New Kill switch law?

[Grateful Dad]

I saw a release from BoatUS describing a new law that it is a requirement to use an ECOS (Emergency Cut Off Switch) when operating a boat. The new law goes into effect on April 1. Did anyone else see this?

[fishypete]

https://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-announces-new-law-requiring-use-of-engine-cut-off-switches/2021/03/10/

Vessels less than 26 feet.

[bulletbob]

I think it only applies to boats/motors that have a lanyard style ECOS factory installed, which is almost all boats/motors in the past 20 years or so... If you[like me] are still running 30-40 year old boats /motors that were not wired with factory installed lanyard cutoffs I don't think it applies..

If it does, and I'm wrong, every little 4 hp 2 stroke on every little 10 foot jon boat, is going to have to be hacked into, and have a device installed somehow into the ignition primary, which poses a problem because on a lot of small outboards there is nothing really exposed to "cut into".. Its all under the flywheel on many small motors... It would have to be something that grounded- [ or opened somehow], the ignition secondary wiring which is the coil/plug wire.

Not sure how this is going to work out, because the law states that its not required on boats that are not traveling at "planing speed"[their terminology]].. So that same 10 footer with the 4 HP is exempt, but if you DARE put your 1965 7.5 HP on that will carry the boat up on plane, are you now illegal??. I hope this particular "regulation" is not another excuse for the State Marine Police/CG/ County and local marine patrols to stop and annoy any boat owner they see up on plane to check and see if they are "in compliance"... A LOT of very good, very competent, very safe and very conscientious boaters don't use a lanyard on their belts, because they aren't drunk and partying and falling into their own propwash at 30 knots.... bob

[Capt. Debbie]

I thing the Lanyard must be attached to you at planing speed. I doubt a 4 hp could put anything larger than a paper airplane on plane flat out.

It is speed triggered law. Obviously an operator being tied to an engine kill switch would make singlehanded docking virtually impossible.

And I dont this it's state law. Only federal (USCG). Like Boater Safety Certificates are only state law. The USCG don't give a damn about your BSC.




I think it only applies to boats/motors that have a lanyard style ECOS factory installed, which is almost all boats/motors in the past 20 years or so... If you[like me] are still running 30-40 year old boats /motors that were not wired with factory installed lanyard cutoffs I don't think it applies..

If it does, and I'm wrong, every little 4 hp 2 stroke on every little 10 foot jon boat, is going to have to be hacked into, and have a device installed somehow into the ignition primary, which poses a problem because on a lot of small outboards there is nothing really exposed to "cut into".. Its all under the flywheel on many small motors... It would have to be something that grounded- [ or opened somehow], the ignition secondary wiring which is the coil/plug wire.

Not sure how this is going to work out, because the law states that its not required on boats that are not traveling at "planing speed"[their terminology]].. So that same 10 footer with the 4 HP is exempt, but if you DARE put your 1965 7.5 HP on that will carry the boat up on plane, are you now illegal??. I hope this particular "regulation" is not another excuse for the State Marine Police/CG/ County and local marine patrols to stop and annoy any boat owner they see up on plane to check and see if they are "in compliance"... A LOT of very good, very competent, very safe and very conscientious boaters don't use a lanyard on their belts, because they aren't drunk and partying and falling into their own propwash at 30 knots.... bob

[akoop]

I found this in the USCG FAQ...

Boats less than 26 feet in length that generate more than 115lbs of static thrust (~ 2-3hp) and were built beginning in January 2020. If the boats’ primary helm is inside an enclosed cabin it is not required to have an Engine Cut-Off Switch.

[bulletbob]

I found this in the USCG FAQ...

Boats less than 26 feet in length that generate more than 115lbs of static thrust (~ 2-3hp) and were built beginning in January 2020. If the boats’ primary helm is inside an enclosed cabin it is not required to have an Engine Cut-Off Switch.

OK, so I guess that means older boats are exempt, It also means that motors must be wired to accommodate the required circuitry, as many older outboards were not... I think I will just fish out of old wrecks until I can no longer operate a boat.... bob

[Lwhssh]

I was inspected by the Coast Guard yesterday. I wasn’t hooked up in my 21ft CC. They checked everything but never mentioned the kill switch hook up.