75 Starcraft 85hp Evinrude LOST KEY, what do I do?

[OLDTIME75]

Hi everyone, I have a 1975 16 foot starcraft with a 85hp Evinrude outboard. I recently lost my key to the ignition switch on the control box. I don't have a lot of time or money and was wondering if you guys have any ideas to start the boat without a key? The control box has a black wire and a yellow wire coming out of it. Can I simply cut these two wires and wire on a new ignition switch or is the wiring more detailed inside the control box than I think? Or could I drill out the key entry and start it with a screwdriver? I am not real mechanically inclined with boats and would like to get the boat back on the water. Thanks for any help!

 

[classiccat]

Re: 75 Starcraft 85hp Evinrude LOST KEY, what do I do?

Try contacting an Evinrude/BRP dealer before hacking-up your control wiring.

Your ignition switch should have a number stamped on the front. They should be able to use this # to get you your replacement keys.

 

[rheagler]

Re: 75 Starcraft 85hp Evinrude LOST KEY, what do I do?

I had the same issue with a Mercury control box. My local dealer had a set of all the Mercury keys. We tried them all until we found the right one, then ordered that number.

 

[OLDTIME75]

Re: 75 Starcraft 85hp Evinrude LOST KEY, what do I do?

does it take long for them to order and get in a new key? I cant believe that they would still have keys for a 1975 boat? guess they can still make them up? thanks for the advice!

 

[rheagler]

Re: 75 Starcraft 85hp Evinrude LOST KEY, what do I do?

How long it takes is a question that can only be answered by the shop ordering. I've ordered parts that have taken just overnight, and others that took 6 weeks. They may even have it in stock, there probably aren't that many different key patterns.