Companionway Hatchboard Key

Oct 30, 2019
574
I have what appears to be the original key to the companionway hatch. The key, which is odd to say the least, reads, "ESKILSTUNA." Below that, is a large M. There is also a series of letters and numbers stamped into the key, 18B32. Does anyone know where I can get a couple copies made?

Thank,
Jack
Bella - V2620
 
Oct 30, 2019
80
Dear Jack,

I am anxiously awaiting others' replies. I had always though that if I needed additional keys I would have to make one myself or have one made at a machine shop.

My key is number 18B24 but anyone breaking in could just pry the sliding hatch up.

Thank you,
Frank DeBaggis
Carpe Diem, Vega 2141
 
May 17, 2010
8
:) Seize the Day :)

________________________________
From: "FDEBAGGIS@..." FDEBAGGIS@...
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, June 13, 2010 12:44:56 PM
Subject: Re: [AlbinVega] Companionway Hatchboard Key



Dear Jack,

I am anxiously awaiting others' replies. I had always though that if I needed additional keys I would have to make one myself or have one made at a machine shop.

My key is number 18B24 but anyone breaking in could just pry the sliding hatch up.

Thank you,
Frank DeBaggis
Carpe Diem, Vega 2141
 
Jul 5, 2006
49
Not to suggest that you might have overlooked the obvious but have you tried a Locksmith Shop. I mean one larger than a key kiosk in the local shopping center.

Bill McCourt
Reston, VA
 
Oct 31, 2019
303
I tried the local locksmiths (I live in the states) and they just looked at
me as if i were crazy. I also searched the web but couldn't find the blank.

I then went to a machinist friend who made a copy on flat steel. The raised
rib isn't necessary. The little nub at the end is what aligns the knotches
with the tumbler pins. Since I work in plastic I think I might try making
one in a hardened plastic one of these days. I bet Lexan would work.

I was going to replace it with a different lock, but I think this lock is
much cooler, so I didn't

On Sun, Jun 13, 2010 at 11:10 AM, Robin Hutchinson
throbinkayla@...wrote:
 
Oct 30, 2019
574
Bill - Tried both an actual locksmith and the local True Value (which seems to have every odd ball item I've ever needed). No go on both ends.

Jack
 
Feb 13, 2010
528
I keep my boat in a pretty rural marina and always have. I have never
locked my boats so that should it be sinking at the dock a marina
neighbor could get aboard and save the day. I have done this for almost
sixty years and nothing has ever been stolen off the boat. I did have to
rip a lock off a boat to board it and pump it out one time. It wasn't
hard to do so I'd say the lock is not much protection. The boat I
pumped out had a zenith transocianic radio on board and it was under
water. I took it to the mens room and washed it under a faucet.
A Guy walked in and said what the heck are you doing. I said what
does it look like, I am washing my radio. He shook his head and walked
out. :) Doug
 
Oct 21, 2005
2
Jack,
I have a grand total of one hatch key for my Vega #3219. It is original, and looks like a half round cylinder with notches/flats cut in it. I have not been able to find anyone local (Muskegon, MI ) that will attempt to duplicate it. Only information I have suggested I contact a place in Texas. Does this sound like what you have?

Ralph
#3219
 
Oct 30, 2019
574
Sounds like the exact same key. I'm on the other side of the lake from you and have yet to find anyone that can make the key. I only want one in case this one gets lost. I might try making one out of plexiglass as suggested earlier. Are you going to be in Grand Haven for the Queens Cup?
 
Oct 30, 2019
574
Hey Dan. Do you think its the same key (cutouts in the same place)? I'll shoot you an email off group with a photo of my key this weekend.

Are you racing in the Queens Cup?

Jack
 
Oct 30, 2019
574
Dan - Thats actually funny. I put the fully battened main in the garage for the summer and bent the original partially battened main for the season. The fully battened main was better in light winds (quite a bit better) and flaked better with the stowable lazy jacks. But I wanted to try a season without it.

Talk to you soon.
 
Oct 30, 2019
574
FYI-I fabricated a key out of lexan (plastic) that seems to work great. I'm going to make a couple extras and leave the original at home. Thanks to all for the suggestion!

Dan-We had a great sail on a Tartan 33 during the queens cup...some slightly stormy 30+ knot winds, too. But, all ended up great. We didn't expect to do well this year...but had a great time. I love sailing other peoples boats in regattas!

Hasta la vista,
Jack