Quick answer

Defeat the Spider Crab using the empty Beer Can lure and return its required drop to the Lighthouse Keeper. The supplied walkthrough says he then awards the boat keys. Buy the radar before sailing northwest.

Boat key route

  1. Earn starter cash and buy a usable melee weapon.
  2. Buy a Beer Can and give it to the Lighthouse Keeper.
  3. Equip the returned empty can as a lure to summon the Spider Crab.
  4. Sidestep its charge and attack during the stun.
  5. Return the requested boss drop to the keeper to receive the keys.

Before you leave the lighthouse

The walkthrough recommends buying the radar for $10 before the first trip. The radar reduces search time, but it does not replace local quest directions. Talk to the keeper again, confirm the active objective and keep enough inventory room for unusual drops.

  • Keys unlock the boat after the first quest chain.
  • The next principal area is northwest of the Lighthouse.
  • A better engine becomes valuable because travel repeats across the campaign.

If the keeper does not hand over keys

  • Confirm the Spider Crab—not an ordinary crab—was defeated.
  • Bring every distinct boss drop back before selling or eating it.
  • Re-read the active quest and speak to the keeper with the item in inventory.
  • In co-op, make sure the player holding the drop is present.

Source ledger

Sources