And there goes the ignition key………

[mojoraven]

Time to replace my grimy old motor panel. And with a bit of 3D magic I managed to design a new panel, getting rid of the ignition key that I found sooo annoying. Leaving the key in the ignition meant that it sometimes fell out and almost washed overboard. Putting the key in the pocket meant no one else could start the boat, should you go overboard….

At least, a switch is as reliable as a wood burning stove

[tkeithlu]

Nice work, Mogoraven. Thank you for showing us a really ship-shade DIY panel. And, congratulations on reducing your life-time stack of annoyances by one. I'd follow your example if it were not that 10 my panel is sloped, so the key doesn't fall out, and 2) the key turns on the rest of the panel and starts the engine.

[AndrewA2]

you can move the mechanical actions of the key to buttons.... just takes some thought and knowledge.
Curious to your thoughts of deterring theft with this system? assume you have a master off somewhere else ?
Now i am thinking about this, what about implementing keyless car start? where the proximity of the key is what is critical, not the key itself.

[Calif.Ted]

Curious to your thoughts of deterring theft with this system?

Most Yanmar's use the same key so security is somewhat an illusion.
Had a dockmate who cashed in his retirement to buy a twin engine and "live the dream". When I asked why he wasn't going out he said "Can't, my girlfriend threw the starboard engine key overboard". I showed him how the key labeled "port engine" would start both, drove him to hardware store where we had half a dozen keys made.

[pembquist]

3rd time out on my Cape Dory learned not to leave the key in the ignition with the motor off, busted it clean off with my foot or the mainsheet. Luckily had pliers and could just barely turn it. Now I take it out and hang it on the cutoff handle. I am pretty sure a switch in the cabin and a start button on the panel would be MORE theft resistant than a key, is all nicely sealed up though so I don't want to monkey with it, too many other things to monkey with.

[akopac]

Screwdriver across starter terminals. Done

[ShoreFun]

Keep the illusion of a key. Take the lock apart and remove the tumblers. Then it will work with anything flat. But others will hope to find a key.

Nothing is secure. It is only a way to slow down a theft.

[ohdrinkboy]

What did you make your panel of? Looks great.

[slug]

Originally Posted by mojoraven

Time to replace my grimy old motor panel. And with a bit of 3D magic I managed to design a new panel, getting rid of the ignition key that I found sooo annoying. Leaving the key in the ignition meant that it sometimes fell out and almost washed overboard. Putting the key in the pocket meant no one else could start the boat, should you go overboard….

At least, a switch is as reliable as a wood burning stove

Looks good

Key switch ignition is goofy

Those are EAO switches ?

For service. Are the contractors replaceable ? or do you replace the entire switch

[mojoraven]

Originally Posted by ohdrinkboy

What did you make your panel of? Looks great.

Thanks
It's printed in a material called ASA. It's part of the ABS family (which is the original material) but it has better UV properties that e.g. helps keeping the material colour resistant (ABS will turn grey or yellow (for white) over time).

[pembquist]

Originally Posted by akopac

Screwdriver across starter terminals. Done

Simple in concept, execution given the access is another thing all together!