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Author Topic:   Lost key for 1981 merc 40

Wayneman posted 01-04-2004 09:04 PM ET (US)
Where do I go to get a duplicate key for the control box for this little beastie? Is it possible? Is there a serial number somewhere in/on the control box that can be traced? Thx!
jimh posted 01-05-2004 08:04 AM ET (US)
See your Mercury dealer. The keys are numbered. If you don't have a currently working key with a number, it may take some trial and error to find the proper one.
Bigshot posted 01-05-2004 11:36 AM ET (US)
On OMC switches there is a small number(like 63) on the ouside of the switch itself. Look to see if Merc does the same. If not, a new keyswitch(& 2 keys) is only like $12 which may be cheaper than 2 new keys from the dealer.
Tom2697 posted 01-05-2004 11:58 AM ET (US)
Bigshot,
While I don't remember if my old Evinrude had the numbers on the tumbler, wouldn't this make it easy to steal a boat? I mean, couldn't someone with access to the keys be able to just look at the number and then get a copy?
Wayneman,
If the numbers are not there, disconnect the switch and go to your dealer. Then try jimh's suggestion with the switch in-hand.
To all,
This is just another reason to lock your boat to the dock or to a tree. If it is this easy to get a key for your boat, it will be just as easy for someone else to do the same.
Wayneman posted 01-05-2004 12:58 PM ET (US)
Thx to all who responded. I am heading to my friendly neighborhood Merc dealer.
Bigshot posted 01-05-2004 01:35 PM ET (US)
Yes Tom unfortuantely if you look at the tip of your keyswitch you will see a 2 digit number. Then look at your key and it will have the same number. Not only is it that easy to get a key, it also easier to hot wire a boat. Best bet is insurance because if they want it, a lock aint gonna stop them.
Tom2697 posted 01-05-2004 02:08 PM ET (US)
A 30-06 will...
adaps4 posted 01-05-2004 10:11 PM ET (US)
Fortunately, that which makes it easy to hotwire, also makes it easy to burglar proof. Just install a switch that makes the control box "live". Now that would be a HOT wire. Might drain your battery though.
wayne baker posted 01-06-2004 12:26 PM ET (US)
I think the number on the merc control box or switch is inside the key slot. If you do not see a number outside the switch get a light and look just inside the key slot.
Steve Leone posted 01-07-2004 12:10 AM ET (US)
Most Mercury control boxes have the key code or # inside the box taped to the side of the key switch (decal). You have to open the control box to see it. There are also Master key sets that are available to dealers. Bring your boat to a Mercury franchise and they should be able to help you. Most boxes take either one of four keys though (I am not telling which ones so don`t get nervous Nick).
Bigshot posted 01-07-2004 11:07 AM ET (US)
I have owned 4 or 5 OMC's with the #66 key. Back when I was a kid, 4 of my friends including myself had the same key #56 on our whalers. We would move their boats just to mess with them.
Wayneman posted 01-07-2004 11:29 AM ET (US)
That sounds like exactly something I would do as an enterprising young scoundrel, Big...

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Author	Topic: Lost key for 1981 merc 40
Wayneman	posted 01-04-2004 09:04 PM ET (US) Where do I go to get a duplicate key for the control box for this little beastie? Is it possible? Is there a serial number somewhere in/on the control box that can be traced? Thx!
jimh	posted 01-05-2004 08:04 AM ET (US) See your Mercury dealer. The keys are numbered. If you don't have a currently working key with a number, it may take some trial and error to find the proper one.
Bigshot	posted 01-05-2004 11:36 AM ET (US) On OMC switches there is a small number(like 63) on the ouside of the switch itself. Look to see if Merc does the same. If not, a new keyswitch(& 2 keys) is only like $12 which may be cheaper than 2 new keys from the dealer.
Tom2697	posted 01-05-2004 11:58 AM ET (US) Bigshot, While I don't remember if my old Evinrude had the numbers on the tumbler, wouldn't this make it easy to steal a boat? I mean, couldn't someone with access to the keys be able to just look at the number and then get a copy? Wayneman, If the numbers are not there, disconnect the switch and go to your dealer. Then try jimh's suggestion with the switch in-hand. To all, This is just another reason to lock your boat to the dock or to a tree. If it is this easy to get a key for your boat, it will be just as easy for someone else to do the same.
Wayneman	posted 01-05-2004 12:58 PM ET (US) Thx to all who responded. I am heading to my friendly neighborhood Merc dealer.
Bigshot	posted 01-05-2004 01:35 PM ET (US) Yes Tom unfortuantely if you look at the tip of your keyswitch you will see a 2 digit number. Then look at your key and it will have the same number. Not only is it that easy to get a key, it also easier to hot wire a boat. Best bet is insurance because if they want it, a lock aint gonna stop them.
Tom2697	posted 01-05-2004 02:08 PM ET (US) A 30-06 will...
adaps4	posted 01-05-2004 10:11 PM ET (US) Fortunately, that which makes it easy to hotwire, also makes it easy to burglar proof. Just install a switch that makes the control box "live". Now that would be a HOT wire. Might drain your battery though.
wayne baker	posted 01-06-2004 12:26 PM ET (US) I think the number on the merc control box or switch is inside the key slot. If you do not see a number outside the switch get a light and look just inside the key slot.
Steve Leone	posted 01-07-2004 12:10 AM ET (US) Most Mercury control boxes have the key code or # inside the box taped to the side of the key switch (decal). You have to open the control box to see it. There are also Master key sets that are available to dealers. Bring your boat to a Mercury franchise and they should be able to help you. Most boxes take either one of four keys though (I am not telling which ones so don`t get nervous Nick).
Bigshot	posted 01-07-2004 11:07 AM ET (US) I have owned 4 or 5 OMC's with the #66 key. Back when I was a kid, 4 of my friends including myself had the same key #56 on our whalers. We would move their boats just to mess with them.
Wayneman	posted 01-07-2004 11:29 AM ET (US) That sounds like exactly something I would do as an enterprising young scoundrel, Big...