Key float

blootac · 21 April 2015, 10:17

What do you guys do with keys that you need access to on the water and also keys that you only need access to on land?

When I'm on a river and moor up I use a long cable lock to secure the boat to a mooring ring to deter opportunists, so I need access to at least the padlock key. The rest of the keys can stay somewhere safer but I still take the entire bunch with me when I leave the boat and the thought of dropping the lot overboard scares me!

I'm contemplating buying one of these...

Any other thoughts?

paddlers · 21 April 2015, 10:22

They'd look quite impressive if you ever carry your keys in your trouser pocket !

I just have one of the foam Yamaha floaty type.

Max... · 21 April 2015, 10:23

I would think it's pretty unusual to need a key on a SIB except in your scenario. If I did I would leave the big bunch in your on-boat storage (in my Pelicase) to avoid any disaster and tie a big cork to the padlock one and tie it to the boat* or on your person.

*obviously not when you leave it....

But knowing how sensible Ribnetters are I doubt you're one of those would be prison guard types like in Porridge with a huge dangling mass of keys on your belt clip...

Pikey Dave · 21 April 2015, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by blootac

I'm contemplating buying one of these...

Any other thoughts?

They start to crumble & break down after a (Short) while

blootac · 21 April 2015, 11:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddlers

They'd look quite impressive if you ever carry your keys in your trouser pocket !

Well I do like to buy things with multiple purposes!

blootac · 21 April 2015, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max...

I would think it's pretty unusual to need a key on a SIB except in your scenario. If I did I would leave the big bunch in your on-boat storage (in my Pelicase) to avoid any disaster and tie a big cork to the padlock one and tie it to the boat* or on your person.

*obviously not when you leave it....

But knowing how sensible Ribnetters are I doubt you're one of those would be prison guard types like in Porridge with a huge dangling mass of keys on your belt clip...

haha, I do have a huge amount of keys for the boat,
outboard lock, trailer wheel clamp, trailer hitch lock, cable lock, car key, house key etc.

I normally wear waders so I can leave the big bunch inside my waders and be quite comfortable that they aren't going anywhere, maybe as you say I just needs a float for the one padlock key... or should have got a combination lock!

blootac · 21 April 2015, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

They start to crumble & break down after a (Short) while

oh

maybe a foam spongy one instead? I chose those as I thought for a big bunch of keys they'd be the most bouyant. but for a single key maybe a spongy one would be better

Fenlander · 21 April 2015, 11:44

>>>They start to crumble & break down after a (Short) while

I guessed they might when I bought mine so painted it in orange gloss... easier to see bobbing in the water and has lasted 7yrs plus so far. BTW I'm just a one ball guy... only one or two keys needed on it.

treerat · 21 April 2015, 11:49

I use the cork float and one of these - Davis Key Buoy Self-Inflating Keyring

Not only will it help them float, but the orange should give a nice colour clash against the sea to actually see them.

jyasaki · 21 April 2015, 16:13

I just use the foam float, available at chandlers for a couple of bucks. The ring has 3 keys: one for the RIB, one for the padlocks for the console, and one for the anchor locker (rarely used.)

They work: A couple of years ago I was topside support on a dive jaunt, and just after the divers dropped, I saw a flash of yellow emerge from under one of the boats. Chased it down as it drifted off in the current - turned out to be one of the other boat's ignition key, which had been stowed in a drysuit pocket.

jky

paintman · 21 April 2015, 20:06

Boat keys are on a cord tied through a plastic fishing net float.
This sort of thing: Tf-17 Fishing Net Float - Buy Fishing Net Float,Fishing Net Float,Buoys Product on Alibaba.com

Maximus · 22 April 2015, 09:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by paintman

Boat keys are on a cord tied through a plastic fishing net float.
This sort of thing: Tf-17 Fishing Net Float - Buy Fishing Net Float,Fishing Net Float,Buoys Product on Alibaba.com

Plenty of those at The High tide line in my area...just find a prevailing wind Storm beach and you'll find em.
Or....If the OP pm's me I have a few Ribcraft key ring floats....I'll drop one in the post.

blootac · 22 April 2015, 10:11

Cheers everyone, Maximus, PM sent!

Fenlander · 22 April 2015, 10:22

I always carry a couple of these in the SIB's kit bag...

Ski Float 136mm - Tow Ropes - Discount Marine Chandlery and Sailing Equipment. Bargain Boat Spares and Clothing

They are useful if for some reason you have something slightly heavier than keys you don't want to sink.

For example one is enough to float my waterproof but not buoyant hand held Garmin.

blootac · 22 April 2015, 10:24

Those fishing line and ski rope floats look good and should stand up to some punishment! might have to spend a few £...

blootac · 22 April 2015, 14:02

Interestingly, it looks like Amazon has just about as much faith in my ability to look after keys as I do!

paulalmond · 22 April 2015, 20:05

Self inflating keyring ordered - but boating off Anglesey I hope it doesn't mind the rain.....

If anyone sees me passing by with a big red sticky out thing at around groin height, it's my keyring, honest.

blootac · 22 April 2015, 21:30

I'd seen those but don't want to risk the possibility of it not going off! Especially when so many amazon reviews say that theirs didn't work!