What is the kill switch on an outboard motor?
It’s a safety device that immediately shuts off the outboard or sterndrive if the helmsman becomes separated from the boat’s controls. The kill switch is a simple ON/OFF switch that completes an electrical circuit to the motor when it’s on, allowing it to run.
What happens when an engine kill switch is activated on a boat?
A boat engine kill switch, or cord, is a cut-off device that activates and ‘kills’ the engine if the helmsman becomes separated from control of the boat. The first features a set of quick-release clips that attach to the engine’s kill switch.
How do boat kill switches work?
Most boat owners call these devices “kill” switches, because when used properly and tethered to the boat’s operator, the engine kills when the operator moves a distance from the engine controls. The “kill” switch is wired into the engine’s keyed-to-start switch.
Are kill switches required on boats?
Engine cut-off switches are now mandatory on personal watercraft and most small boats. The law applies to all personal watercraft and recreational boats under 26 feet with motors capable of 115 pounds of static thrust (a little under 3 horsepower).
Will outboard start without kill switch?
Paddling away… Etec’s will start without the kill switch attached. But if it’s on and the kill switch is removed it shuts off. As Mel said, I assumed it’s for if someone is left on board, they can start the motor and go get them.
How do you bypass a boat kill switch?
In order to bypass the tether kill switch, you simply have to unplug the wires that are connected to the switch, and leave them apart.
What size boat needs a kill switch?
26 feet
New Coast Guard regulation takes effect, requires engine kill switch in boats under 26 feet | WFLA.
Can you bypass a kill switch?
Can You troubleshoot an outboard Kill Switch on a boat?
In this video we take a look inside an outboard kill switch. Knowing how a boat safety lanyard and cutoff switch works can be really useful installing or troubleshooting an outboard kill switch. MarineEngine.com proudly sponsors the Dangar Marine YouTube Channel.
Why does the outboard kill switch know which spark plug to fire?
Because the flywheel is keyed on to the crankshaft that happens at a very specific point in the cycle so it knows which Piston is on the compression stroke which Piston is on its you know exhaust stroke etc. and it uses that information to know which spark plugs to fire.
What happens when you put a lanyard in a Kill Switch?
The system works that way if the lanyard is in, and what happens when you put the lanyard in is you’re taking a switch like this that currently has this white wire connected to the black wire and you’re pulling the screw away from it that’s what this little lanyard does it pulls that switch out and it disconnects those two wires for each other.
Why does my car kill switch not work?
Should this little conductive disc be so corroded that it’s not going to conduct electricity, then you’ll find that the kill switch won’t function properly and you won’t be able to switch the motor off.