[C320-list] Ignition Key Switch

[islgirl3--- via C320-list]

Does anyone have a resource for a replacement key switch?
Alternate suggestions welcome.
RichHull 897...
Sent from AOL on Android

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-38/electrical/breakers-switches/ignition-switch-3-position-brass-body/

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Wed, Jun 10, 2026 at 1:28 PM, islgirl3--- via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: Does anyone have a resource for a replacement key switch?

[Greg Flanagan via C320-list]

West Marine had the exact replacement for Hoop Dancer ~ 10 years ago. However, I expect it depends on hull number (or year of production), i.e. what ever was in the parts bin at the time.

Greg
Hoop Dancer #1076
Sidney, BC

> On Jun 10, 2026, at 10:47 AM, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-38/electrical/breakers-switches/ignition-switch-3-position-brass-body/

[ptormey 4square.net via C320-list]

I replaced mine with a standard marine grade toggle switch. That little key won't stop a boat thief.

AND I don't like the thought that I could be treading water behind the boat with the key in my pocket ;-)

Pat

Pat Tormey
Blue Skies S/V
Newport RI
________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 1:47 PM
To: C320...@Catalina320.com <C320...@Catalina320.com>; 320 <c320...@catalina320.com>; C320 Blog <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Cc: Dave Hupe <hoop...@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Ignition Key Switch

[Greg Flanagan via C320-list]

Pat, I wanted to do this too as I leave the key in the ignition (can’t lose it or waste time finding it) and I can turn off the starter battery when not around. The switch I have is not a simple two wire. Do you have a source for your switch? What is your hull number?

Thanks,

Greg
Hoop Dancer #1076
Sidney, BC

> On Jun 10, 2026, at 11:31 AM, ptormey 4square.net via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> I replaced mine with a standard marine grade toggle switch. That little key won't stop a boat thief.

[ptormey 4square.net via C320-list]

#1037
My switch was a simple on/off with a separate starter button which I did not need to replace

If you examine the ignition switch you have, you'll see that you too can make a simple on/off and add a momentary contact button. Again it's best to use something from a good marine supply.

Pat

Pat Tormey
Blue Skies S/V
Newport RI
________________________________

From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Greg Flanagan via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 2:40 PM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: Greg Flanagan <greg.f...@shaw.ca>

[surprise thompson87.com via C320-list]

Doesn't that vary by engine? I thought some of the older engines used glow plugs and might need a different arrangement.

T. Scott Thompson
Catalina 320 “Surprise,” #653 (1999)
surp...@thompson87.com

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Scott is right.  My 1994 has a Perkins engine with glo plugs. My key switch has 3 positions ..... off, on/run, and start.  I have a separare pushbutton to activate my glo plugs. However, later Yammars do not have glo plugs. 
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Wed, Jun 10, 2026 at 8:17 PM, surprise thompson87.com via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: Doesn't that vary by engine? I thought some of the older engines used glow plugs and might need a different arrangement.

[Dan Petticord via C320-list]

My Perkins M30 has glow plugs and a three position switch with a start
button


Dan Petticord