Two stupid questions......

[stevenk2]

Two stupid questions for everyone - one, what's the best place to keep your spare set of boat keys, on board or in your tow rig; two, which side of the boat are you supposed to mount wakeboard racks on, port or starboard?

With regards to the first question, it would seem to make the most sense keeping the spare set of keys hidden on board somewhere so if your primary set joins the collection at the bottom of the lake while you're out, you won't be stranded, but by the same token, I could see some argument for keeping a set in your tow rig. Maybe a third set of spare keys would be wise?

On the second question, I would think that you'd want the rack(s) on the starboard side so as to not cause any obstructions hanging out the side of the boat while docked (for foot traffic on the dock as well as when you're pulling up next to pilings and such). But having them on the port side would make loading and unloading boards easier from the dock. However, that being said, I've been in situations where I've had to dock on both the port and starboard sides of the boat, so maybe it's a moot point?

 

[jEt_jAk]

I wouldn't keep spare keys on the boat. Instead get a float.

I actually have the same question about the board mounts as I am ready to put some on as well.

 

[W3bexec]

I keep a spare set at home since I never take the keys out of the ignition. I'm a lake boater though and its rare where I would have a need to take them out. Maybe I should rethink it but it's been fine so far.

On the rack question, I only have need for one rack right now and I have it on the port side. For no reasons other than I thought it better not to have it blocking my vision on that side and to not have it going in and out of the rack behind my head.

 

[Jores]

I have three sets of keys- one at the marina where I store the boat, one on board with my tool kit and the one set I use- they are all on key floats. John

 

[jEt_jAk]

Guess I will put my board rack on portside also

 

[Noko]

I guess it depends on how far your boat is from your home. I have the keys on an orange float so they won't sink. Second and third set is in the house. I had extras made. I can swim from where we boat to the house so losing keys isn't such a big issue.

 

[Gym]

You're never going to need spare boat keys unless you have your boat with you. It only makes sense to keep a spare set on the boat. There are many hiding places from the engine compartment to the bow. I keep mine in a little obscure space above the upper glovebox.

 

[Dean P]

You're never going to need spare boat keys unless you have your boat with you. It only makes sense to keep a spare set on the boat. There are many hiding places from the engine compartment to the bow. I keep mine in a little obscure space above the upper glovebox.

Could you be more specific? Pictures would be great!

 

[MidnightRider]

I use a key lock box under the helm to store a spare set of keys. Has saved my bacon more that once. Everything from not having to turn around and go back when forgetting the keys on the way to the marina to losing them in the sand on a island camping overnight trip. I'd suggest this for everyone to consider. I have this one mounted under the helm but there are many different versions:

Master Lock 5401D Set Your Own Combination Wall Mount Lock Box, 5 Key Capacity, Black - - Amazon.com

Master Lock 5401D Set Your Own Combination Wall Mount Lock Box, 5 Key Capacity, Black - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[tabbibus]

So I assume everyone keeps the lanyard in the boat then?

 

[Julian]

Spare keys are at home. Lanyard stays in the boat. Board racks on both sides- and swivel racks are the best - especially if you raft up with other boats or ever have to go into a lock.

 

[props2you]

So I assume everyone keeps the lanyard in the boat then?

Lanyard, wait... there's a lanyard on these boats?? Keep spares in the tow vehicle glove box, never needed them and plan on keeping it that way! (knocking on wood)

 

[KC-AR240]

Could you be more specific? Pictures would be great!

LMAO

 

[MidnightRider]

You're never going to need spare boat keys unless you have your boat with you. It only makes sense to keep a spare set on the boat. There are many hiding places from the engine compartment to the bow. I keep mine in a little obscure space above the upper glovebox.

@Gym 's next forum thread: "Someone stole my boat "

 

[JBehrens]

+1 to the lock box, I keep spare lanyards in the boat and ski's. One spare key for each is hidden in a lock box (one on the boat, one in the toolbox of the ski trailer). Also keep a spare at home just in case, main stays with me. Helps a ton to know there is a backup as my main lakes/trips are about 4 hours away from home.

 

[Gym]

@Gym 's next forum thread: "Someone stole my boat "

Point is...What good are keys in your truck if you're on the water and you need your spare keys. My young grandson bent one of my keys pulling on the key cord. It still worked but could have snapped off. I was able to straighten it in the vise when I got home but was glad I had spares onboard.

 

[stevenk2]

Installing a key lockbox is a great idea - I'll probably look into doing something like that. Most places I dock I don't think there would be a high probability of someone stealing my boat using the spare set onboard, but I'd still rather be safe than sorry. That and it keeps them from going missing onboard because they're not secured in a fixed spot.

 

[Ancient canoe]

Agree on the lockbox I never even thought about it. I think my biggest threat is forgetting keys at home so a spare set in the tow vehicle covers that.

 

[Matt Phillips]

I keep a spare key with my house keys...that's saved my bacon more than once.

As for the board racks...pay for Swivel. not only does it make it easier to add/remove boards when out on the water, you can swivel them in. As for Port & Starboard, that's a debate. On my '09 I mounted a fixed rack to the port side. The benefit is that boards don't get hung up as much on a tow rope when circling around to pick up a downed boarder. The downside is that it was always hanging above my head when at the fuel dock. I always seemed to forget boards were up there at least 2x yearly. ?

 

[Bluewater272]

The Key Lock box is a great idea. I've only forgotten the keys once, but that resulted in an hour and a half driving back and forth to home to get them. I debated putting keys inside but wanted to avoid a Darwinian moment of someone stealing it from my slip. A number of places to hide a lock box that would at least deter a thief should they find it. I figure someone determined enough to break into a lockbox would also be smart enough to hotwire it (surprisingly simple).