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Chris Craft Starter Switch

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by bigear1, Dec 19, 2010.

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  1. bigear1, Dec 19, 2010
    #1
    bigear1

    bigear1 New Member

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    I was hoping for a little help. We have a 1980 38' Corinthian. We need to replace a starter switch and just cannot find one. The switch they used is a toggle that is off in the down position on in the middle position and momentery on in the up position. Anyone have any suggestions?
  2. Marmot, Dec 19, 2010
    #2
    Marmot

    Marmot Senior Member

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    Are you sure the center position is electrically "on?" Take a look at the boat's wiring diagram and see if that is the case.

    Is that an original switch? I thought those boats came with a key operated on/off switch with a pushbutton to start or a key operated of/run/start switch. Both of those types are readily available.
  3. NYCAP123, Dec 19, 2010
    #3
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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  4. SeaEric, Dec 19, 2010
    #4
    SeaEric

    SeaEric YF Historian

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    I own a 1985 Chris 315 Commander and it has the same ignition switches. Off-On-Momentary/Start. They are not all that uncommon. I ran a 42 Bertram MY recently with the exact same set up. I would try the guys at LPX Sales in Bradenton Florida: http://www.chrisparts.com/ If they don't have those switches, they will sure know where to get them, or an appropriate retro-fit.
  5. 61c40, Dec 19, 2010
    #5
    61c40

    61c40 Member

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    For $25.00 you could probably get two at the area Lincoln welder dealer The size that has a twin cyclinder(I think Onan CCK) engine has this same toggle configuration at least the one I have does. And I bet McMaster Carr would have them also, for alot less than $25 bucks
  6. bigear1, Dec 19, 2010
    #6
    bigear1

    bigear1 New Member

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    We do have keys on the circuit panel, but the engines start with a toggel in the cabin and on the bridge. I went to several local marine supply and they checked all their catalogs and could not find anything. All the toggels had the off position in the center which allowed us to crank the engines but when released the engine died. I will try the guys in Bradenton and see if they have it. Thanks for the help.
  7. K1W1, Dec 20, 2010
    #7
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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