Kill cord reminder...

[bowler]

Probably too serious for SHT. Just another reminder why the kill cord is there.

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/FATHER-FIGHTING-LIFE/article-2583315-detail/article.html

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Kill cord reminder...

I have two-a short one about 8" and the long standard one with the clip.

The long one obviously is the one I use when I attach the cord, usually to my pfd. I don't do this all the time; I use my judgment as to when it is needed.

The short one is on when doing general boating. It doesn't get in the way (or get put around the steering column) but could be yanked off in an emergency.

ALso, I got the kind with several brands of attachments all on one lanyard; I have bailed out my buddies with them.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Kill cord reminder...

My outboard is old enough to not have one in the remote. I have operated boats this way all of my life, but decided that it was an item that I needed to add.

Kill switches are very inexpensive an easy to install. I bought one right there at iboats and use it every time I operate the boat. The only impracticality that I have found thus far, is when I need to let the motor idle in neutral and move to the back of the boat. For me, this happens when I am taking photos (sometimes) or when I am pulling my crab traps. Given that the danger factor is pretty low in such a situation, however, disconnecting is a reasonable risk.



???

 

[ScotWithOne_t]

Re: Kill cord reminder...

Hmm... I don't think my boat has a kill-cord. Probably something I should add to my to-do list.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Kill cord reminder...

I use mine all the time, not just for my own safety but for others on the boat as well.

It was the first thing I taught my kids to do when they get behind the wheel. Kill switch gets connected to the PFD.

 

[spudshaft]

Re: Kill cord reminder...

I have one, I guess I should use it. I hate to attach, get up to do something, and shut the motor off by accident though

 

[howlnmad]

Re: Kill cord reminder...

That truly is a shame and I hope they both recover.
Makes me think hard about buying a new kill switch for mine.

 

[kemo111]

Re: Kill cord reminder...

I also keep a spare on the boat in case I fly out of the boat my wife can start it to come get me.

 

[donzi gt230]

Re: Kill cord reminder...

I got the reminder last weekend when a steering hose blew while blasting though heavy seas at 55+MPH. Landing sideways in the trough was rough, scary, and sudden. Injuries were very minor and tho I wasn't ejected, I could have been and that'd been bad for the GF who was already dazed by the impact. They can be a nuisance and a lifesaver, kinda like a PFD. I generally wear both a PFD and lanyard when I'm solo, but have to remind myself that an untrained passenger is like being solo + the added responsibility for that person.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Kill cord reminder...

Good points Kemo and donzi.
Like PFD's, the time you need a kill switch, no one was planning on using it.

Mine is right hard to remove, so times when I have forgotten, I reach the end of the leash without killing the motor. That serves me well, becuase I am in open water with stiff steering, so I often step away from the wheel momentarily while under way (at low speeds, of course). So if it's too loose, it could be dangerous, because a cut-off at planing speed is a right sudden stop. Get a longer line and/or tighten the clip.