Kill Switch

[cltTige]

Have you guys read the new law about electronic kill switches being a federal law now? I can’t figure out if it’s only new builds or if all boats under 26ft need it. Mine being a 98 obviously doesn’t have it.

[ern]

The article I read says it will be required beginning in April "if equipped or required to be equipped". The required part began in 2019(per the article), so if the boat is older and does not have the kill switch, it is not required.

[USWaker]

Is it required to be connected to your wrist? If not are you required to have the lanyard on hand?

[lee]

https://www.boatingmag.com/story/how...-off-switches/

[USWaker]

I see. More laws... woooo

[cltTige]

Yeah Lee’s link is what I was referring to. It says nothing about an age on the boat/if they came factory or not. It states everything under 26ft. But then at the bottom says:

“Boaters are not required to use ECOS if:

• The vessel does not have an engine cut-off switch and is not required to have one.“

cause that’s not confusing.

I think the lanyard is just supposed to be connected to you (when on plane).

[h2o-ski]

Texas passed a similar law 2 years ago, although Texas was much clearer on the details. In Texas you must use the lanyard when going more than headway speed and if and only if your boat is equipped with one.

[whiteflash watersports]

This may be coming to Florida inland waters not just federal. The story as to why is horrifying.

https://www.news4jax.com/i-team/2021...safety-device/

[cltTige]

Yikes that's not a good story.

I know "Federal navigable waterways" are typically offshore/what is subject to tides. But I know the lakes around here are patrolled by Coast Guard a lot, and I believe this applies to any Core of Engineer's lake as well... (maybe someone will know)

I suspect most states will follow suit with inland/lake laws that are the same in a few years time.

[duffymahoney]

If you have owned a wakeboat or a boat long enough, all boats used to come with them. My 24v has one.

[USWaker]

I found a universal lanyard at Walmart. It’s probably going to end up like a seatbelt. Just get used if there’s a copper nearby.

[BrentP]

I need to find an easier solution slipping it on and off. Maybe get a bracelet of some kind. Right now it’s just a clip and I’m constantly moving around on the boat it seems like (not underway obviously).

I respect why it’s important to wear, but I grew up on boats before it was a thing so it’s not second nature yet unfortunately.


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[USWaker]

They make wireless fob type ones. But so far the ones I’ve seen aren’t water proof.

[duffymahoney]

I just clip mine to the mesh. If I am getting pulled over I would move it to my shorts. That was a long time ago.

[NICKYPOO]

This certainly goes in the plus column for having an old boat.