I wonder how many boat keys have made homes at the bottom of lakes, seas, oceans, and rivers. When you consider how many bodies of water there are in the world, how many people enjoy being in or near the water, and how easy it is to drop your keys, it’s inevitable that some keys will fall into the water and never be retrieved. Of course boat keys can be lost in other ways as well, the same ways you might lose your car keys (a far more common dilemma). You leave them in the wrong place. They fall through a hole in your pocket. You simply forget where you last saw them. As long as there are keys in the world, there will be lost keys. The important thing is that you know what to do if you lose your boat key.
What’s that? You don’t know what to do if you lose your boat key? Not a problem! Scroll down and follow the four simple steps we’ve listed below.
What to Do If You Lose Your Boat Key
1. Double-check, just in case. Are you absolutely sure that your keys are irretrievably lost? Before you start researching how to get your hands on a new key, thoroughly search your home and your boat. Remember to ask around as well. Did your spouse move the keys? Did your dad spot them in your car last week? Did you let your sister borrow the boat last month? Ask anyone who might know and look everywhere that they could possibly be.
2. Contact a reputable locksmith. A locksmith will be able to make you a new key, but you need to make sure that you find someone who is experienced, reputable, and professional. Although we like to assume the best in everyone, there are dishonest locksmiths out there who run unofficial businesses, charge their customers ridiculous fees, and conduct scams. Ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Or, if you’ve used a locksmith for your car or home in the past and had a good experience, consider calling that locksmith again. They might offer boat key services as well. Finally, be sure that your locksmith is licensed, bonded, and insured. Check out this previous blog post for a more thorough explanation of how to find a trustworthy and skilled locksmith.
3. Let the locksmith do their thing. Once you’ve hired the right person, received an acceptable quote, and exchanged identification, let the locksmith take control. They’ll know what to do and in no time at all, you’ll have your hands on a new key. Hop in your boat and take it for a victory lap!
4. Make sure that this doesn’t happen again. Losing your keys isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous too! Have you simply lost your keys or has someone stolen them? To prevent both the nuisance and the danger, keep a close eye on your keys in the future. First, attach a buoyant keychain to your keys so that they’ll float if they’re knocked into the water. You might also consider (1) purchasing a product that will let you track your keys or (2) forming a simple habit (always placing your keys in your sock drawer, for example) to prevent them from being lost again.
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If you’ve lost your boat key and you live in or near Springfield, MO, contact Advanced Key, a licensed, bonded, and insured locksmith company. Since 1982, we’ve been providing the Springfield area with a variety of locksmith services, including mobile service, boat replacement keys, commercial and residential re-keying, the change and installation of locks, and ignition service and repair. Give us a call at 417-865-9393 or click here to contact us online. We would be happy to help you get back out on the water!
