Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

[archcityBob]

I'm just wondering about any of you who have taken unexpected swims while boating. Did this hurt your computerized truck key / door fob?

Does anyone normally seal up their key and wallet in a zip lock bag when getting on their boat?

Funny story... A long time ago I was going fishing with my step-father. I told him I needed to go home first because I had just collected a bunch of rent checks and didn't want to lose them if we sunk.
(uh oh)
So we drop off the checks then go boating. At the time I had a 16 or 18 foot jon boat with a homemade deck and seat in front. He is in the front raised seat and I'm in the back with the tiller OB. I decide I want to inspect under the front deck where I'd done some patch work on a seam. Leaving the motor running in gear I go forward to open the hatch. The bow goes down and a wave of water comes into the boat. I jumped back to the OB and cranked up the throttle. We did not sink, but we bailed for quite a while.

Then I told him, "See. This is why I wanted to leave the checks at home."

-Bob-

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

my understanding is that comperized keys and such do not pass float tests and drown-proofing. Get a real waterproof container--go to a whitewater canoe store--for stuff like that.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

I have a magnet that I bought at Bass Pro, and have a rope tied to it. I drag it along the docks. You;d be surprosed what I have found !!!! I found a ladies key ring with her car keys on it. Like mentioned. The key was ruined, but I guess maybe it helped in making a new one, I don't know.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

I toss the keys and wallet in the glovebox before I leave the dock so I don't jump out with them. I've dunked my truck fob a few times launching and so far it hasn't made a difference. I figure worst case I might kill the battery, but since clean water doesn't transmit electricity corrosion is more likely. The rfid that actually controls starting the truck doesn't require any power so there is not much danger of damaging that.

 

[archcityBob]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

my understanding is that comperized keys and such do not pass float tests and drown-proofing. Get a real waterproof container--go to a whitewater canoe store--for stuff like that.

Good idea. Thanks.
Another thing to put on the list.

-Bob

 

[archcityBob]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

I toss the keys and wallet in the glovebox before I leave the dock so I don't jump out with them. I've dunked my truck fob a few times launching and so far it hasn't made a difference. I figure worst case I might kill the battery, but since clean water doesn't transmit electricity corrosion is more likely. The rfid that actually controls starting the truck doesn't require any power so there is not much danger of damaging that.

Thanks. After losing the keys, it's the computer chip to start the truck that I'm most worried about.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

My truck and car key fob got dunked a few years ago when "someone" forgot the drain plug (I'm not sayin' who it was, and you can't prove a thing :facepalm Both worked fine after I dried them out. The car one had an oring that sealed the two halves. The truck one didn't, but was fine after I split it in two and dried it out. My gerber multitool, however, didn't like the swim and subsequent day on the water sitting in a wet sheath.

 

[eavega]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

I just don't chance it. With a replacement key having been quoted at over $100 (fob integrated with the key), a smartphone that would cost over $400 to replace, and having already once left a wallet at the bottom of a lake and all the attendant inconvenience of replacing drivers license, credit cards, identifications, etc. the easiest thing to do is get a small dry box and each item goes into the box as you get to the point of not immediately needing it.

Rgds

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

My boat has a built in cooler on the port side. I dont use it as a cooler. It stays quite dry even in the worst weather. I put my keys, phones, cameras that are not in use etc. in there. It even has a keyed lock. I figure, if water gets into there, I have much more of an issue than "crap my phone is wet"......

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

My boat has a built in cooler on the port side. I dont use it as a cooler. It stays quite dry even in the worst weather. I put my keys, phones, cameras that are not in use etc. in there. It even has a keyed lock. I figure, if water gets into there, I have much more of an issue than "crap my phone is wet"......

This is my solution for the crap my phone is wet issue, can't drown it or break it - (iphones are for teenage girls)

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

(iphones are for teenage girls)

I agree! I have an ANDROID!

 

[garzilla]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

This is my solution for the crap my phone is wet issue, can't drown it or break it - (iphones are for teenage girls)

Can you update Twitter with that sucker??

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

Can you update Twitter with that sucker??

I'm a grownup - I don't twitter, facebook, myspace or listen to boy bands.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

I throw all of my important items in the document compartment under my console.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

iphones are for teenage girls

Ya know?

I USED to like you.... Now I like my IPHONE better than I like you.....






LOL

 

[RCJG228]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

West Marine sell these waterproof pouches. They come in different sizes and I think they're great. I have a couple, and I've worn one on my wave-runner, and my phone stayed dry. Before I got my slip, I used to keep the boat on a buoy, and I've put it around my neck and swam out to the boat...no problems. Here is the link.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...01&storeId=11151&partNumber=7699754&langId=-1

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

Zip-Locks are good, especially if you double, or triple them. There are many different manufacturers of dry-bags, containers, boxes, in all shapes, sizes, and depth protection. They can be found in camping, hunting, boating, scuba, ski shops, all kinds of outdoor and "adventure" activities stores have them. Just gotta look around. Google's great, too.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

If you immerse anything electronic in water you can save it most of the time by putting it in rubbing alcohol and leaving it in there for some time to absorb all the water. If you can, remove the battery first. I keep a big bottle of 90% isopropyl alcohol at the lake and at home for exactly this purpose. Key fobs are easy. I've used it on my iPhone. (of course, someone had to call while I was looking at it under the water after it fell in) It works on cordless phones in the bathtub too.
The alcohol is non corrosive to electronics and does not conduct electricity well. It absorbs the water quickly and carries it away when you take it out to dry. (The screen on the iPhone was never quite the same but is still working two years later.)

SeaSense makes some quick waterproof bags for phones and such.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

I'm a grownup - I don't twitter, facebook, myspace or listen to boy bands.

Great, now I have to clean coffee off the computer screen! Best reply ever!!!

 

[NYGiants]

Re: Computerized Truck key fobs and unexpected swims

I plug the drain in my livewell and put my valuables in there. Then I snap the lid shut