Our law only applies to newer boats and engines - so when we're running old 2 strokes (like we both do) it doesn't apply. Do you have a similar law in Canada?
You answered my question half-way through the vid. We cant tend to 4 fishing lines and stay at the helm at the same time ! If it is deemed a good idea in U.S.A. (law) Canada will likely not be far behind in making it law here too. Good that it does not apply when fishing at trolling speeds on trolling motor. Good info Mr. Boat Guy!!!
Thanks for this video! My boat motor is a 1996 and it doesn’t have a kill switch. But I’ve been researching to see how I can install one on my boat and it looks like it might be pretty straightforward actually.
Thanks for watching and commenting!! My old boat was from the 1970s and did have one, but it was helm (remote) controlled. I wonder if they started installing them on helm controls early on, or maybe my shifter mechanism was replaced at some point in time.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Maybe so, and/or your motor was much newer? Mine is helm controlled as well-20 foot Grady White. My motor is a 1996 but I feel like kill switches only became standard in the late 90s for some reason?
Wayne, nice video on the new law. I am glad it not required on older motors. I don't need another project. Did you get a new Merc 2.5 hp outboard for your small boats?
According to the USCG web site - Q3. Who needs to use an Engine Cut-off Switch Link ECOSL? A3. All operators of recreational boats less than 26’ in length that have an Engine Cut-Off Device installed. I take that to mean that if a boat is equipped with it, the operator is required to wear it.
At 5:54 you describe forgetting to put it back on. That won't happen if you disconnect the other end of the tether cord, because you can't start the engine until you remember. I added a kill switch to my antique outboard by drilling a hole for each cylinder in the magneto plate and wiring through an added grommet to each set of breaker points. Not difficult for anyone skilled enough to remove the plate. I consider my kill switch more important than fuel, because I'd much rather stay home than go without a tether.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy A few times I found myself speeding along with the lanyard hanging from the switch, but never after I formed a habit to always use the emergency switch as an engine turn off switch by unplugging it and immediately placing it on the deck for a temporary stop and in my tool box when done for the day. A few humiliating experiences at a busy dock struggling to start my engine with the lanyard in my toolbox helped to form that good habit. If I'm ever in a situation you described such as leaving my seat while trolling i would detach the drivers end and put it around the throttle lever (if that's what it's called:) where it can't be overlooked. A near death experience caused me to install a tethered kill switch on my 1957 outboard after trying out my new tiller extension learning the hard way the importance of attaching it as securely as possible, because I ending up with the device detached in one hand with the other hand probably in my lap with an 18 HP pushing a small Jon boat full speed teaching me how terrifying the out of control sharp turn is while imagining the worst ending scenario that you described, which caused me to wonder why the throttle does not spring to idle position, all of which contributed to forming a habit of keeping a very firm grip on the throttle with one hand and the side rail with the other at high speed in case of collision with something such as a log. Afterwards I read the package that warned in very small letters to only use the tiller extension at slow trolling speed instead of the much larger letters I think that warning deserves. I enjoyed your video and hope my contribution, that has become emotional and long winded, is welcomed to assist your admirable efforts toward preventing catastrophes.
You only need a ecos on newer boats/motors anything made 2020 or newer if the boat/motor is older you don't have to install it per the coastguards rules. I called and talked to the wi DNR and the local coastguard location
Correct that you don't have to install one, but every boat and engine I've had (except small engines from the 1970s) has had one - and if there is one, we are supposed to use it. From the USCG FAQ regarding older boats: "If an engine cut-off switch is present, it must be used."
I had a 15 ft gheenoe and one day I was cutoff by a guy in a large offshore boat and it caused me to fall overboard , luckily my tiller handle shattered and killed the engine immediately. That could have been disastrous
The problem is not that your boat will hit someone else. An untended boat under power, will immediately turn and go in a circle, killing the person that fell out of the boat.
The electronic ones don’t work immediately. Your boat could be many yards away when it kills the motor, and in a breeze, you might not be able to get back to the boat.
You are not required to retrofit these on older boats if the boat didn’t come with one you are not required to install on. But if you installed one of the boat came with it you are required to use it and keep it operational.
Bless your heart my dinghy doesn't plane nor can it even get close to 6 MPH with the little 2hp.motor we have. Our older motor didn't even have a kill switch -you just moved the throttle lever past idle to stop where the timing was so retarded it would simply stop running. That worked in 1952 when it was built and still works today Our new Honda air-cooled 4-stroke gets way better gas mileage and is cleaner but has a tether and is the most annoying thing ever. It's just in the way when turning the motor around to back up or maneuver close to a dock or our bigger boat.i's more likely to cause an issue then help avoid one. Silly laws don't save lives. Using your brain saves lives but most of the weekend warriors we meet out the water don't seem to even have them or any clue what they are doing. Since the pandemic things are only worse out there with more morons and newbies. Silly laws aren't going to save them from themselves. Wearing your PFD is way more important and they haven't made that a law. It would do way more good than these plastic leashes. Most people never do wear them either and think they are "good swimmers."
On small outboards like mine, it clips on the stop button which keeps it in the 'run' position. Other engines have a special spring loaded button it clips on. The other end attaches to you (belt loop, PFD, etc)
Not just themselves, but everyone else on the lake that likely would prefer not to be hit by a boat without an operator. Same is true with seat belts, they protect the driver and other drivers since you aren't a human projectile. Think.
@@allaboutroofing2 Why dont school kids in buses have to wear to seatbelts ???? Think!!!! Why aren't kids required to wear helmets in cars? Would save lots of lives, Think. Why aren't adults required to wear helmets in cars, would save lots of lives. Think. In fact, why are you even allowed to drive at all, you may kill someone? Think.
Thanks for the info Wayne I did not know this! 👍
Our law only applies to newer boats and engines - so when we're running old 2 strokes (like we both do) it doesn't apply.
Do you have a similar law in Canada?
@@WayneTheBoatGuy I actually have no idea. 😅
Just bought our first recreational boat and I am so glad I found your channel. Didn't know the ECOS is now a federal law.
Welcome aboard!
You answered my question half-way through the vid. We cant tend to 4 fishing lines and stay at the helm at the same time ! If it is deemed a good idea in U.S.A. (law) Canada will likely not be far behind in making it law here too. Good that it does not apply when fishing at trolling speeds on trolling motor. Good info Mr. Boat Guy!!!
Thank you! The trick will be getting used to disconnecting ourselves after throttling down, and then reconnecting when we're throttling up.
Thanks for this video!
My boat motor is a 1996 and it doesn’t have a kill switch. But I’ve been researching to see how I can install one on my boat and it looks like it might be pretty straightforward actually.
Thanks for watching and commenting!!
My old boat was from the 1970s and did have one, but it was helm (remote) controlled. I wonder if they started installing them on helm controls early on, or maybe my shifter mechanism was replaced at some point in time.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Maybe so, and/or your motor was much newer? Mine is helm controlled as well-20 foot Grady White.
My motor is a 1996 but I feel like kill switches only became standard in the late 90s for some reason?
Wayne, nice video on the new law. I am glad it not required on older motors. I don't need another project. Did you get a new Merc 2.5 hp outboard for your small boats?
Yes, I did get a new little outboard. It will be featured soon!
From what I've been told, it's only mandatory for boats 2020+ , not grandfathered to older boats
According to the USCG web site -
Q3. Who needs to use an Engine Cut-off Switch Link ECOSL?
A3. All operators of recreational boats less than 26’ in length that have an Engine Cut-Off Device installed.
I take that to mean that if a boat is equipped with it, the operator is required to wear it.
At 5:54 you describe forgetting to put it back on. That won't happen if you disconnect the other end of the tether cord, because you can't start the engine until you remember. I added a kill switch to my antique outboard by drilling a hole for each cylinder in the magneto plate and wiring through an added grommet to each set of breaker points. Not difficult for anyone skilled enough to remove the plate. I consider my kill switch more important than fuel, because I'd much rather stay home than go without a tether.
That’s a brilliant idea! Thank you.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy A few times I found myself speeding along with the lanyard hanging from the switch, but never after I formed a habit to always use the emergency switch as an engine turn off switch by unplugging it and immediately placing it on the deck for a temporary stop and in my tool box when done for the day. A few humiliating experiences at a busy dock struggling to start my engine with the lanyard in my toolbox helped to form that good habit. If I'm ever in a situation you described such as leaving my seat while trolling i would detach the drivers end and put it around the throttle lever (if that's what it's called:) where it can't be overlooked.
A near death experience caused me to install a tethered kill switch on my 1957 outboard after trying out my new tiller extension learning the hard way the importance of attaching it as securely as possible, because I ending up with the device detached in one hand with the other hand probably in my lap with an 18 HP pushing a small Jon boat full speed teaching me how terrifying the out of control sharp turn is while imagining the worst ending scenario that you described, which caused me to wonder why the throttle does not spring to idle position, all of which contributed to forming a habit of keeping a very firm grip on the throttle with one hand and the side rail with the other at high speed in case of collision with something such as a log. Afterwards I read the package that warned in very small letters to only use the tiller extension at slow trolling speed instead of the much larger letters I think that warning deserves. I enjoyed your video and hope my contribution, that has become emotional and long winded, is welcomed to assist your admirable efforts toward preventing catastrophes.
Thank you for sharing! It’s something many of us don’t take seriously enough.
You only need a ecos on newer boats/motors anything made 2020 or newer if the boat/motor is older you don't have to install it per the coastguards rules. I called and talked to the wi DNR and the local coastguard location
Correct that you don't have to install one, but every boat and engine I've had (except small engines from the 1970s) has had one - and if there is one, we are supposed to use it.
From the USCG FAQ regarding older boats:
"If an engine cut-off switch is present, it must be used."
Thanks. Didn’t know much of this. Very helpful
I have a 1978 Mercury 70 horsepower without an emergency kill switch I don't think they had them back then could you do a video on how to install one
oh yeah ..... i agree, good idea for safety. also another fine they can hit you with.
Thanks for this video.
On another note-
Do you have wind chimes somewhere near there or is that eerie sound from the background music?
I had a 15 ft gheenoe and one day I was cutoff by a guy in a large offshore boat and it caused me to fall overboard , luckily my tiller handle shattered and killed the engine immediately. That could have been disastrous
That's a scary situation!
Wayne great work with your channel
Thank you kindly
The problem is not that your boat will hit someone else. An untended boat under power, will immediately turn and go in a circle, killing the person that fell out of the boat.
The electronic ones don’t work immediately. Your boat could be many yards away when it kills the motor, and in a breeze, you might not be able to get back to the boat.
That mercury outboard thank you used as demonstration. Do you want to sell it. These motors ran better much lighter, then today’s 4 strokes??? $$$
I just recently got that engine - I plan to use it for a while!
Good info. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
You are not required to retrofit these on older boats if the boat didn’t come with one you are not required to install on. But if you installed one of the boat came with it you are required to use it and keep it operational.
They're such a simple and good idea. But like seatbelts, they're hard for people to remember to put on.
Good job on the info....don't need the distracting bass thumpin in my ear though.
Hi I have a old 5 hp EVINRUDE Outboard motor on a 10ft Jon boat do I need to have one on it since it did not come with it ?
No - older engines are exempt
@@WayneTheBoatGuy thank you for going into detail on your video. When not sure I rather ask then wish I did
Hmmmm . . . I am 70 years old and have been running boats since I was 8. I have never fallen overboard. Just saying'.
Does no apply to commerical boats
Correct! - Just recreational boats
Bless your heart my dinghy doesn't plane nor can it even get close to 6 MPH with the little 2hp.motor we have. Our older motor didn't even have a kill switch -you just moved the throttle lever past idle to stop where the timing was so retarded it would simply stop running. That worked in 1952 when it was built and still works today Our new Honda air-cooled 4-stroke gets way better gas mileage and is cleaner but has a tether and is the most annoying thing ever. It's just in the way when turning the motor around to back up or maneuver close to a dock or our bigger boat.i's more likely to cause an issue then help avoid one.
Silly laws don't save lives. Using your brain saves lives but most of the weekend warriors we meet out the water don't seem to even have them or any clue what they are doing. Since the pandemic things are only worse out there with more morons and newbies. Silly laws aren't going to save them from themselves.
Wearing your PFD is way more important and they haven't made that a law. It would do way more good than these plastic leashes. Most people never do wear them either and think they are "good swimmers."
How do you hook it up
On small outboards like mine, it clips on the stop button which keeps it in the 'run' position. Other engines have a special spring loaded button it clips on. The other end attaches to you (belt loop, PFD, etc)
im never a fan of the government protecting people from themselves.
Yeah, this is lame, if you want it use it but no one should be forced to.
OK kids go back to bed
Not just themselves, but everyone else on the lake that likely would prefer not to be hit by a boat without an operator. Same is true with seat belts, they protect the driver and other drivers since you aren't a human projectile. Think.
@@allaboutroofing2 Why dont school kids in buses have to wear to seatbelts ???? Think!!!! Why aren't kids required to wear helmets in cars? Would save lots of lives, Think. Why aren't adults required to wear helmets in cars, would save lots of lives. Think. In fact, why are you even allowed to drive at all, you may kill someone? Think.
@@bryanturner683 I think you don't think.
Kill switch is a good idea, but I’m not a fan of nanny state mandates