Mercury MerCruiser 4.3 TKS, User Manual

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Section 2 - Getting to Know Your Power Package
Page 16 90-899883179 OCTOBER 2007
Lanyard Stop Switch
The purpose of a lanyard stop switch is to turn off the engine when the operator moves
outside the operator's position (as in accidental ejection from the operator's position).
74608
RUN
a
b
c
a - Stop switch
b - Lanyard
c - Clips to the operator
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 that is pulling in one direction
• consuming alcohol or drugs
• high speed boating maneuvers
The lanyard is a cord usually between 122 and 152 cm (4 and 5 ft) in length 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 normal operator's position. If
it is desired to have a shorter lanyard, wrap the lanyard around the operator's wrist or leg,
or tie 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 the velocity and degree of any turn
at shut down. However, the boat will not complete a full circle. While the boat is coasting,
it can cause injury to anyone in the boat's path as seriously as the boat would when under
power.
We strongly recommend that other occupants be instructed on proper starting and
operating procedures should they be required to operate the engine in an emergency (e.g.
if the operator is accidentally ejected).
!
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.