Installing an Ignition Kill Switch

[mrese]

State law requires an ingnition kill switch. I have a '89 2001 and just got the kit to install the switch. Has anyone installed one before? Where did you put it? I would like to install a bracket under the dash so it is not visible. Basically I don't want to put a hole in the dash or the vinyl by the Morse control. Any recommendations or pictures of one installed?

[yellowdog]

The state is requiring this retroactively? WOW! Sorta like telling someone to put seatbelts in a fifties car. Not a bad idea, just very difficult to enforce. Just curious, what state are you in?

Are they requiring the teather type that attaches to the driver and kills the engine when he gets dumped out of the boat or when he just forgets about the teather when reaching over to the cooler?

If it is this type, all the aftermarket ones I have seen have to be installed out in the open so the teather doesn't get hung up on anything. Next to the shifter is the most common place.

[mrese]

I live in southern Alabama. Boating Regulations state: " No person shall operate or give permission to operate any vessel less than 24 feet in length, having an open cockpit and having more than 50 horsepower, unless said vessel is equipped with an emergency engine or motor cut-off switch. The cut-off switch must be a lanyard-type and must be attached to the person, clothing, or personal floatation device of the operator."

I am new to the state and checked with other boaters, marinas, and one of the CC dealers-- all said to put in the switch or risk getting pulled over and face a $200 fine. The CC dealer installs the switch near the key. 1) I would like to keep it looking as much as possible to the original and 2) Most importantly, I don't want to screw up something and have it in plan view.

[tryan]

i would put it at the underneath lower edge of the dash. i assume the intent of the law has to do with bass boats running 90+. talk to the head wildlife officer on your lake and ask HIM if mounting the switch out of sight is okay.

i have found that fines are based on attitude, but i have had to pay a few times on equipment issues. both where north carolina.

no throwable device when i was in the boat by myself. who is going to throw it to me? $172.75

black letters on a green boat. i lipped off on that one because it was not my boat. $184.75

[yellowdog]

Tom Ryan, I just can't imagine that YOU of all people would mouth off to a law enforcement type. I AM SHOCKED! ! ! ! Good thing you left NC.

As for the legislative intent, I agree that it was aimed at the bass boats and several of the accidents they have been involved in. Unfortunately, we (ski boats) got caught up in it. The wording 'open cockpit' is pretty vague. Would a bimini top constitute an enclosed cockpit? Next thing you know, they'll require seatbelts in boats.

I personally have a problem with retroactive laws. I deal in fire and building laws at the state level and just cannot imagine our legislature mandating that all buildings built in say the 30's now have to meet all the requirements for new construction. While it would be nice, the cost to the building owners, users and tenants would be astronomical. POLITICALLY it could never happen. Guess the boating industry in some areas doesn't have that strong a lobby.