on one floating fob for 17 and ignition and console on another. I am trying to standardize keys for hitches and coupler except 17 has surge brake coupler and hard to find a shackle except straight one that works. Ideas? tips and tricks
an86carrera	posted 08-28-2009 09:22 AM ET (US) Keys for the boat stay in the boat, keys for the trailer stay in the tow vehicle. Len
PeteB88	posted 08-28-2009 10:20 AM ET (US) Totally logical. My cousin would be self employed in Florida within 20 minutes if he and his boys knew you Florida guys left all your keys in your boats and vehicles.
pglein	posted 08-28-2009 10:50 AM ET (US) For me, each boat has it's own key chain with floating fob. It contains all the keys associated with that boat, including trailer hitch locks and lockers. I don't do locking gas caps. In addition to that, my "main" key chain, has a compact copy of the ignition and hitch locks for both boats. That way, if I ever forget the boat key ring (which happens from time to time), I can at least still go out. My "main" key chain has 13 keys and one keyless-entry fob on it, and I find it plenty manageable. I buy the decorated keys when possible (I prefer sports team logos) to help keep track of what's for what (works well with rental houses).
Scott Grey	posted 08-28-2009 04:50 PM ET (US) You need to replace hitch pins with a combination lock and for the tongue lock as well. Buy the type you can set to the combination you want and make them all match. If you cant find them use standard combination padlocks you can set. They make them small enough to fit in the pin hole on a standard hitch pin or drill it out a little to put a larger lock. No keys to mix up, no keys period!! Just grab the keys for the tow vehicle and the boat and DONE! My 2 cents!
lakeman	posted 08-29-2009 07:09 AM ET (US) Get programmable Combination locks for everything possible. I wish I had that too many boat problem. I can only afford one boat, that is enough, but if I had the problem,I would get the, different colored floating key keepers, the ones with a water proof container. Now keep a $50 bill in each one for emergency money, and a copy of your AAA travel assist number in there also(door unlock etc). Well I guess the number could be programed into your cell phone.
fishgutz	posted 08-29-2009 09:14 AM ET (US) If you can't figure out what to do with all your keys, it makes me wonder about your ability to operate a boat. It's not rocket surgery.
PeteB88	posted 08-29-2009 03:02 PM ET (US) fish - No need to take a personal shot at me, pal. There is such a vast amount of experience using Hebert's website I thought it was a fair question. This includes some boaters/Whaler owners who live on the water, can run their boats everyday and have a 12 month season. I just figured some of the innovators out there in Whaler -land might have some ideas. I can handle my boats just fine, been running small boats since I was a kid - a long time ago. I have an 11.5 (no keys), 13 (keys) and 17 (lots of keys) and other trailer. As for keys, I have lots of keys and although I can run my boat and life pretty well, I need key management advice. I hope you have a better day.
fishgutz	posted 08-29-2009 03:05 PM ET (US) I'm having a great day. You just made mine.
fishgutz	posted 08-29-2009 03:53 PM ET (US) Ok I'm very sorry. I'll be serious and help. They have these things called key rings. You can put all the keys for one boat on one of these key rings. Hang said key ring in a cabinet in your house on a little hook. You can even write something above the hook like "Keys for 17" or "Keys for 13". If you need some things like padlocks to use the same key, thus cutting down on the number of total keys and making one key open various locks, you can go to almost any hardware store and get several locks "keyed alike". That means you can use one key for several locks. *Another good tip*This is a good one. Don't waste money on fancy locking pins for your drawbar. Just use a standard pin and make the cotter pin hole just big enough to accept a standard padlock. My car/trailer setup uses 3 padlocks. All are keyed alike. One for the drawbar pin, one for the lever on the trailer, and one for the swing tongue. A 4 pack of No.1 or No.3 Master locks is very reasonably priced and prepackaged at the hardware store. That gives me one extra lock to suit my fancy. So that's one key for the trailer, one for the ignition, one for the tackle drawer, one for the console door and one of those McGard lugnut keys for the spare (kept in glove box of tow vehicle). Basically turning 7 keys into 4. Or 6 into 3 but who's counting? Another cool tip but I haven't worked all the bugs out. Use a Dymo Laser label maker and use the white plastic label cartridge. Type something like "Whaler 17" and about 15 spaces. Or "Whaler 17" 5 spaces and "Whaler 17" again. Print label and put it around the keyring folding it over onto itself to make a nifty tag that is waterproof. The only snag I've found is for some reason the glue doesn't stick real good to itself. It'll stick to anything else but when you fold the label over the glue side doesn't adhere to the other glue side quite as well. Good luck man.
HAPPYJIM	posted 08-29-2009 04:12 PM ET (US) I bought a package of various colors of key markers. They come in different sizes for different keys. You pick out the tightest fitting marker and write on it with a Sharpie. You then dip it in boiling water and the marker shrinks around the key nice and tight. A package of 25 was around 10 bucks.
TransAm	posted 08-29-2009 04:40 PM ET (US) quote: It's not rocket surgery. Hey gutz, I'd focus on getting your sarcastic comments straight. What's rocket surgery anyway. Makes us wonder....LOL
R T M	posted 08-29-2009 05:20 PM ET (US) Hey Pete, what`s with all the keys. I figured you were a rope starter guy. I know you start your car by jumping the solenoid with a screw driver. You gettin upscale in your new neighborhood. Its not brain science. LOL
fishgutz	posted 08-29-2009 05:27 PM ET (US) Hey transam, You wouldn't know sarcasm if it bit you in the...well if it bit you. You guys are killin' me. My son's old band director used to say, "It ain't rocket scientry." Oh yeah, take it from HAPPYJIM. Color coding works very good too. I use those cheap rubbery ring thingies that fit around the top of the key. Think of innovative ways to adapt those No.1 and 3 Master locks to fit your needs. Always get a few more keyed alike locks then you need. Either you will lose one or you will find a need for one or two more.
Slick 50	posted 08-29-2009 07:16 PM ET (US) Quote: Its not brain science. Very good.
TransAm	posted 08-29-2009 08:47 PM ET (US) Oh, I get it now. An all this time I thought sarcasm was suppose to be funny.
fishgutz	posted 08-29-2009 08:49 PM ET (US) It is?
PeteB88	posted 08-30-2009 10:30 AM ET (US) You guys have f'd up my self-xtreme. Thanks alot. Screw these boats, Life was simpler and better w/ my 9.5 Johnson and an old Crestliner and a drift boat w/ sitka spruce oars. Rich is right - I'm going back to rope. Plus I used to catch l lot more fish too. Perhaps I should have just called a locksmith to see if he can key two sets of Master Locks (or if there was a manufacturer of hitch and ball locks besides Master I have not heard of) to one key instead of relying on so-called friends. I've seen many threads on this site a hell of a lot dumber and lame-er than this one. 88. Out.
R T M	posted 08-30-2009 10:45 AM ET (US) Ease up man, this thread is not dumb at all, maybe a bit simplistic, but not dumb. After all, sometimes you need to start some threads that the folks that cannot answer the technical questions that you, me, and others ask. A thread like this give the 3rd stringers a chance to play. After all, everyone knows how to use a key. LOL rich/Binkie
RJG	posted 08-30-2009 11:13 AM ET (US) I use different colored floats on my key rings. Green for the 13 sport, red for the 18 Outrage and yellow for the Hydra-Sport. Big and easy to see.
PeteB88	posted 08-30-2009 12:34 PM ET (US) I meant to spell Self- EXteme not extreme. Thanks Rich
andygere	posted 08-30-2009 02:15 PM ET (US) I seem to have a lot of boat related keys, many of which are for the trailer, dock box, dock gate, and various non-boat locks. On the boat itself there are 2 ignition keys, the cuddy lock, the console locks and the radio box lock. I have two identical strings of keys. Each one uses a quick release separator, that combines 2 key rings but can be quickly parted. On one side is the 2 ignition keys and nothing else. On the other is the other big gang of keys. I have double floats on the auxiliary key side, but should probably check to see if it is enough to float it all. When I get on the boat, I separate the ignition keys and put them into the key switches. The other half goes in my pocket. The second full set of keys goes in a semi-open storage box on top of my console. In general, I like this system, but it could be improved. The next iteration will be to have a 3-way separating key string, with the trailer related keys on one ring, ignition on another and boat/dock keys on a third. Despite the large number of keys, I seem to be able to identify them visually and pretty much know what key goes where. Hope this helps.
brisboats	posted 08-30-2009 02:57 PM ET (US) No keys at all for me. I use a boat with a thumbprint recognition ignition system. Unfortunately it recognizes everyone Else's thumbprint too. brian
PeteB88	posted 08-30-2009 07:44 PM ET (US) Andy - now that's what I'm talking about - I knew there'd be some fresh info on this thread. I also found a great key hanger in Men's Journal I will get.
HAPPYJIM	posted 08-30-2009 08:14 PM ET (US) Here's some good storage solutions on the cheap and not so cheap. http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=key+box
PeteB88	posted 08-30-2009 11:11 PM ET (US) Now we're loggin'
pglein	posted 08-31-2009 11:39 AM ET (US) I just wish the locks I'd bought for the front and side doors on my center console used the same key. I wonder if it can be re-keyed for anything approaching a reasonable price.
contender	posted 08-31-2009 11:48 AM ET (US) If you have the same engines on your boat, rekey them to use the same key, use the same locks, same key, same key for the ignition. Now no matter which ring you have/grab it will match any of your boats/trailers. good luck
Tohsgib	posted 08-31-2009 12:42 PM ET (US) Pete I agree with Len. If my boat is sitting in my driveway under a cover and trailer is locked and blocked in, what difference does it matter if the key is in it? The ONLY thing I could see is a prankster uncovering the boat, find the key, prime the bulb, and start the engine and running away...c'mon.
PeteB88	posted 08-31-2009 03:54 PM ET (US) Yep, you're right biggie. That is one rotten prank. My wife is a middle school principal. She fell in love with the house we bought last year. She insisted that we live in the community that pays her salary. There were a ton of houses available - she just had to have the house we bought - it is just right for us. Except (as far as I'm concerned) it's too close to her school - three blocks!! I told her - "when I was in Jr High School and I knew where the principal lived... man that house would be ground zero for eggin' bustin windows, bleaching out the lawn, TP'in, and worse. I told her the first time there is toilet paper in my trees you are going to clean that stuff up. Then the kids sent a search party to knock on my front door. I just got back from river fishin and no shave etc. They asked if the principal lived here - I said "who wants to know?" and kept them around for about 10 minutes messin' with them. Finally I said - "my security cameras have had enough time to record all of you jokers..." and they took off running like hell. Hell yes i've thought what a rottne thing to do - find keys in an boat ignition and fire it up out of the water... Rotten. Back in the day when we used to shred (statute of limitations long gone) we used to say "you can't outrun those Motorolas..." now everything is security cameras. No wonder youth are angry. F' the keys - close this stupid thread. Last time I start one on margaritas!!!
K Albus	posted 08-31-2009 04:13 PM ET (US) Pete, you might want to try one of these for each boat: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07023.html Just try to keep them out of your month after you've been drinking margaritas (choking hazard).
fishgutz	posted 08-31-2009 04:43 PM ET (US) Bottom line, you're going to look like a janitor no matter what. I have several different rings with various keys for different activities. At least all my padlocks are keyed alike. When I need more than one ring they go on a cheap carabiner. If it goes on a belt loop I look like a janitor. If it goes in my pocket, chicks won't leave me alone.
The Chesapeake Explorer	posted 09-04-2009 11:17 PM ET (US) I have been a govt locksmith for the past 34 years. And keys are still a hassle. Yes Ive got a big ring myself and thats my personal ring. Work wise forget it. I could tote a ring with 500 and it would not be enough. I have about 5 master padlocks on my whaler hitch I keyed them all alike to my Master # 34 hitch lock so at least there all the same. You can buy keyed alike padlocks from Master lock and others at hardware stores and locksmiths. The two cam locks on my 17 classic Montauk were keyed alike from the factory. There were made by Chicago lock co. and are a slightly hard to find "6 tumbler" wafer key blank many of you may not now that about those locks on your teak access doors. The ING key is differnt so my whalers floating key ring has a Master padlock hitch key, Chicago key, a Yamaha key and two door keys to my 2003 and 1992 Chevy trucks. More keys are in each truck in case of emg. Then there's the home keys. Shop key ect. Oh well like you say a lot of keys. Setting up sets color coding all can help. Grinding notches on the sides of the keys to Id them too. Just everybody be glad there not all "transponder" type with the computer chips in the head and cost 60 dollars a pop programmed into your padlocks, hitches ect! My best advice to anybody buying a new car. !. get extra keys even if there 60 dollars each. When you neogotiate the deal see if they will throw in a couple extra. At todays prices thats a good thing.with the computer anti theft systems getting replacements is not what it used to be so be prepared with extras. Wow! you have have many teen age kids driving? $$$$ keys alone!
R T M	posted 09-05-2009 12:08 AM ET (US) Set up your trailer like CE says with keyed alike pad locks. Then set up your ignition and starting with a pull switch for the ignition and a toggle switch for the starting. Maybe need another toggle for the choke or fuel enricher. Mount them on the dash, simple to do. I had an old truck I set up that way many years ago. I loved it. They do it like that on race cars and inboard race boats. You only will have one key to lose, Funny thing, the 150DT Suzuki I had on my bass boat never had a key. Just turn the switch on the controls and the motor starts, Push it for choke. It was OE too. Keys are a pain. rich/Binkie