Help- lost my only set of boat keys!

[OnTheWater]

Well the subject heading pretty much says it all. I'm going to be "that guy" and say that I lost my only set of boat keys...and hitch lock. This includes the ignition key, and the key to open my compartments. So the question is: What can I do to get the boat on the water again? Will I have to replace the entire ignition? Or is it possible for a dealer to look up the vin # and make a key? I have a '97 procraft w/ a 150 mariner.

I guess for now I'll just have to sit at home and think of all those times when I was "too busy" to go make a duplicate set.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

[HaywardBound]

Hotwire it, it has to be easy! You will be on the water by noon!

I'm sure Valv will chime in to tell you what wires to cross.

[delmuts]

get to your dealer !!!! i think alot of boats have inter changeable keys. if they don't have what you need , they can order one them . as a last resort,they should be able to help with a quick fix to get you back on the water. atemping these things on your own should be a plan "B" ! the trailer lock ; you have the option of having it cut off or calling a lock smith ( if it is locked on your boat).

[Valv]

There is not many types of key fobs in the market, they are almost all the same, a dealer will have a master key or can get you a new switch, in the meantime you can try to bust it with a screwdriver (while you wait for new switch).

Which boat brand do you have ? I have several switches here, I might be able to help....

[art]

I have an older boat so it was a bit of a challenge to get it done. Several dealers just weren't able to help. One had all the masters except mine. So made some calls to locksmiths in my area. Most said they could do it. One wanted $90.00 for the deal but he would come out to my place. Found one nearby that, if I brought my boat to him, could do it. 1/2 hour later and $15.00 out of my pocket we were set, wewith an extra set this time. Call around. They should be able to do it easily. The compartments and hitch are another matter. That may be where the dealer would be your best bet. Why some of the dealerships couldn't or wouldn't do it is beyond me. One of them I've heard many bad things on this forum about them...C/P.

[Black_Bay]

Write down your serial number and head to your local Mercury dealer. Mercury/Mariner only used a few sets of keys. They are labed with one number, either 1 & 2, and one letter, A through E, I believe. It shouldn't be a big deal or expense to get a replacement.

[Borch]

Quote:

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Write down your serial number and head to your local Mercury dealer. Mercury/Mariner only used a few sets of keys. They are labed with one number, either 1 & 2, and one letter, A through E, I believe. It shouldn't be a big deal or expense to get a replacement.

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Yep, I've bought extras for my 1991 60 hp merc. The boat compartments are bit more of a challenge though.

[marine_man]

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Write down your serial number

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Unfortunately this isn't going to do you much good. Control boxes / prerig / tiller handles are shipped separately from the motor and are interchangeable, so the S/N won't do you much good.

The best situation for you would be to call the dealer closest to you and see if they have a master set of ignition keys for your boat. Go, borrow the set, or bring your boat there, and try every key until you find the one that works (very likely it's the last one on the ring).

As far as the compartments go see if there are any numbers / letters stamped into the lock face. Then check with Valv or a dealer to see if they have any extra / can get you some.

I can't help you much on the trailer lock... my vote would be to cut it off and start over.

marine_man

[Gordie]

yep I went Mille lacs got the boat in the water and no key ,luckly I remember that my key was an F-2 and ran to merc dealer on east shore and got one then went fishing.

[OnTheWater]

Thanks for all of the input. I went by the local merc dealer today. Sounds like it will be easiest to just bring it in, and mess with all the keys until we find the right one. As for the compartments, they are pretty basic locks; so I might be able to find a key, or even break them open. It will be a good weekend project.

Thanks again for the help!

[primetime49]

You have it right by going to merc dealer as they will have key for you,we always just charge a customer $5.00 if they forget to leave their keys when we do service work as there are very few keys for different manufacturers ignition switches.Pro craft is a Mercury mariner only pre rig,no problem.Now I hate to tellyou this but after 5 years of being a Procraft dealer all there locks are same for compartments on every boat we ever serviced,as was much same for most brands till just few years ago.Good luck

[OnTheWater]

You got it primetime, the merc dealer sold me a key for $5. For the compartment, I just went to the local locksmith and had him check out the lock and make me a new key...only $10. So I guess I came out alright.

[marine_man]

Glad to hear you got it figured out!

marine_man