Ignition Switch - Replace with Rocker switch & choke button?

[dorelse]

I think the title is pretty self explanatory.

Just to preface:

I have a 86 Bayliner Capri, 16ft. It was (basically) free and has served us well, despite others opinions of them, it is 22 years old, hasn't sunk, and the Force motor has been rock solid. We are very happy with it.

The boat is used by me and my extended family at our cabin in northern MN. We have been having some problems with misplaced keys and the ignition switch is getting worn out.

Is there a way to replace the ignition switch with say and 3 button rocker switch and a separate push button/rocker switch for the choke?

Theft while always possible, isn't that great of a concern for us, its in a locked garage during the summer when no ones there (which isn't often) and during the winter its at my house in our garage.

My thought was a 3-button rocker with a safety cover to prevent accidental bumps, etc.

Thoughts?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Ignition Switch - Replace with Rocker switch & choke button?

So in that scenario it would take two hands to start the engine (one to hold the choke and the other to hold the start switch). And after the engine was running, how would you shut if off? You need three switches to do what you want to do. 1) Choke, 2) Off/Run and 3) Start. Switches 1 and 3 need to be momentary contact types. Just replace the ignition switch. They are generic, inexpensive, and much more reliable than what you want to do. Keys are also pretty generic. Any local key shop can duplicate them.

 

[chitownborn]

Re: Ignition Switch - Replace with Rocker switch & choke button?

Yep, it'll work, when you remove your key switch youll have to take the red wire, and terminate it to one side of the two switches your gonna use for start & choke then hook up the yellow to the terminal on the other side of the switch, for your starting and on the other switch hook up the green for choking, then take the white & blue wires, will and hook up to the third switch for killing the motor, also you might want to splice the orange wire to the red one[ positive] so the over heat alarm will function, good luck Don

 

[dorelse]

Re: Ignition Switch - Replace with Rocker switch & choke button?

Nope, 2 fingers (left hand, one pushing down the 'start', one pushing down the choke.) Right hand on the controls as usual.

Button 1, Off/On/Momentary On

Button 2, Choke Off/Momentary On

Put them right next to each other, should be no problem.

Anyway, that's the thinking.

The other reason for the push buttons, Dad is 77, and with his hands, needs something a bit easier. The small key is difficult for him, and is having difficulty with it when the kids aren't there.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Ignition Switch - Replace with Rocker switch & choke button?

You still need a switch to kill the motor when you want to turn it off.

 

[dorelse]

Re: Ignition Switch - Replace with Rocker switch & choke button?

Right, so I need to account for 4 functions of the key switch:

1) Kill/Off

2) Run

3) Start

4) Choke

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Ignition Switch - Replace with Rocker switch & choke button?

Why not just leave the key in the switch and glue on a larger plate with epoxy for dad to grab? Or if a brass key, solder it to the head.

Most of the boats I have seen with other than the standard ignition switch were wired by Murphy. They usually look like a spider's web under the dash and there is so much potential for error that I don't recommend it.


BUT: If you absolutely must---
You need one single pole normally open switch to connect white and blue. This will kill the engine when closed. (assuming standard Force wiring pre-Merc.)

You need one single pole normally open switch for choke--Momentary close is best so it will release when hands off. You also need one for start. They need to be separate so you can hot start without choke.

You need one normally off switch for accessories, not momentary. Both this one and the choke and start switches need to be powered from red. And you need to remember to open this switch when finished or you will drain the battery.

 

[dorelse]

Re: Ignition Switch - Replace with Rocker switch & choke button?

Thanks guys I need to think about it. Dad has a very hard time clamping down on things that are small and require fine motor skills with pressure.

Like grasping a small key, turning and pressing...its sort of the perfect combination of exactly the skills he's lost.

He's just lost some strength in his hands. The shift lever he's perfectly ok with.

I'm picky enough that it would have to be a clean installation or I wouldn't do it, if I do it at all that is.

Thanks!