Amanda Knapp
A boat kill switch, also known as an engine cutoff switch (ECOS), is a crucial safety feature designed to automatically stop a boat's engine in emergency situations. As of April 1, 2021, a federal law mandates that operators of motorized recreational vessels under 26 feet in length must attach the kill switch lanyard to their person while the boat is in motion. This article will discuss the importance of kill switches, the legal requirements, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to install and use this potentially life-saving device.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To stop the engine during emergencies |
| How it works | By linking the captain to the engine directly |
| If the captain moves too far from the engine, the lanyard will disconnect, acting as a switch to turn the engine off | |
| Types | Wireless and wired |
| Wireless models have a distance set electronically to the lanyard from the engine | |
| Wired models have a switch mounted on the front of the casing, with wires from the ignition and the lanyard connected to the switch | |
| Requirements | A federal law requires operators of motorized recreational vessels with three or more horsepower that are less than 26 feet to attach the kill switch lanyard to their person while underway |
| The law does not require enclosed cabins or recreational boats over 26 feet to have a kill switch | |
| The law does not require captains to wear the kill switch lanyard, but it is recommended for safety | |
| Keep a spare lanyard accessible on the boat |
What You'll Learn
The importance of a kill switch on a boat
A boat kill switch, also known as an engine cutoff switch (ECOS), is a critical safety feature for any boat. It is a lanyard connected to the boat's engine at one end and the captain's wrist, life jacket, belt, or any other fixed part at the other. In the event of an emergency, the kill switch enables captains to stop the boat automatically, making it an essential device for ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
The kill switch works by directly linking the captain to the engine. If the captain moves too far from the engine, such as being yanked overboard or rushing to assist someone on the deck, the lanyard will disconnect, acting as a switch to automatically turn off the engine. This ensures that the captain can focus on the emergency without worrying about controlling the boat, and anyone in the water is safe from the propellers. While setting the lanyard at a certain distance from the engine allows for some movement, it should be short enough to work effectively in an emergency.
In the United States, as of April 2021, a federal law mandates that vessels shorter than 26 feet must be equipped with a kill switch. While this law does not require captains to wear the kill switch, it is highly recommended for ensuring the safety of everyone on board. By not wearing the kill switch, the device becomes ineffective, and the boat and its passengers are placed at unnecessary risk. Therefore, it is essential to wear the kill switch at all times, regardless of the boat's speed or whether it is idling or docking.
Additionally, it is crucial to have a spare lanyard easily accessible on the boat. In the event of an emergency where the captain is thrown overboard with the lanyard, another person on board will need to retrieve the spare and restart the engine. This simple yet crucial step can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
In conclusion, a kill switch on a boat is of paramount importance. It provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind for both the captain and the passengers. By following the proper safety protocols and wearing the kill switch at all times, captains can ensure they are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances and can fully enjoy their time on the water.
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How to install a kill switch on a boat
A boat kill switch, also known as an engine cutoff switch (ECOS), is a safety feature that enables captains to stop the boat automatically in the event of an emergency. It is a lanyard connected to the captain's wrist, life jacket, belt, or any other fixed part of their body at one end and to the boat's engine at the other.
Installation Process:
Firstly, identify the wires coming from the ignition on your dashboard. There should be three wires: the ground wire, the "on" wire, and the starter wire. The kill switch needs to be wired into the "on" circuit so that turning it off will cut power to the boat.
For smaller outboard motors, you can mount a switch on the front of the casing. Take one wire each from the ignition and 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 engine.
For larger vessels, you will likely already have a push-button stop switch. In this case, you will need to swap the connection from the button to the kill switch, connecting it to your lanyard.
Additional Considerations:
- Keep a spare lanyard in an accessible location on the boat. This will allow someone else on board to restart the engine if the captain is overboard with the lanyard.
- Check the kill switch if your engine is not turning over or abruptly stops. The lanyard may have been pulled too hard, turning off the switch.
- Be mindful of the length of the lanyard. Set it at a distance that allows for movement but is short enough to work in an emergency.
- Wireless boat kill switches are also available, offering increased comfort but at a higher price.
Legal Requirements:
As of April 1, 2021, a federal law in the US requires motorized recreational vessels with three or more horsepower that are less than 26 feet in length to have a kill switch lanyard attached to the operator while underway. The lanyard should be clipped to the operator's life jacket or clothing. While the law only mandates the use of kill switches when the boat is at planing speed, it is recommended to keep it attached during other activities such as docking or floating.
Importance of Kill Switches:
Kill switches are critical safety features that can prevent accidents and save lives. They ensure that the boat's engine and propeller stop running if the captain is thrown from the helm, preventing the boat from going rogue and endangering others.
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The different types of kill switches
As of April 2021, all vessels shorter than 26 feet are required to have a kill switch, and they are recommended for larger vessels. A boat kill switch, also known as an engine cutoff switch (ECOS), is a lanyard connected to the captain's wrist, life jacket, belt, or any other fixed part of their body, and to the boat's engine. In the event of an emergency, the lanyard will disconnect, turning 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 without worrying about controlling the boat.
There are two main types of kill switches: wired and wireless. Wired kill switches are the most common type and involve mounting a switch on the front of the outboard casing and connecting wires from the ignition and the lanyard to the switch. Wireless kill switches work in a similar way, but the distance from the lanyard to the engine is set electronically, offering a more comfortable option at a higher price.
On larger vessels, there is usually already a push-button stop switch installed. In this case, the connection needs to be swapped from the button to the kill switch, connecting it to the lanyard. It is important to ensure that no wires get caught in the flywheel, as this can damage the engine.
In addition to the kill switch, it is recommended to keep a spare lanyard somewhere accessible on the boat. This will allow someone on board to restart the engine in case the captain is overboard with the lanyard.
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The legal requirements of a kill switch on a boat
As of April 1, 2021, a federal law in the US requires operators of boats with an installed Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) to use the ECOS link. This law applies to all "Navigable Waters of the US".
The ECOS link is usually a coiled bungee cord lanyard clipped onto the operator's person, Personal Floatation Device (PFD) or clothing, with the other end attached to the cut-off switch. There are also wireless devices available.
The law applies to "Covered Recreational Vessels", which are motorized boats with 3 or more horsepower, less than 26 feet in length, and capable of 115 pounds of static thrust (about 3 horsepower). The boat must also not have an enclosed cabin, and must be operating on plane or above displacement speed.
There are some situations in which an ECOS link is not required, including docking, launching, loading on a trailer, trolling, and operating in no-wake zones.
The US Coast Guard requires ECOS links to be used on recreational powerboats less than 26 feet in length. This law is enforced by the Coast Guard in federal navigable waterways, and non-compliance can result in civil penalties of up to $100 for the first offence, $250 for the second, and $500 for the third.
Prior to the 2021 federal law, seven US states already had engine cut-off switch laws for small motorboats: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, and Texas. In addition, engine cut-off switches are required for Personal Watercraft in 44 states.
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Real-life experiences of needing a kill switch
As of April 2021, a federal law was imposed that requires boats under 26 feet in length to be equipped with a kill switch. While this law does not mandate the use of kill switches, it is highly recommended for safety reasons. Here are some real-life experiences that highlight the importance of having a kill switch on a boat:
Experience 1:
I was out on the lake with my family when my son, who was driving the boat, fell off the back. Luckily, he was wearing the kill switch lanyard, which immediately cut the engine. This prevented a potentially dangerous situation and allowed him to swim back to the boat safely.
Experience 2:
I was boating through the channel when my throttle malfunctioned, causing the boat to accelerate out of control. Unfortunately, I was not wearing the kill switch lanyard and was unable to reach the switch in time. The boat ran aground and caused significant damage. If I had been wearing the lanyard, the engine would have shut off automatically, preventing the accident.
Experience 3:
While fishing alone on my small boat, I nearly fell overboard several times. I decided to invest in a wireless kill switch system, which allowed me to move around the boat safely. This system has given me peace of mind and has proven to be reliable during my solo fishing trips.
Experience 4:
During a choppy ride on my WaveRunner, I frequently fell off the watercraft. Each time, the kill switch lanyard attached to the key immediately cut the engine, saving me from a long swim back to the WaveRunner. This experience highlighted the importance of wearing the lanyard at all times while operating personal watercraft.
These experiences underscore the value of kill switches and lanyards in ensuring the safety of boat operators and passengers. By automatically cutting the engine in emergencies, kill switches help prevent accidents, protect against propeller injuries, and allow individuals who fall overboard to safely return to the boat.
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Frequently asked questions
A kill switch, or engine cut-off switch, is in place to stop the engine during emergencies. Its sole purpose is to keep the motor from running, which stops the propeller from turning. The kill switch is typically located near the ignition in most recreational boats and has a red coiled lanyard attached to it. This lanyard is meant to be worn by the driver, and if the driver is thrown from the helm, the lanyard will pull the switch, turning off the engine.
To install a kill switch on a boat, you need to wire it into the "on" circuit. There are three wires coming from the ignition on your dash: the ground, the "on" wire, and the starter wire. The kill switch needs to be wired into the "on" wire so that when it is turned off, it will cut power to the boat.
Yes, there are new wireless models available that work in the same way but at a higher price. These wireless kill switches have a distance set electronically from the lanyard to the engine, and will activate if the distance is exceeded.
