Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

[Moody Blue]

In anticipation of spring-like weather, I am hoping to get a few modifications done to the boat before I hit the soft water this season.

I have an older MerControl control unit without the integrated kill-switch and when I redid the boat interior a couple years ago, I installed an aftermarket kill-switch on the dash panel.

After a couple seasons of use, it has become apparent that the location I chose for the kill-switch is in a bad spot. The tether cord gets tangled around the steering wheel if you're not paying attention while turning the wheel. On more than one occasion the motor cut out while in the midst of a sharp turn .

I'd like to hear where others have the kill switch located (other than ON the control) and if you find it convenient or not. This is on a 16ft runabout with an 80HP outboard.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

In anticipation of spring-like weather, I am hoping to get a few modifications done to the boat before I hit the soft water this season.

I have an older MerControl control unit without the integrated kill-switch and when I redid the boat interior a couple years ago, I installed an aftermarket kill-switch on the dash panel.

After a couple seasons of use, it has become apparent that the location I chose for the kill-switch is in a bad spot. The tether cord gets tangled around the steering wheel if you're not paying attention while turning the wheel. On more than one occasion the motor cut out while in the midst of a sharp turn .

I'd like to hear where others have the kill switch located (other than ON the control) and if you find it convenient or not. This is on a 16ft runabout with an 80HP outboard.

Ayuh,... I've got Old boats, without 'em,... Don't want 'em either...
But, that said,...
I'm thinkin' the manufacturers put 'em near, or on the controller, for a Reason....





edit; benchmark, 34,000 posts

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

This decision is based on a couple of factors. Boat and engine manufacturers take a guess as to what's best so they mount them in either side control boxes, binnacle mounts, or on the instrument panel. If you are adding one, think about where you attach the lanyard to YOU as the first step. The best place (in my view) would be at a point waist high (at the belt line). That means the switch should be placed at the side of the boat at that height to stay out of the way of your seemingly ever moving hands and arms. Should you get pitched from the boat, the lanyard does it's job. If you attach the lanyard to the button area in the middle of your chest, it would be in the way no matter where you placed the switch. You have a choice. Mount it where there is the least interference with operation of the boat.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

Somewhere to the side where you couldn't accidentally kill the motor?
Our's are near the throttle controls on both boats.

 

[blacksmith04]

Re: Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

Why not put it down low so that it goes on your leg? When you go over the side it will still kill it right?

 

[stylesabu]

Re: Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

I like the leg idea, but waist isn't bad either. I had bumped my dozens of times causing a no start

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

Why not put it down low so that it goes on your leg? When you go over the side it will still kill it right?

I wear it on my right arm or right leg. The elastic lanyard doesn't care.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

On the leg huh? That's something I hadn't considered. I'm leaning towards installing it just to the rear of the control, but it's not as readily accessible as on the dash. I guess I really have to go out and climb under the tarp and sit in the seat to get a feel of exactly where to put it.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

On the leg huh? That's something I hadn't considered. I'm leaning towards installing it just to the rear of the control, but it's not as readily accessible as on the dash. I guess I really have to go out and climb under the tarp and sit in the seat to get a feel of exactly where to put it.

I usually wear it on my right bicep since my briefing to the passengers always includes, "If you don't see this on my arm, you are free to bring it to my attention."
On the leg serves the same purpose, though.

Starboard side behind the throttle is where it is located on our boats.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

Mine is on the port side of the console, below the guages. I hook the lanyard to a D-ring on the lower left side of my ski vest. It doesn't interfere with anything; and I havn't accidentally shut the motor down yet. I like where it is. I do find it convenient.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Kill Switch Placement - where is yours located ?

on my dual console, the ignition is on a binacle but its all the way over to starboard. the kill switch is below the key, so for this boat (very low freeboard) it is down low and doesn't get tangled.
On my center console, the wheel is toward the port side and the switch is centered, fairly low. However, it sometimes get caught on the wheel (I have a knob) when it's clipped to the d ring on my vest.
I have a second kill switch lanyard that I cut off at 8". I use it in the summer day-time when I don't hook up. It doesn't get in the way but it's an easy grab if needed. I know I know it's not as safe as being hooked up but all safety decisions are an exercise of judgment, and that's mine.