Ignition and kill switch modification

[Fogg]

I have a 1984 Catalina 30 HIN 3508 with standard Catalina gages and ignition panel to port of the wheel. The ignition key sticks out and threatens my ankles when I move about, as does the engine kill pull handle. This boat predates the walk around T cockpit, alas.

Has anyone figured out how to push the kill handle to stop the engine? Has anyone devised a push button starter to get the key out of the way?

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Rag Bagger]

I have a 1984 C-30, HIN#3392, so I know what you are saying. Another C-30 in my marina moved the entire assembly up above the port side seating. It looks great and appears to work great. The only thing is that you have to loosen the panel to get to the wires. Certainly works better and is easy to read and operate. I'm going to look into doing this move myself.

 

[Fogg]

Hi Rag Bagger,
Thanks for the note. I'm having difficulty visualizing where the panel ends up. I don't have all that much room above the port seating. What did they do with the hole that was left when the moved things?
Fogg

 

[Rag Bagger]

It's a pretty common move and I believe it may be standard on later year boats. The piece cut out to receive the instrument panel was reglassed below, (same size). I'll try and locate a picture for you.

 

[Rag Bagger]

 

[rbmcintire]

I have a 1984 Catalina 30 HIN 3508 with standard Catalina gages and ignition panel to port of the wheel. The ignition key sticks out and threatens my ankles when I move about, as does the engine kill pull handle. This boat predates the walk around T cockpit, alas.

Has anyone figured out how to push the kill handle to stop the engine? Has anyone devised a push button starter to get the key out of the way?

Thanks for any ideas.

Fogg, This past spring I replaced my key switch on my '84, purchasing OEM from Catalina Direct, and I can remove the key after I start it. The engine kill T- handle has slack in the cable so it could be easily relocated, but I have #3518 and the engine panel was as-built above the port side seat!
Rob

 

[Old Skool Neil]

I relocated my panel from the port cockpit seat riser to the stbd coaming. I chose the stbd side to avoid the blower. I'm fortunate to be experienced with fiberglass so repair of the existing hole was pretty easy. I've seen others who put various installations where the old hole was instead, like a winch handle pocket or a cockpit shower.

 

[Fogg]

Rag Bagger,
Thanks for the photo and note. My instrument panel is located above the port seat and the key attacks my feet as I climb onto the seat to get around the wheel. The panel is as it was built. It's interesting how Catalina tweaks the details from one hull to the next. I'm going to pursue the ignition replacement from Catalina Direct which allows me to remove the key once the engine is started.

 

[Fogg]

Rob,
Thanks for the note and idea about the switch from Catalina Direct. I didn't know that the key could be removed once the engine was running.

Fogg

 

[Stu Jackson]

Rag Bagger,
It's interesting how Catalina tweaks the details from one hull to the next.

The reason they did that is the older boats came with tillers, so the lower panel position made some sense. Many folks replaced their tillers with wheels, before the factory changed to wheels.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Rob,
Thanks for the note and idea about the switch from Catalina Direct. I didn't know that the key could be removed once the engine was running.

Fogg

As long as it remains in the ON position. If it turns OFF, it'll stop the power to the alternator field which will stop alternator output and the tach will stop. Check it carefully.

 

[Team118]

Here is a link to thread with other pictures of boats after owners moved the engine panel up and to the stern of the cockpit.

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=124449

Chris

 

[tomfoolery]

Fogg: I have an 83 Cat 30 , my panel has a waterproof glow plug push button and a waterproof start push button. The "ignition" key unit I removed, covered the hole in the panel and relocated the key unit to the aft galley bulkhead where it is out of the weather and doesn't catch on anything. I engage the key when I'm down below before I start the engine, and then that's it for the key until after I shut the engine down. Just another idea.

 

[Fogg]

Tomfoolery,
Thanks for the ideas. I may move the ignition switch to bulkhead nearest the panel inside the port lazarette. Close enough to deal with and out of the way. I may try a push button start but will have to call in a favor or two for guidance on the wiring. Anyhow, thanks!
Fogg