USCG regs. for kill switch use on boats built after 1/1/20

[zipper]

Operators of newer boats built after january 1, 2020 and less than 26' are required to use the kill switch lanyard.

Engine/Propulsion Cut-Off Devices

Link is bad now.

 

[Dough]

Great thread here.

https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/1136806-change-coming-mandatory-kill-switch-use.html

 

[Bluewater272]

Seems like any boat up to 26' that has a kill switch is now required to wear it, the 1/1/20 just mandates that all manufacturers include one.

Q3. Who needs to use an Engine Cut-off Swith Link ECOSL?

A3. All operators of recreational boats less than 26’ in length that have an Engine Cut-Off Device installed.

Q23. I bought my 22-foot boat many years ago and it did not have an engine cut-off device installed by the manufacturer, so last year I added a new wireless engine cut-off devices. Am I required to use it?

A23. Yes. If an engine cut-off switch is present, it must be used.

 

[Canuckjetboater]

It's easy to wire a cheap kill switch in if you don't have one and although many feel it is an infringement on our personal liberty there are too many high speed crashes with terrible results where a kill switch lanyard was not available or used. I also wired a second engine kill switch from my ignition to up under the starboard coaming that made it nearly impossible to hot wire my boat - my plan was to make it so difficult the thieves would quit. All I had to do was flick the switch to go but you had to know where it was.

 

[Stevepro172]

I guess I need to upgrade to the 275 now!

 

[captras]

That's been a requirement in Texas since last year. However, older boats that didnt come with the kill switch are grandfathered and dont have to have one installed.

 

[VaMarine]

Also any boat that is <26ft and has it, must wear it.

What product does everyone plan on using to meet this requirement?

We were never required to wear them, and the lanyard only has a metal clip on it.

Thinking about adding a ankle strap to it.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Wrist strap with a longer lanyard works great. I got a few of these. I just wear it a bit loose. Clip right to it.

Amazon.com: PRO FLOATING LANYARD WRIST BAND YAMAHA KAWASAKI SEADOO POLARIS: Automotive

Amazon.com: Yamaha Superjet SJ Waverunner GP XL VX VXR Raider LX SHO New Wrist Band Lanyard: Health & Personal Care

 

[captras]

Never used to is one....I do now since they made it mandatory in Texas and after watching this video!

 

[zipper]

When I wear it, I clip it directly to my pfd. You stray from the seat and you pull it. Same with the zodiac dinghy. FWIW, a wrist strap can slip off. I saw the damage a prop can do to ones face on one of my sailing groups, when you are ejected and the wrist strap slips off your wrist. This was on a dinghy. I will try to find the link later.

 

[HangOutdoors]

I snug my wrist strap down enough with the velcro that it can't slip off over my hand. If you are just wearing a slip on wrist strip that would not be wise. Additionally I don't wear my PFD all the time. No wake zones, slow speed cruising I take off my Mustang Inflatable and there is no way to clip it to my bathing suit. Far better than assuming you don't need to have the kill switch on you because you are going slow. One bad bump of the throttle and this boats is going to jump.

 

[zipper]

Found it... Sailor is disfigured after his face is sliced off by a boat propeller

 

[HangOutdoors]

Wow.... Dude is lucky to be alive. Sounds like he just wrapped the kill cord around his wrist.

 

[F.M.]

I also wired a second engine kill switch from my ignition to up under the starboard coaming that made it nearly impossible to hot wire my boat

Now we all know where it is.

 

[suke]

This seems like something that is going to be impossible to enforce.

 

[adrianp89]

Yeah around here there are enough people doing dumb things that are blatantly illegal. I can’t see them checking for this.

 

[zipper]

This seems like something that is going to be impossible to enforce.

Maybe...but I will make sure I am clipped in when I see them coming, especially if they are coming aboard. I don't like paying penalties.

2019 USCG Reauthorization bill: mandatory kill switch wear?

2019 U.S. Coast Guard reauthorization bill currently includes requirement for mandatory wear of boat kill switch lanyards when underway on most power boats.

www.propellersafety.com

 

[JBehrens]

Ya I'm not sure how you would enforce, maybe if you got random inspected and the officer sees you don't have it on but that would be at no wake anyway? Regardless it's a good idea, especially if solo boating. I put mine on the throttle as a reminder, swapped for a PWC lanyard so its more comfortable. Good rule of thumb is PFD on = lanyard on, easy when on the ocean but I rarely have a PFD on the lake.

 

[Whisky]

I have been thinking about spending the money on upgrading to one of these wireless systems, not that I don’t have the best of intentions, but I will admit that when playing, especially towing people or surfing where I’ll start/stop, shift equipment, stand, sit and generally move around a lot, it is easy to forget/decide not to worry about it “just this one time”. Which could, in this case, tragically all to easily become my famous last words.

Has anyone installed one of these? With the little bit of freedoms it gives they seem like a very worthwhile investment!

FELL Marine -

 

[ChrisM]

The MOB is definitely something I would consider adding to my boat.
With the amount of thrust my boat has, I never run without the lanyard clipped to my board shorts. I've often wondered why the throttle isn't spring loaded to return to neutral.