Implementing A Boat Killswitch: A Safety Essential

A kill switch is a crucial safety device for boats, especially smaller vessels. It is a lanyard connected to the captain's wrist, life jacket, or belt at one end and to the boat's engine at the other end. Also known as an engine cutoff switch (ECOS), it ensures the engine shuts off automatically if the captain is thrown from their seat or moves too far from the engine. While laws mandating kill switches vary, they are recommended for all boats, with vessels under 26 feet in the US required to have them installed. Installation involves mounting a switch, connecting wires, and testing, with wireless options now available for added convenience.

Understanding the principles of operation

A kill switch is a safety device that is designed to stop a boat's engine automatically in the event of an emergency, such as the captain being thrown overboard or having to rush to assist someone in distress. It is a simple device that relies on a spring-loaded button or toggle switch to complete the electrical circuit that controls the engine's ignition. When the button is pressed, the circuit is closed, and the engine can run. When the button is released, the circuit is broken, and the engine stops.

The kill switch is typically connected to a lanyard, which is attached to the captain's wrist, life jacket, belt, or any other fixed part of their body. The other end of the lanyard is attached to the kill switch on the boat's engine or dashboard. In its natural resting position, the kill switch is off, and the circuit is broken, so the engine cannot run unless the switch is held open by the lanyard.

If the captain is thrown overboard or moves too far from the engine, the lanyard will disconnect, releasing the spring-loaded button and breaking the circuit. This, in turn, shuts off the engine automatically, preventing further injury from the spinning propeller and allowing the captain to focus on the emergency at hand without worrying about controlling the boat.

There are two main types of kill switches: open circuit kill switches and wireless kill switches. Open circuit kill switches are the most common and cost-effective type, consisting of a physical lanyard connected to the captain and the boat. Wireless kill switches operate in a similar way, but with the distance between the captain and the engine being set electronically. While more expensive, wireless kill switches offer greater comfort and convenience.

Kill switches are typically found on smaller, faster, and more open boats such as RIBs, sports boats, and tenders, where there is a greater risk of the captain being thrown overboard. While not legally required on all boats, kill switches are an important safety feature that can help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on board.

The two types of kill switches

There are two types of kill switches for boats: the lanyard-style kill switch and the wireless kill switch.

Lanyard-Style Kill Switch

The lanyard-style kill switch is a cost-effective ($30) option that consists of a cord or lanyard attached to the helmsman (captain/driver) around their wrist, arm, leg, or body. The other end is attached to a button/switch on the boat with a special clip. The lanyard has a special clip that must be engaged with the button/switch to allow the boat to start or continue operating from a "run" position. If the operator is thrown from the boat, the kill switch is unplugged, and the boat's engine is disabled.

It is important to note that the lanyard is attached to the helmsman. This means that if they are thrown out of the boat, the "run" position is disengaged, and the boat cannot be operated.

Wireless Kill Switch

The wireless kill switch is a more expensive option that works in a similar way to the lanyard-style kill switch, but with a distance set electronically to the lanyard from the engine. The engine shuts off when the control carrier falls overboard and moves away from the boat for 50 feet or less. The wireless kill switch also has an automatic override function, allowing those who remain onboard to restart the engine and help anyone who has fallen off the vessel.

Installation

For smaller boats, the kill switch is connected directly to the outboard motor. For larger boats, the wiring needs to be routed from the outboard to the suitable area on the console. The kill switch can be mounted to the boat, allowing it to be attached to any type of engine.

Safety and Precautions

It is recommended to have an extra lanyard placed in an accessible area of the boat. Additionally, silicone sealant can be applied to the wire ends to keep moisture away.

Regulations

As of April 2021, each vessel shorter than 26 feet is required to have a kill switch, and they are also recommended for larger vessels. While the law does not require captains to wear a kill switch, it is advisable to keep it attached, especially during docking or floating on the water.

Installation of an open circuit kill switch

There are two main types of kill switch, which need to be installed in different ways. From the outside, they may look the same, but they work in opposite ways electrically. This guide will focus on the normally open-circuit type of kill switch.

The kill cord or lanyard is usually 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 cord is pulled from the kill switch, allowing the sprung switch to operate.

This type of kill-cord installation works on the principle of shorting out the ignition to the spark plugs. It is essential to wire the kill switch correctly into the motor's electrical system, which can be confusing as the wiring on one outboard motor may differ from another.

A kill switch is a simple device that relies on a spring-loaded button to keep the switch open (off) when the engine is running. There is a clip that fits under the button and is attached to a tether, which is also attached to the driver at the other end. If the driver falls overboard, the tether pulls the clip, and the kill switch snaps shut, completing the circuit. This shorts out the spark plugs, and the engine stops.

Installation

A kill switch can be fitted directly to the outboard motor on smaller boats. However, on larger boats, the wiring needs to be routed from the outboard motor to a suitable place on the console. Mounting the switch to the boat means one switch can serve several engines.

If your engine has a push-button stop switch, simply disconnect the wires from the button and attach them to the kill switch.

The kill switch is mounted to the front of the outboard motor casing. One wire is taken from the ignition points to a terminal of the kill switch. The other wire is taken from the other terminal of the kill switch to the metal casing of the outboard motor (earth). Ensure that the wires cannot get caught up with the flywheel.

It is recommended to keep a spare lanyard in an accessible area on the boat. In the event of the driver falling overboard, someone else on board can restart the engine and help the person in the water.

Installation of a remote engine kill switch

A remote engine kill switch is a crucial safety feature for any boat. It can save your life and the lives of your crew and others. The installation process typically involves four steps: installing the xHub, working on the power, attaching the signal wires, and testing the installed system. Here is a detailed guide on how to perform each step:

Step 1: Installation of xHub

Select the appropriate spot near the wheel or driver's position and create a hole with a 2 1/16-inch diameter. Ensure you have sufficient clearance for the xHub antenna, which is typically 6 1/2 inches long. Before attaching the antenna to the back of the unit, remove the nut. Insert the antenna and the xHub into the hole, allowing the gasket to rest between the xHub and the dash panel. The battery indicator should be at the top. You can then tighten the xHub nut by hand while connecting the five-pin connector cable at the unit's back.

Step 2: Working on the Power

Turn off the onboard battery power as a safety precaution. You will find a colour-coded, five-wire pigtail on the connector cable. Connect the red (positive) wires to a stable 12V DC source using a 1 to 3 amp fuse and a fuse block or marine inline fuse holder. Connect the black (negative) wire to the onboard ground terminal. If you need to extend the wires, use 16/20 AWG wire or higher.

Step 3: Attachment of Signal Wires

The remaining two wires need to be attached to the present kill switch in the vessel. Refer to the manufacturer's website or Fellmarine.com for a wiring schematic that fits your specific motor brand. For a Mercury kill switch, connect the xHub gray wire to the black or yellow wire leading to the switch, and the xHub orange wire to the black wire. You can retain the functionality of the kill switch with a lanyard by 'T'ing into the existing wires with the xHub wires.

Step 4: Testing the Installed System

Test the system while your boat is docked. Turn on the engine, and if the wires are attached to the existing kill switch, pull the lanyard to ensure it works. Reconnect the lanyard and restart the engine. Move away from the boat or swim in the water to observe whether the engine stops. The system should indicate a person falling overboard with a red light and a sound signal. The automatic override function will engage within six seconds, allowing you to restart the engine. Additionally, you can stop the engine by clicking the remote.

Additional Considerations

It is important to note that kill switches from different companies may look similar, but they can vary in their electrical function and installation method. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, having an extra lanyard placed in an accessible area of your boat is recommended for added safety.

Testing the installed system

To test the system, start by turning on the engine while the boat is docked. If you have attached the wires to the existing kill switch, you should now put on the lanyard to restart the motor. The lanyard is an essential safety feature that connects to the kill switch at one end and the driver's leg or arm at the other.

Once the engine is running, walk away from the boat or get into the water to simulate falling overboard. The engine should stop, and you should hear a sound signal and see a red light. These indicators show that the kill switch has activated and the boat's engine has shut down.

In a real-world situation, these indicators would alert others that someone has fallen overboard. The automatic function of the wireless kill switch will reconnect in about six seconds, allowing those still on board to quickly stop the engine and help the person in the water.

You can also test the kill switch by using the remote control function, if your kill switch has this feature. Click the remote to stop the engine, and observe if the red light and sound signal are activated.

By conducting these tests, you can be confident that your kill switch is properly installed and will keep you safe while boating.

Frequently asked questions