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Hello,
Its time to replace my ignition key switch.  I have separate momentary switches on the panel for glow plugs and starter.
My current switch is 2 position  Off-On  so, when 'on'  it  turns on the fuel pump also.   
I am assuming I can replace with a simple 2 position Cole-Hersee switch.
Is there any reason to replace with a 3 position or something else while I am at it?
Thanks       

p.s.   Its funny the Cole Hersee 3 position are a few dollars cheaper than the 2 position. 

also try using Barkeepers Friend. About $2.50 and does the job.
But ots all short term success.  The gelcoat surface becomes pourus when old and the only real permanent cure is a new paint job at the emd of the day 


   

I realize you northern and east coast guys see your bottom every six months for months at a time but here in SoCal for me at least it happens only once every four years and only for a few days so it's kind of a big deal. Also this is the first time I'm having the yard do the work, with ever increasing CA regulations it's just gotten to be too much of a PITA and they are openly trying to discourage DIY.

What I found amazing is we had discussed cutlass bearing replacement since it's original and 36 years old but after inspection the mechanic said it was fine and he saw no reason to replace it. He said worst case it'll be fine at least until the next haulout. I asked how this could be and he said whoever did the original alignment did an outstanding job. Who said Catalina doesn't know how to build boats!

What impressed me was by recommending not replacing the cutlass bearing they just saved me $500!

$500 in So Cal for a marina job bearing?  I dont  believe it.   Maybe $1500 !!

You do know the reason they tell you to change your oil every 3,000 miles and shampoo and rinse twice is to sell more oil and shampoo, right?

I did a search for the OEM oil pressure switch socket size.  Found results indicating 15/16 and 11/16.  Anyone know the correct size?

Yes but you may not be able to get the socket past the manifold.   Search more and you will find there is a poster here that has a customized cut down socket he will lend you.  `

I  think there is some good advice and alot of bad. I disagree with Noah and Ron
I would much rather know things are working properly before setting out to your home port!!!!
If you have a good record of last years maintainance then not so much a worry.
Freezing season is about over now in the northeast
If you dont have history, it is is a perfect time to  change all the filters, belt, impellers and fluids
Put the engine intake hose into a 5 gallon Home depot bucket and feed with a fresh water hose from the marina.
Easiest if you have two people
Run the engine as long as you  like
If you dont have this, then wait until you get it home.   
All the procedures are avaialble  in the forums or watch on youtube and few tools are necessary
Change the impeller, belt, filters, coolant, fluids, hoses where necessary. If they are original, change them
MUCH easier to do on land then at a mooring.   Any screwups at launch time will be small and easily fixed.
I always do all this annual maintnenance before launch.  So much easier. Never once in the water 
   

edit
12MM
this from another thread on this forum


I just replaced all of mine.  Used NGK Y103V glowplugs.  NAPA, Advanced Auto, didn't have the NGK or anything to match so I bought them from Amazon.  I needed a 12mm wrench to get the glowplug out and a 8mm wrench to get the nut off the stem.

which matches this info

https://www.ngk.com/ngk-6325-y-103k-glow-plug

yes i did it last year - cant recall but it was a normal socket maybe 8 or 10 mm

cant you just loosen and move the fuel lines to get a normal socket or wrench on it ?

Ken & Guys : At night when I hear the high RPMs of a power boat I do not hesitate turning on the Deck light - so that turkey knows where I am -  even if I'm underway -- rule or no rule!!!   

My thoughts

absolutely. I light up like a Christmas tree when I can hear an engine and smell diesel exhaust coming from upwind in thick fog   

What is NTTAWWT?

'Not That There Is Any Thing Wrong With That'. Used in a sentence; 'Ken is introducing yet another Laker George hypothetical scenario leveraging
a fringe-worthy interpretation of COLREGS.  NTTAWWT, it dosnt make him a bad person'.   
And the price of shrimp is going up because when the USCG hears trawlers light up their transom when hauling their drag nets, it will be daylight harvesting only!
Buy your shrimp today!
S.H.
USCG MMC

You appear to really like researching and going down pedantic rabbit holes Ken. NTTAWWT. And introducing blinding Sea Ray owners and  larger vessels is superfluous and a distraction.   I could add Rule 30 also says that ZERO anchor lights are required for boats under 7M.  Who cares? But more relevant and to the point: 
#3, Rule 30 Vessels <12M does not require any stern or transom lights. Just an all around white light where it can best be seen, aka the masthead. So a white light on the stern or transom could not be confused with a light that isn't required to be there anyway.   
#2 - once again introducing elements in a discussion that dont exist
Finally,  these and other 'party lights' are never meant for continuous usage.  You can invent extreme and unusual scenarios for any possibility. I note again I don't think you have shown that there is any regulation prohibiting their use  (or installation by a manufacturer).

I may install these on my H3 Hummer. Is that legal?
   
 

This thread has suddenly gone quiet.  Maybe someone is reading the rules again? 

#1 - The lights point downward, but that is irrelevant
#2 - There is no ColReg restriction on lighting up a boat (especially deck lights) at anchor
#3 - There is no requirement anywhere that restricts or requires any lighting of any kind in a designated mooring field   
#4 - Your example of a fixed bow spotlight is pedantic and extreme.   
#5 - Commercial and recreational fisherman all over the country will now have to work on their aft decks in the dark now after reading your post.
        I would go out and buy some shrimp tonight, the price is going up
#6 - I am familiar with Colregs and USCG requirements and have already read them, but thanks
#7 - You are making assumptions. Nowhere did anyone say there was intention for continued use of white transom lights while navigating.
        And even so the boater of average intelligence would likely not be confused by an additional white light on a transom, with an existing white stern
        light on a transom.  If I saw that I would hardly think that boat was coming at me.   

These are just meant use at the dock or at anchor so of course they are 'legal'.  They are not Nav lights.
Anyway I have decided they are stupid and they are coming off.
Agree should be LED anyway then I could change the throbbing colors when I play my old disco albums