Key in or out

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Bash

Agreed. I can use my Yanmar key to steal your boat.

So key in.

Hell, I can use my padlock key to steal a yanmar equipped boat.

[colemj]

Key in or out is only a question for a subset of people/boats. Many engines and engine panels have no key at all, and for a lot of engines a keyed panel is an extra cost option, so the question is moot for them.

If many of the boats can't even bother with this question, then it seems odd that the remainder are concerned. This question could only come from, and be answered by, a person having a boat with a keyed panel.

And wheel off? We would actually decrease the space and hinder our movement if we removed the wheel. I understand removing the wheel for convenience, but not for theft concerns.

BTW, Volvo keys are certainly not universal - our port engine key does not fit our starboard engine (and vice versa).

Mark

[ty.gregory]

Originally Posted by GaryMayo

Key in. Neighbors kid knows your comings and goings. Has a cove party on your boat after the marina closes. Skinny dipping, alcohol (yours, you left the keys , right?) and some young girl looses a leg in your prop.

Insurance finds out it was preventable had you locked the boat and removed the key. They don't pay. Now what? Sell your business, home and go bankrupt. Wife is best friends of the Mom of the injured girl, so your wife divorces you.

All over not removing a $5 key.

Could this happen? Would this happen? Not if the boat is secured.

Jesus, Gary, I think you forgot testicular cancer...

[Bash]

Originally Posted by colemj

And wheel off? We would actually decrease the space and hinder our movement if we removed the wheel. I understand removing the wheel for convenience, but not for theft concerns.

That was not the discussion referred to in the previous thread. Some folks take the wheel off for convenience of getting around the cockpit, while others were saying that at anchorage the kept it on in case the boat began to drag or to maneuver to avoid draggers. It was not seen by anyone to be a theft deterrent.

[Stu Jackson]

I find that a flashlight and placement of keys down below are just as easy as leaving it in. I gotta go "upstairs" anyway, right?

[Carlisle Spirit]

Originally Posted by GaryMayo

Insurance is valid with the key in? I rather doubt it.

Key out, wheel on.

I will stick with ignition key in

I checked with my Hong Kong based insurance broker

He would rather have the engine key in while in a marina.

If there is a fire in the marina , there is less chance of loss

My policy has a clause saying I will at all times keep the boat ready to avoid danger and be an active captain

They regard a marina fire or similar as more likely than the boat getting stolen from relatively secure marinas in Asia

Carlisle Spirit

[Wotname]

Err... we are talking sailboats, right? At anchor or on a mooring, right?
Key in or out doesn't stop anyone from sailing your boat away.

Mine can even be sailed away with the companionway locked

[Ex-Calif]

For those with key in please also leave a credit card - I may need fuel and supplies when "rescuing" your boat -

[sabray]

Not sure it matters much. I close my sea cocks if I'm leaving. You start my engine it overheats, seizes, cooks and burns hoses, melts water lift.....etc.
Lots of money gone. Yes the ignition switches on most are crap. I could shear the pins or pick them in less then 20 seconds. I think putting the key near the water intake is smart if your closing the intake. If the key breaks while inserted the pins are in a position to allow the switch to work. A screw driver will turn the chamber.

[sabray]

Forgot this good story.

A staff member gave a van key to a helper. Go pick up these supplies the van is out front. Off goes the helper. Later I recieve a call about a stolen van. Yep the key worked in the wrong but similar van.