New (to us) 200 C36 has the ignition key so close to the wheel that it tangles and inevitably shears off any floating key ring we attach. Am afraid of it getting seriously tangled at the wrong moment so have the key un attached to anything at this point. Any tricks of the trade which experienced owners have used? I feel rather uncomfortable NOT having a floating key ring of some kind attached to these little keys . . .
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Sandy Paige / Meg Arnold
"Shenandoah"
C36 2000
Emeryville, CA
I use a shoe string and tie it to the engine shut-off pull lever while plugged in.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
Good idea, I'll just do that for now. Thanks.
Sandy Paige / Meg Arnold
"Shenandoah"
C36 2000
Emeryville, CA
My 1999 has the key switch on the side of the engine control compartment, so the back of the key / floating key ring does not foul the wheel at all. Does your key face aft (photos)?
Those ignition keys are just little switches with a 1/2 inch body. The engine control unit is just thin fiberglass with gelcoat. If you do not like where your key is located, why not drill another hole on the side and move the switch. Glass over the old hole by putting some good duck tape on the back side and putting a dab of Six10 into the depression. Doubtful that anyone will ever see the 1/2 inch patch, if you don't point it out.
John Parsons
"Water Music" 1999 Catalina 36 Mk II - Hull 1771
Tall Rig, Fin Keel
Bay City, MI, USA
Yes, it's rear facing and seems to be poorly located. I like the idea of moving it, but perhaps will try the shoe string in the interim. Thanks to you both.
Sandy Paige / Meg Arnold
"Shenandoah"
C36 2000
Emeryville, CA
Our ignition key only travels from the switch to the engine through hull handle with the occasional side trip to the little cubby (starboard) in the cockpit. A spare is in the chart table and another on my car key ring. No need for a float.
Southern Comfort #1881
Tall rig, Wing Keel
Potomac River/Chesapeake Bay
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore