Bypass the Kill Switch?

[CJ]

I have a '94 SN with an extremely tempermental kill switch. All it takes is for me to look at it the wrong way and I have to reset the cap. I guess my choices are to replace it with a new one, or to bypass the kill switch all together. I'm leaning towards bypassing it because it seems more of a hassle than anything.

Has anyone ever bypassed their kill switch? If so, how is it done? Posted below are photos of the front/back of the switch for reference.

Does anybody thinks that this is the absolute WRONG thing to do and that I should just replace it instead?

Thanks for the input,

-CJ

[DRAGON88]

RE: Bypass the Kill Switch?

Clip the black wire and the red wire, strip the wire, twist the two together and use a small wire nut or solder and heat shrink the connection. All the switch does is complete the circuit, so connect the two wires and you have bypassed the switch. Easy as pie, we did this to the Sport Nautique one day when it wouldn't run, I hate that stupid switch, all its ever done was ruin a day on the lake. Does anyone actually use that ridiculous lanyard?!

Actually come to think of it It might be one of my favorite mods, takes about 2 minutes, and saves a weekend worth of frustration.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Bypass the Kill Switch?

I know those things can be annoying. The one on my '94 used to give me trouble every so often too. Still, I'd recommend replacing it with the newer style kill switch. They can be had for less than $20 and they could save you a ticket from the Marine Patrol. The one on my boat actually does get some use. We normally ride with just two people, so as a safety precaution we do hook up the lanyard.



http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SIEMP40970

[redelf75]

RE: Bypass the Kill Switch?

I think CT is know making it madatory to have the lanyard attached to the driver. I'm not even sure where to attach it. THey should make them with a wrist strap like on a jet ski.

[laddski]

RE: Bypass the Kill Switch?

Kindof resurrecting this post but when did CC start putting these on the boats? My 93 Sport does not have this as far as I know and I have owned the boat for 7 years now.

[nms1991]

RE: Bypass the Kill Switch?

Dragon88 if he did bypass the teather switch and without it and had a problem would it be your fault for bad advice? It is a safty device please replace it with a newer style. That style had many problems when the rubber end deteriorated after a couple of years exposure to the sun. They started in to install them in 1993.

[Sbt3]

RE: Bypass the Kill Switch?

I disagree. I had problems with the new style on my boat this spring. After a couple hours of frustration I finally tracked it down to the switch. The lanyard was hooked up but the switch contacts must have been getting bad. After pushing the button in and out a few times it would work on and off. I tied the wires together and won't have that problem again.

As far as a safety issue goes, you would actually have to wear the lanyard for it to be effective. I have never seen anyone where one. Plus you would have to be pretty careless or stupid to actually fall out of a inboard boat. I can see its purpose on jet skis but on boats it is riduculous. Probably just a way to protect correct craft from some moron sueing them.

[mrese]

RE: Bypass the Kill Switch?

I know of drivers who have been thrown out of inboards as well as bass boats. Ask Richard at SKIDIM about the fellow who was thrown out of a ski boat. When it circled back, it ran over and killed him. Yes, you do have to wear the lanyard for it to be effective. Powerslides, large wakes, a split second when you're not paying attention, moons out of alignment, ... it can happen. Not so much a problem on the slalom course on Wednesay night. You don't have to be thrown out of the boat, merely out of the seat and lose control in crowded waterways. One or two folks drink a little beer while they are out there. Maybe even got the music turned up, driver is looking backwards or talking and not notice the large rollers to the front. See the equation building. After the fireworks are over this July 4, I hope everyone in the lake around me is wearing one, so that some careless wonder doesn't cause an accident and end my fun. I don't care so much if someone wrecks their boat, but do me a favor and don't wreck mine. What's more probable is the game warden, marine police, or coast guard, will pull you over for an inspection and ask you to start the engine and then pull the kill switch. A $200 fine for a simple $20.00 electronic device just doens't make sense to chance. I resisted it as much as the next guy when I had to install one in my 89. But that's the law here and I have been checked twice this year and once last year since I installed the kit. It's the best $20.00 I have spent on the boat yet it is the the least used feature on the boat.--(Rant Off)

[LooseScrew22]

I have a question about this topic as someone deactivated the kill switch on my '95 SN- i ordered a replacement switch and when i went to replace the old one, there were no wires to it. I looked under the dash and i am about 95% sure it's this purple/lavendar wire that was spliced together- before i cut this, can anyone verify thats the wire that runs to the emergency kill switch?