Understanding Boat Kill Switches: A Safety Essential

A boat kill switch, also known as an engine cutoff switch (ECOS), is a safety device designed to shut off a boat's engine if the operator is thrown from the helm. It works by linking the captain to the engine directly. If the captain moves too far from the engine, the lanyard will disconnect and turn the engine off automatically. This ensures that anyone in the water is safe from the propellers and allows the captain to focus on the emergency at hand. While there are different types of boat kill switches, they all serve the same purpose of keeping the boat from running without a captain in the driver's seat.

How a boat kill switch is linked to the captain

A boat kill switch, also known as an engine cutoff switch (ECOS), is a crucial safety device that directly links the captain to the boat's engine. In the event of an emergency, it enables the captain to stop the boat automatically. The kill switch consists of a small clip that must be inserted into the boat's console or outboard motor to allow the engine to run. This clip is attached to a flexible cord or lanyard that is connected to the captain's life jacket, wrist, belt, or any other fixed part of their body.

The kill switch ensures that if the captain is thrown overboard or needs to assist someone on the deck, the engine will automatically shut off. This not only protects the captain and anyone else in the water from the propellers but also allows them to focus on the emergency without worrying about controlling the boat. The lanyard can be set at a certain distance from the engine to allow for movement while ensuring it is short enough to activate in a potential emergency.

While wireless models are available, the most common type of kill switch is tethered, where the lanyard is physically connected to the captain. This system uses a push-pull switch held open by a clip attached to the lanyard. If the captain moves too far, the lanyard pulls the clip, activating the switch and turning off the engine. This simple ON/OFF switch completes an electrical circuit to the motor when on and breaks the circuit when off, preventing the engine from running.

Although the law mandates the presence of kill switches on certain vessels, it does not require captains to wear them. However, it is highly recommended that captains connect themselves to the kill switch to ensure the safety of everyone on board. Additionally, while the law states that kill switches are only required when the boat is at planing speed, it is advisable to keep the switch attached during other activities such as docking or floating.

How a boat kill switch works in emergencies

A boat kill switch, also known as an engine cutoff switch (ECOS), is an essential safety device designed to shut off a boat's engine in emergencies, such as the operator being thrown from the helm. It is a simple ON/OFF switch that completes an electrical circuit to the motor when it's on, and breaks the circuit when it's off, preventing the engine from running.

The kill switch works by directly linking the captain to the engine. If the captain moves too far from the engine, the lanyard disconnects, acting as a switch to automatically turn off the engine. This ensures the safety of anyone in the water and allows the captain to focus on the emergency without worrying about controlling the boat. The lanyard can be set at a certain distance from the engine to allow for movement, but it should be short enough to work effectively in an emergency.

Wireless or electronic kill switches function similarly, with the distance set electronically. They offer more freedom of movement and can be used by multiple people simultaneously, but they are more expensive. Tethered kill switches, on the other hand, are very inexpensive but restrict movement due to the physical connection.

In an emergency, the kill switch can be activated by either the captain or another person on board. This is especially important if the captain is thrown overboard, as it prevents the boat from going rogue and causing further accidents. The kill switch is, therefore, a crucial safety measure that all boat operators should familiarise themselves with and utilise.

How to fit a boat kill switch

As of April 2021, all vessels shorter than 26 feet are required to have a kill switch installed. Also known as an engine cutoff switch (ECOS), this device is designed to shut off a boat's engine if the operator is thrown from the helm.

Types of Kill Switches

There are two main types of kill switches:

• Normally Open-Circuit Type: This type of kill switch has a lanyard that is attached to the kill switch at one end and the driver's leg at the other. If the driver is dislodged from their position, the lanyard is pulled away from the kill switch, activating it. This type of kill switch works by shorting out the ignition to the spark plugs.
• Wireless Models: These newer models function similarly to the open-circuit type but set the distance electronically. They are more comfortable but tend to be more expensive.

Installation

Kill switches can be installed directly on the outboard motor for smaller boats. For larger boats with controls and steering located away from the motor, the wiring must be routed from the outboard motor to a suitable place on the console.

Installation Steps:

• Mount a switch on the front of the outboard motor casing.
• Take one wire from the ignition and one from the lanyard, and connect them to the switch on the outboard casing.
• Ensure that no wires get caught in the flywheel, as this can damage the kill switch and engine.
• If your boat already has a push-button stop switch, simply disconnect the wires from it and attach them to the kill switch.

Additional Considerations

• Keep a spare lanyard in an accessible location on the boat. If the captain goes overboard with the lanyard, someone else on board will need the spare to restart the engine.
• While the law does not require captains to wear the kill switch lanyard at all times, it is highly recommended for safety reasons.

The different types of boat kill switches

Boat kill switches, also known as engine cutoff switches (ECOS), are essential safety devices designed to shut off a boat's engine if the operator is thrown from the helm. As of April 2021, they are required by law for all personal watercraft (PWCs) and powerboats less than 26 feet in length.

There are two main types of boat kill switches: tethered and electronic.

Tethered kill switches are the most common and cost-effective type, typically costing under $25. They consist of a lanyard or cord attached to the captain's wrist, life jacket, belt, or any other fixed part of their body. The other end is connected to the boat's engine via a switch or button with a special clip. If the captain moves too far from the engine or is thrown overboard, the lanyard disconnects, activating the switch and turning off the engine. This ensures the safety of anyone in the water and allows the captain to focus on the emergency at hand. The main drawback of tethered systems is that they restrict the captain's movement around the boat, and the lanyard can accidentally be pulled out, unexpectedly killing the engine.

Electronic kill switches, on the other hand, offer more freedom of movement. They use a transponder housed in a tag or fob worn by the captain to operate a transducer on the boat. When the transponder and transducer are in close proximity, the switch is on. If the captain moves too far or is thrown overboard, the transponder no longer communicates with the transducer, turning off the switch and immobilizing the boat. Electronic systems are more expensive, but they allow multiple people to use the switch simultaneously, so another person can still maneuver the boat if the captain is thrown overboard.

While the law requires kill switches to be fitted on certain boats, it does not mandate their use. However, it is highly recommended that captains keep themselves connected to the kill switch at all times, even when not at planing speed, to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

The cost of a boat kill switch

For example, the FELL Marine Man OverBoard electronic cut-off device was awarded the National Boating Industry Safety Award in 2020. This innovative product combines the security of a conventional lanyard-style engine cut-off switch with added features and convenience. While the exact price of this product is not readily available, it likely falls into a higher price range compared to the basic $20 model.

Additionally, it is worth noting that while kill switches are now mandatory for certain boats, the cost of non-compliance can be significant. As of April 1, 2021, a federal law in the United States requires all personal watercraft (PWCs) and powerboats under 26 feet in length to be equipped with engine cut-off switches. Failure to comply with this law can result in fines of $100, $250, and $500 for the first, second, and third offenses, respectively.

Therefore, when considering the cost of a boat kill switch, it is important to factor in not only the initial purchase price but also the potential costs associated with non-compliance.

Frequently asked questions