Kill switch

Do you use the kill switch on an outboard properly?

  • Yes always attache to me, my clothing or my bouyancy device

    Votes: 26 68.4%

  • Yes, sometimes

    Votes: 8 21.1%

  • No, I never attach it to me or my clothing or buoyancy device

    Votes: 4 10.5%
  • Total voters
    38
Roberto said:
I have two killcords, one of them (just the plastic black ring) is attached to the engine itself (obviously taken off if leaving the dinghy): should the driver fall overboard, people left onboard can start the engine again.
Then run at full speed over the mob to shred him into pieces, job finished ?
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You raise a serious point here. My kill switch is unusual as it is just a toggle switch and you can run the engine without the cord if you want to. The kill cord clips over the toggle switch and simply turns it off when pulled.

At first that seems less safe because it allows the stupid to run without a cord in situations that demand it, but then the stupid can leave the cord dangling for the same effect if they wish.

And if I do fall in the others can save me / run me down if they wish as you say.
 
Elessar said:
You raise a serious point here. My kill switch is unusual as it is just a toggle switch and you can run the engine without the cord if you want to. The kill cord clips over the toggle switch and simply turns it off when pulled.

At first that seems less safe because it allows the stupid to run without a cord in situations that demand it, but then the stupid can leave the cord dangling for the same effect if they wish.

And if I do fall in the others can save me / run me down if they wish as you say.
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Hello Elessar,
just curiosity, what is the make of your engine?

I just bought a new 4hp Yamaha, IIRC (I bought it and put it in the seaside house garage, never seen since) it has no "stop" button, I may be mistaken but I think the only way to shut it down is by pulling the killcord device (well, apart from waiting fuel to run dry).
 
Always on my 6hp dinghy. Kill cord attached to LJ harness point. I tell my children never to travel in an outboard powered boat unless the kill cord is being used properly.
 
Roberto said:
Hello Elessar,
just curiosity, what is the make of your engine?

I just bought a new 4hp Yamaha, IIRC (I bought it and put it in the seaside house garage, never seen since) it has no "stop" button, I may be mistaken but I think the only way to shut it down is by pulling the killcord device (well, apart from waiting fuel to run dry).
Click to expand...

Normally, if you push the kill switch button IN, even while the clip is still in place, that is the off button.
 
Roberto said:
Hello Elessar,
just curiosity, what is the make of your engine?

I just bought a new 4hp Yamaha, IIRC (I bought it and put it in the seaside house garage, never seen since) it has no "stop" button, I may be mistaken but I think the only way to shut it down is by pulling the killcord device (well, apart from waiting fuel to run dry).
Click to expand...
15hp mariner.
I have a stop button in the end of the tiller plus the toggle switch.
 
i leave the kill cord on the outboard (honda 2.2)

would like to get one of those engine shut offs for the yacht engine however incase i fall off it when i eventually try solo sailing.
 
I think a spring loaded throttle would be OK with a centrifugal clutch, so the prop stops turning, but an OB where you put it in gear and the prop keeps going, which gives better control, IMO, could still make a mess of you if you tangle with the prop, even at idle. Still better than my old Tohatsu, that would keep going at whatever throttle setting it had.
 
On the rare occasions when I use an outboard in a dinghy I use the kill cord if there is one. On my Drascombe Longboat I don't, because I often move around or give someone else the tiller. Maybe I should when I am on my own, though it would have to be a very long cord.
 
Well if they become mandatory in the USA or elsewhere, i hope they are better made than the one on my brand new 10 HP honda.
The grip on the clip is so weak that even with the cord clipped to the engine itself it is easily bumped out of position.
This nice shiny new electric start motor is on my 26 ft trailer yacht, and in general i am thrilled with it, but in the first few uses i bumped the kill switch toggle every time! Usually when changing from fwd to rev when appproaching dock!
Now the clip is lashed into place. I have examined it closely, and it doesnt seem like there is anything wrong except the poor fundamental design.
 
Stemar said:
I think a spring loaded throttle would be OK with a centrifugal clutch, so the prop stops turning, but an OB where you put it in gear and the prop keeps going, which gives better control, IMO, could still make a mess of you if you tangle with the prop, even at idle. Still better than my old Tohatsu, that would keep going at whatever throttle setting it had.
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You make a good point.
The advantage is though you can’t forget to wear it.
It’s what the RNLI do on RIBs I believe. Anyone know for sure?
 
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