Ignition key will not insert into the ignition.

[DougDayFL]

My C25 is on the St. John's River and I was able to get to it after two months of flood waters. She rode out Hurricane Ian and TS Nicole well with one exception. I am unable to insert the key into the ignition. Has this happened to anyone else?

 

[arf145]

While you are waiting from something from a C25 owner, have you poked a pin or something in there to get an idea of the obstruction?

 

[jssailem]

Could you have a little corrosion in the ignition lock?
I would give Corrosion Block a try. I use it on my cheap Master locks that sit out all year rain and shine securing the boat from amateur thieves.

Works like a charm. Keeps the locks functioning for about 18 months. Then a couple of squirts and we have functioning locks, again.

 

[dlochner]

Spray it with something like what @jssailem suggested or some penetrating oil like Liquid Wrench.

Worse case scenario, buy a new key switch, they are pretty standard and fairly inexpensive.

 

[ggrizzard]

In the meantime, try a very small screw driver (one that fits a #4 slotted head screw) as if it were a key.
And don't tell us (or the boat thief trolls watching) if it works. And, don't ask if I've done it.

 

[dlochner]

Sometimes a tab from a beer can pop top will work too.

Boat keys are not all that secure or special. Each outboard company has about 6 or 7 keys for their entire line. Buying the keys is not all that difficult.

 

[MitchM]

in the meantime just bypass the key and hot wire it. . .

 

[ggrizzard]

Actually Mitch, that's the second fastest solution to the OP's problem.

 

[jon hansen]

i switched out the key for a heavy duty push button switch years ago. keys are a problem waiting to happen. i have other security.

real thieves can start any boat any time. keys for security are a myth. turning on my batteries to fire the engine is a mystery to even my siblings.

just my $0.02 and nothing more.

just don't tell anyone

 

[jssailem]

Ditto Jon.

 

[arf145]

I hang my engine key on the engine water intake seacock and I'm so hooked on this reminder that I don't think I could give up the key, if only for that reason!

 

[Davidasailor26]

i switched out the key for a heavy duty push button switch years ago. keys are a problem waiting to happen. i have other security.

real thieves can start any boat any time. keys for security are a myth. turning on my batteries to fire the engine is a mystery to even my siblings.

just my $0.02 and nothing more.

just don't tell anyone

To your point, Yanmar even has new panels without any keyhole. You can turn off the engine battery in the locked cabin if you’re really worried.