Section 1 - Getting to Know Your Power Package
Page 4
90-8M0113856
eng
DECEMBER 2015
Lanyard Stop Switch
A lanyard switch is designed to shut down the engine in the event the operator unexpectedly moves away from the helm, as
may happen in an accidental ejection. The lanyard is connected to the operator's personal flotation device or wrist.
A decal near the lanyard stop switch reminds the operator to attach the lanyard to his or her personal flotation device or wrist.
a -
Lanyard cord clip
b -
Lanyard decal
c -
Lanyard stop switch
Accidental ejections, such as falling overboard, are more likely to occur in:
•
Low‑sided sport boats
•
Bass boats
•
High‑performance boats
Accidental ejections can also occur from:
•
Poor operating practices
•
Sitting on the seat or gunwale at planing speeds
•
Standing at planing speeds
•
Operating at planing speeds in shallow or obstacle‑infested waters
•
Releasing your grip on the steering wheel
•
Carelessness caused by consuming alcohol or drugs
•
High‑speed boating maneuvers
The lanyard is a cord usually between 122 and 152 cm (4 and 5 ft) long when stretched out, with an element on one end made
to be inserted into the switch, and a snap on the other end for attaching to the operator. The lanyard is coiled to make its at‑rest
condition as short as possible to minimize the likelihood of lanyard entanglement with nearby objects. Its stretched‑out length is
made to minimize the likelihood of accidental activation should the operator choose to move around in an area close to the
operator's normal position. The operator can shorten the lanyard by wrapping the lanyard around his wrist, or by tying a knot in
the lanyard.
Activation of the lanyard stop switch will stop the engine immediately, but the boat will continue to coast for some distance,
depending upon its velocity. While the boat is coasting, it can cause injury to anyone in the boat's path as it would under power.
Instruct all passengers on the proper starting and operating procedures should they be required to operate the boat in an
emergency.
!
WARNING
If the operator falls out of the boat, stop the engine immediately to reduce the possibility of serious injury or death from being
struck by the boat. Always properly connect the operator to the stop switch using a lanyard.
Accidental or unintended activation of the switch during normal operation is also a possibility. This could cause any, or all, of
the following potentially hazardous situations:
•
Occupants could be thrown forward due to unexpected loss of forward motion, a particular concern for passengers in the
front of the boat who could be ejected over the bow and possibly struck by the propulsion or steering components.
•
Loss of power and directional control in heavy seas, strong current, or high winds.
•
Loss of control when docking.
!
WARNING
Avoid serious injury or death from deceleration forces resulting from accidental or unintended stop switch activation. The boat
operator should never leave the operator's station without first disconnecting the stop switch lanyard from the operator.
c
a
b
53910
OFF
RUN
ATTACH LANYARD
