How do i hotwire my boat?

Question

its a 77 johnson 140 hp i broke the key and i have to order a new ignition switch but want to go out on the boat this week any help please thanx

Answer 1

cross the correct wires that connect to the keyed tumbler

Answer 2

If you have problem with the ignition switch to start the engine, how do you hot wire the boat ?

If a smaller engine, easiest way is take off cover and disconnect main wiring harness(big 2pc harness) This allows the engine to be pull started. To kill engine you will have to connect it back or choke it. Bigger engines you can't pull so it is more like a car and you need to hotwire the starter. This might not be a good idea with todays computerized engines. You can do this by removing keyswitch and jump it there but requires some knowledge and every manufacturer has different color codes. Ask your mechanic to be on the safe side. I/O's are cake, just pull the keyswitch, connect the pos & neg and touch to starter wire.

Good tip for dead battery or starter on the fritz. Wrap a pullcord around flywheel. As you pull the cord have someone hit the key. The dead bat/bad starter will usually be enough to spin the flywheel a few more revs and start it. This will usually not work on Mercs due to they need a full charge or will not start.

Before you decide it is keyswitch, check emergency kill switch and neutral safety switch. Sometimes a jiggle on the control is all it takes. Disclaimer-I am or have never stolen anything motorized! I have left my keys or when younger could not get them at night, so I learned a few tricks. If I was on land and thought I had a bad key, try a testlight before you go shorting something out, etc. Keyswitches are cheap!

Answer 3

Don't do it.  You'll get stuck out in the open water.

Good Luck...