Keypad as Ignition

N

Nehalennia II

New Member
Oct 6, 2006
1,200
Marysville, WA
Boat Info
sold '99 230OV
Engines
5.7 EFI w/Alpha one
Since I work in the security industry I have always had the idea of installing a keypad and separate starter button in place of the keyed ignition switch.
Most Keypads are 12V and offer maintained "ON/OFF" functions.
I was thinking it would be easy to press in the correct code to authorize the starter button, then press to start and away you go..

Any thoughts or "problems" that I'm missing?
 
Not familiar what kind of ignition you had, but the newer boats have a keyed ignition inside the electric locker,
and 3 position (off, run, momentary start) rocker panels buttons at the helm.
I know the 30 and 28 have it, not sure if the 26 that your looking at will also.
I've always found it ironic that marine technology has grown in leaps and bounds, but ignition switches hadn't advanced in over 50 years.
 
Nehalennia II said:
Since I work in the security industry I have always had the idea of installing a keypad and separate starter button in place of the keyed ignition switch.
Most Keypads are 12V and offer maintained "ON/OFF" functions.
I was thinking it would be easy to press in the correct code to authorize the starter button, then press to start and away you go..

Any thoughts or "problems" that I'm missing?
Click to expand...

This is funny you bring this up I was wondering why boats didn't have this and wondered myself if I could add it to my boat. Would be realy nice in the event you forgot or lost the key :grin:
 
Can the keypads handle amperage? If not I guess you could add a relay.
 
MLauman said:
Can the keypads handle amperage? If not I guess you could add a relay.
Click to expand...

I would image you would need some special electronics for the start/stop button that monitors RPM or something so it would turn the starter over for X seconds or until RPM = X and then stop starter.
 
The Keypad can handle amperage, but My idea would be for the keypad to act as the first stage of the ignition, the on and off. Then install a button (momentary) that would engage the starter motor. So I would program the keypad to "TOGGLE" on with a code and "TOGGLE" off when you want to shut the engine off.

For example, if my code is 1234, I would turn the Battery switch on, then enter 1234, which toggles the keypad's internal relay to"ON". I can then press the button to activate the Starter and hold it until the engine starts. Go for my Cruise and then 1234 shutting the engine off.
 
Nehalennia II said:
For example, if my code is 1234, I would turn the Battery switch on, then enter 1234, which toggles the keypad's internal relay to"ON". I can then press the button to activate the Starter and hold it until the engine starts. Go for my Cruise and then 1234 shutting the engine off.
Click to expand...

You need for anyone to be able to turn off the engine immediately in case of emergency, without knowing any secret code.
 
Corrosion issues are one reason that boats seem to be locked in the technology dark ages. If you can't totally seal the electronics with epoxy, then I wouldn't do it (I'm in salt water 24/7/365). If you do this, go ahead and add a parallel set of master or off/on and starter switches toy your design as a fail safe.
 
There are 2 units I was considering. We install keypads in rugged weather needy places. Access to helms/wheel houses on cruise ships, gates on marinas and local service yards on the water. One is the Corby, the other is the Locknetics. I have had good luck with both. I wouldn't be too worried with corrosion because both are sealed units, stainless buttons and a nice compact size.

A kill button or switch would be easy to line in as well- which is already on most throttles anyway.
 
Ignition keys don't handle much amperage now. They already go through a relay to handle starting the boat.

But I agree with the safety idea. I'd want someone else on the boat to be able to start it without knowing the code in the event of an emergency.

For boats that get shared or situations where keys get left behind or lost you might want to consider a lockbox like those used by real estate agents. One slip neighbor has one for his boat, don't know why. But it does let you keep a set of keys in the box and use a code to open it. They make these boxes in both surface and door knob hanger styles.

I'd be leery of putting a keypad on a boat for the durability/cost reasons. The better ones suited for harsh environments are a LOT more expensive than a manual lockbox.
 
Guys, I've seen this installed on several bowriders and everything seemed to work great. It's made by Merc so it should be halfway decent and the unit should be plug and play for a Merc powered Sea Ray, not sure if it is compatible with twin engines. At $139 why re-invent the wheel?

www.westmarine.com part number 4531455
Mercury part number 859659Q1
 
Cocktail Time said:
Guys, I've seen this installed on several bowriders and everything seemed to work great. It's made by Merc so it should be halfway decent and the unit should be plug and play for a Merc powered Sea Ray, not sure if it is compatible with twin engines. At $139 why re-invent the wheel?

www.westmarine.com part number 4531455
Mercury part number 859659Q1
Click to expand...

Intersting, wonder how long it's been around and what all it does not much info on westmarine's site and I did a search and found nothing.
 
I would love something like that. I am always worried about the precious key. My wife and I ask each other about at least two times every trip if the other has the key and are they sure. Keys are the dark ages. Then again I do own an '87 so it fits in with the historic motif. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,122
Messages
1,426,616
Members
61,037
Latest member
wojozobl
Back
Top