Bypass Kill Switch

(bjeremi) · (bjeremi) **Join Date: Mar 2006** 07-20-2010, 8:07 PM

Hopefully I don't get to flamed for asking this.

Kill switch on the boat has been acting up and I think it's in need of a replacement. I have already order a new one from skidim but it's not going to be here for a few days. Would it it be a big deal if I bypass the kill switch until then? It's not like a clip the kill switch to my shorts everytime I go out anyway and just wanted to see if anybody else has done it.

(wake_upppp) · (wake_upppp) **Join Date: Nov 2003** 07-20-2010, 8:22 PM

Alot of boats dont even have them so I dont see a big risk not having one for a temporary amount of time. Myself, I would bypass it for good and never look back.

(dirtracer27x) · (dirtracer27x) **Join Date: Apr 2010** 07-20-2010, 11:09 PM

mine acted up so i replaced it,then it did it again,solution,bypassed......

(sbt3) · (sbt3) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 07-21-2010, 3:30 AM

I've bypassed a couple of them. If you aren't wearing the lanyard... which I've never seen a single person do... you might as well just bypass it if it's acting up.

(mbellaver) · (mbellaver) **Join Date: Oct 2009** 07-21-2010, 4:44 AM

I know this sounds crazy, but I've heard that it is a requirement and you can get a ticket for not having it clipped on. I heard this from my boat mechanic and from a guy that got a warning from conservation police. Mine is bypassed, but I might put it back in.

(chris4x4gill2) · (chris4x4gill2) **Join Date: Sep 2009** 07-21-2010, 5:46 AM

I had to install one on mine, since it is required and the Water Patrol politely told me that the factory not putting it in was not an acceptable exscuse.

Nothing to installing or bypassing one. All it is is a break in the ignition wire. take the switch out, there should be two wires on the back. Connect those two wires to bypass the switch.

(razzman) · (razzman) **Join Date: Dec 2006** 07-21-2010, 7:08 AM

There's no law that says you must wear it, there is a requirement for all new boats to have them. I also have never seen anyone wear one either.

(chris4x4gill2) · (chris4x4gill2) **Join Date: Sep 2009** 07-21-2010, 9:38 AM

Alabama does. From Alabama Dept of Conservation website:

"An emergency cut-off “kill” switch is required on boats less than 24 feet with open hull construction and powered by more than a 50 horsepower motor. Also, state law requires that the switch be attached to the boat operator’s clothing, PFD, or person while the boat is underway."