So the maiden voyage with the family was very memorable, for many reasons. Mostly because it was my kids first time on the boat, but not 5 minutes aboard, my 8 year old brushed his knee across the ignition key, snapping it cleanly. (key sticking out the side of the pedestal dies not seam like the best design). The engine was running at the time so the key was in and in the ON position. I didn't have a decent tool on board to attempt to extract it so I left it in and we sailed.
I have a spare key, so if I can get a tool to grip the 1 mm nub, I'll be all set. But I don't think there's enough nub there, so maybe a new ignition barrel? Before I attempt this, does anyone have any advice? See attached pic.
Mike
Jackfish Girl, 1999, C36 MKII, Tall Rig, Wing Keel, In-mast furling, Monument Beach, Bourne, MA
Put a drop of Gorrilla glue on a popsicle stick....or something similar, as it becomes tacky touch it to the key, after a miute when it dries you should be able to pull it out.
Richard
Rich
Richard & Joan Bain
PAZZO Hull#1670
1997 Catalina 36 MK11
Bayfield, Ontario
My Day Job Below
www.richardbain.com
www.bineapress.com
Mike;
I had that happen on a lock several years ago. First get the switch to the off position so the key can come out. A common way to extract the broken part of the key is using a thin jig saw blade that you've snapped in half.
Using the broken end of the blade, slide the blade into the cylinder above the broken part of the key, twist and pull - Making sure the teeth on the blade are pointed toward you so it can pull the remainder of the key. A little WD 40 in to the cyclinder usually helps. Two sharp dental picks, one on each side of the broken key part will usually work as well.
Bill
Bill Dolan 1990 Catalina C-36 MKI - Hull #1041 'Williwaw'
Std. Rig, Walk Through, Wing Keel
M35, Oberdorfer Conversion,
Home Waters; Charlotte Harbor & The Gulf Islands of Florida
'You are never out of work if you own a boat'
Worse-comes-to-worse (as it often does), you can replace that ignition switch easily enough for under $30. Catalina Direct sells both the plastic and brass-bodied switches (https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-36/electrical/breakers-switches/), but any Amazon or auto-parts sites also have them. The replacement is a breeze from the inside of the engine control box, just three wires and little screws. The sun destroyed the plastic body of my original equipment switch, and it final came apart last year. The replacement was much easier than I expected.
John Parsons
"Water Music" 1999 Catalina 36 Mk II - Hull 1771
Tall Rig, Fin Keel
Bay City, MI, USA
Seems like a small set of cutters - https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-CHP-170-Micro-Cutter/dp/B00FZPDG1K/ref=asc_df_B00FZPDG1K/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198070022856&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6616749563621587597&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022118&hvtargid=pla-382997837730&psc=1 or even clip ring pliers may be able to get that out? Like said above - key has to be off to come out. Let us know.
_____________
Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP
**SOLVED** Took the outer retainer ring off which let me hold the outer barrel with vice grips while turning the inner barrel to off with pliers. Then I used a couple of pieces of staple (found in the bottom of my tool box from who knows when), made curly cues on the end so there was a head to grab with pliers, and slid them in to the grooves. With some pressure the key nub slid out a little, enough to grab it with my needle nose.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Second question, where do I get a spare key? Can the hardware store cut one? Or has to be ordered from Catalina?
Mike
Jackfish Girl, 1999, C36 MKII, Tall Rig, Wing Keel, In-mast furling, Monument Beach, Bourne, MA
Hi Friends,
Sorry I am late to the party on this one. I too have the same problem. Whilst sailing along recently the Admiral mounted the port stern perch to take command. At some point during the Admiral's stint, a 'Topsider had found it's way to the ignition key and snapped it off below the surface of the inner barrel. I was able to manipulate the switch with a small screw driver. In my spare parts kit I have a new ignition switch and key (from Catalina Direct, brass). I went to replace the switch but I found that the original switch has huge ears and screws for mounting the wires. The new switch has tiny litlle ears and screws. They are quite a bit smaller. I have no pictures right now next time down to the boat I will snap some photos. The broken key and switch appears to be original equipment from 1989. Anybody else run across this difference in tab size? Is it OK to adapt the new part? Our switch is three position which has an intermittant position for Glow Plugs. Thanks evryone for the collective wisdom on this Forum. Truly amazing.
Cheers,
PO
Paul O,
S/V Pelican
1989 Catalina 36 Mk I #894
Oceanside, California