Safety Tether Kill Switch

[TSnake]

Do any of you use safety tether kill switches? The ones that attach you to a switch via a tether cliped to your belt and kill the engine in case you suddenly cease to become a part of your boat? Seems like in the event when feces hits the fan (prop?), the boat is going over, and the driver “forgot� to kill the engine before going swimming, one of these could save some prop and engine damage, and maybe even a couple body parts. For the A/C guys it could also be a maintenance safety item in case the mag switch was ever left on by mistake… Pull the tether off and stick it in your pocket before going in the cage and doing maintenance that involves turning the prop by hand.

I was thinking of installing one of these. Does anyone see a reason not to?

 

[Airboatcapt2]

Hey T-Snake, we put one on every new boat that goes out the door and suggest that they use them. Lots of people have them and don't bother to use them.

They are a great safety Item.

 

[darkwader]

Never really thought about that :idea: been over twice managed to shut down mags before hitting the water not a good feeling to be looking at the water and with a boat over head. :shock:


OH THIS IS GOING TO HURT

:withstupid:

 

[Buck Thruster]

I haven't seen anyone using one of those where I ride but it sounds like a good idea. Of course some people might say it's just another thing to have to troubleshoot when the mags don't have any fire. But I still like the idea of the engine shutting off if your tossed out of the seat or overboard. It could also keep that boat that might be following to close behind you out of your prop in the event you hit a tree in a tight trail and get thrown out of your seat.

 

[KING]

Best idea I have heard all day!!! :thumbleft:

 

[cntry141iq]

Don't worry I am sure as we type about this some one some where is writing a new law to address it. We got mufflers and flags so what is a little kill switch. personally I think it is a great idea and probably will put one on my new boat .... quick someone call represnative Dean it may not be too late for this next session of the legislature in Tallahassee.

 

[Sniper]

I have one on my Boat Like with Farons Co Diamondback puts them on every Airboat they build and I hope it never gets used but if it does I will be glad its there.

 

[UncleBubba]

I have one and I use it. I put it on after one day I hit a tree stump in some deep grass. My big A$$ was tossed out of the boat. I wasn't hert. I got up and saw my boat going off accros the lake. Thank the good lord that my passenger knew what to do.


The best ten bucks that I ever spent at Wally---World.
Toolman has one on his boat also.(he was my passenger.)

 

[basketcase0302]

Hey ya'll,

Got one on the boat, (like Sniper said above). Don't clip it but grab it when things look tricky :shock:

Also agree with Buck Thruster as I've had problems with it already and had to troubleshoot that on more thing.

Maybe save my butt some day :roll:

Basketcase

 

[Olf Art]

What about a mercury switch in the ignition lead ?
Once the boat goes past something like, say 30 degrees, it shuts off the ignition ?

Thinkin out loud again. Tell me what I'm missin.

olf

 

[COLD]

The first time you bounce over anything and it inturupts the ignition, killing the ignition for a few seconds and creating a rich mixture, the resuming ignition blowing the mufflers off into the props, Sunk boat and the block torn in two. Sounds like a blast OF. :lol:

 

[Olf Art]

Only if you're talking about a conventional, straight tubed switch.
What if the tube was curved (semi-circular) so that it wasn't affected by normal lateral oscillation ?

A 'dump' switch.

olf

 

[COLD]

Factory boats have come with clips for years, has something to do with litigation, have not seen too many people using them but depending on type of boat or situation probably a great idea. I don't think there is much of a posibility of me falling out of my boat pulling tubers or skiers but if it does happen the throttle is set for whatever speed and the boat will tighten it's turn till it runs over me. Airboat you would probably want to shut off before the person went through the cage. Mercury is like water, They used to use mercury switches on airline equipment 30 years ago but found better ideas! I think I will incorperate a teather switch in my boat. As far as a builder or manufacturer is concerned, I would supply one because in case of accident, I wouldn't be on that end of the legal precedings! You cant control if they use them or not but if one is supplied you are NOT liabal!

 

[COLD]

It's like figuring out a way where a baggage handler can not wreck anything, we get into a situation where the machine can not function properly. Teather on a simple switch, use the same switch that you would normally use to turn on the ignition so there is no extra switches to troubleshoot and if the operator departs from the seat more than say three feet the switch is tripped. Can you imagine cranking on the rudder and throttle to avoid something bad and hitting that magic 30 degree mark and having the engine cutting out?

 

[Wild Hair]

I looked @ bass pro (after i had to jump one day) for one and they told me they were a dealer item. I will try mr waltons. didn't dream of them having one.

joel

 

[Daddy Dave]

I utilize a kill switch on my Diamondback and was informed it was standard equipment after I asked for one. I want my engine off if I get sent out of the driver's seat. Unexpected and undetected submerged objects are a primary risk when operating an airboat in shallow water.

 

[COLD]

http://www.rockymountainatv.com/RMATV-I ... et_kil.jpg

This one here is for a dirt bike but might fit a steering stick, Anyways you get the idea. My Merc outboard control just has a lanyard that goes over a toggle switch with a guard so that if you pull the lanyard the switch moves to the off position. My outboard is a 1982 so it's been standard equipment for a while. 8)

 

[SwampMatt]

I don't think automatic kill switch (mercury or otherwise) is going to do any good. In the photo above, if there was a mercury switch, his momentum would probably have moved the mercury puddle in the tube too, leaving it set at a false reading of nearly level.

And it could still be possible for a "Uncle Bubba situation" to occur (same as an "A1mudpuppy situation" I believe) where the driver is ejected and the mercury "tilt" switch is not activated.

I was thinking of installing one of these. Does anyone see a reason not to?

There is NO REASON NOT TO. But on the other hand, for many boaters, there is no reason to. It's a judgement call on the part of the user. Everyone's going to have a different comfort level when it comes to safety items like this.

LOL cntry, yeah, we'd better hush about it because it sounds like the kind of stuff they'd like to make a law to have.

I have one on my boat, but it's not a tether kind. Just a toggle. But it's in a place I can easily reach (next to a grab rail), and like Basketcase pointed out.... "When things begin to look sketchy..." my fingers find that switch.

For the A/C guys it could also be a maintenance safety item in case the mag switch was ever left on by mistake.

Yes, it is a safety feature for the car motor guys too. It kills the ignition. But one point about safety when climbing into the cage. The prop turning under power of the starter alone could be deadly. When going into the cage, for proper safety, DISCONNECT the battery either physically pulling the wire off or with a PROPERLY WIRED Perko type switch.

Bass Pro Shops website lists the Lanyard only - Wild Hair - I'm also very surprised they don't sell the switch that goes with it!!!

Here is one from an online supplier I've used in the past. Reliable outfit.
http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/01-147.html?id=59v9jXQP

matt.

 

[dblj006]

It would be easy to set up for automotive. But how would you setup an aircraft? Your dealing with mags that are grounded separately and maybe an electric fuel pump.

 

[toolman]

wal mart has the kill switches in the boating dept. they will work on ac engins and on car engines. the wiring instructions come with them and show how to wire on either one. Berst ten bucks ive ever spent for peace of mind. Because WE ALL KNOW IT CANT HAPPEN TO ME.