Stu, I'm sure you can picture this, The panel was installed at perfect Ankle smacking level on the face of the Cockpit Locker just to the right of the Helm position. Funny you mention a bent key, the key was bent pretty bad when we bought the boat and now we know why. This is not something that happens every time out. It has happened twice all summer. We have the key on a Nerf type floaty and the idea of fitting the floaty over the key will help with the ankle bite.
Brian
Ps. good idea about making it smaller. I have an extra key and think i'll take one to work and grind the head down to just enough to have a grip to turn it. Then maybe dip it in some Rubberizer stuff .....