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Kill Switch Operation
Boating 101
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10-01-2007, 08:20 PM
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#1
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indykoch is currently offline
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Location: Fishers, IN
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Kill Switch Operation
Whew!!! Had a severe scare yesterday that I thought I'd share in case it happens to others...
I brought a small TV and power inverter on the boat yesterday to watch the Colts game, but still enjoy one of the last warm days on the boat. We considered ourselves swim-decking (tail-gating on the boat  ). I was tied up with a couple friends, when another called asking me to pick him up at the fuel dock. I untied, handed the anchor line to the friend, and went to start the engine. First thing I noticed was no alarm test when first turning the key, then I couldn't get it to start!!  I checked every wire, connector, ignition switch, throttle in neutral, etc. After a few minutes of frustration and "oh great, what's THIS going to cost me", I looked down and noticed the kill switch lanyard was off. Flipped the switch, cranked the engine and it was good to go!!!
Thought I should share to help prevent others from having a heart attack... If you don't get the test alarm, and the engine cranks but won't start, CHECK THE KILL SWITCH!!! I know it sounds elementary, but I never use the lanyard and it's never happened before. I wasn't aware what it would do if ever diconnected and effort was made to start it. Ah... The joys of boat ownership and looking like an inexperienced fool!!!
__________________
Ryan
Previously - '99 Z212 Shabah 
350 Mag MPI
Currently - '07 Ebbtide 2600 CBR 
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10-01-2007, 08:49 PM
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#2
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MariahMan is currently offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by indykoch
Ah... The joys of boat ownership and looking like an inexperienced fool!!!
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Yup, i've been there too. When it happened to me it was right after i installed the shower and heater system in our boat. I was gonna start up the boat on the ear muffs and let her warm up and do a quick trial of the system. Went to start and didn't get the alarm or anything. Since i was running plumbing and make electrical connections all over the starboard side of the boat around the main harness and console, there were countless possibilities as to what i could have unplugged or knocked out. Luckily my dad came out to check on my progress around this time and i told him the boat wouldn't start. He immediately said "connect your kill lanyard." THANK GOD HE WAS THERE! Phew, that would have been probably an entire day of checking stuff all because of the lanyard.
Definetely an easy one to forget, thanks for bringing it up Ryan!
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10-01-2007, 09:26 PM
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#3
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ShabahZ280 is currently offline
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Location: Cincinnati, OH
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Been there, done that too! I just leave mine permanently connected, and let the lanyard dangle. When it gets rough, I clip it on myself just in case...
Worst was this year at Norris Lake, I pulled up to the fuel dock, filled up, and couldn't for the life of me get the boat started. Guy even went in for a booster box since we thought the batteries had died. Cranked, nothing. Finally shifted the gear selector back and forth, cranked, and started up like it was brand new. With those Kiekhafer throttle & shifter handles, it's hard to remember to shift it back in neutral to start, and it looked like it was fully center. That was probably the only time I ever missed the one-handed shifter. I felt like such an fool. Luckily it happened when the guy had gone back inside to get some more help. Left the guy a $10 tip for his help, and proceeded to leave with my head down hiding until after I left the harbor. Way to go genius! 
We all learn our lessons, and it's funny to share these experiences, because reality kicks in when you say "Thank God I'm not the only one!" 
__________________
Chris
-1999 Mariah Z280 MCC, 7.4L MPI Bravo 3 DuoProp
-2000 Mariah Shabah Z250 Limited Edition, 7.4L MPI, Bravo 1 (Sold, but not forgotten!)
-Formerly known as ShabahZ250
-USCG Licensed 50 Ton Near Coastal Master Captain with Towing Certification
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10-02-2007, 12:34 AM
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#4
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moondance100 is currently offline
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A friend of mine had a kill switch issue one evening that required he and his girlfriend swimming to shore! (short distance but embarrassing!) He swam out the next day, fiddled with it some more. Then that evening, I towed him in and we both looked down at the switch at the same time.....I can't tell you the language and laughter that ensued!!
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Doug
95 Z240 Talari, 502, Bravo 3
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10-02-2007, 01:19 PM
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#5
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Z 202 is currently offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by indykoch
... then I couldn't get it to start!! I checked every wire, connector, ignition switch, throttle in neutral, etc. After a few minutes of frustration and "oh great, what's THIS going to cost me", I looked down and noticed the kill switch lanyard was off. Flipped the switch, cranked the engine and it was good to go!!! |
Been there, done that... 
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My Mariah
My Shabah is using what the hybrids are saving!
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10-02-2007, 04:37 PM
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#6
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boatman is currently offline
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Glad to read I am not the only one!
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Mark
'96 Shabah 200, 5.7L
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10-02-2007, 08:49 PM
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#7
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indykoch is currently offline
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My Year: 1999
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Aww shucks! You guys don't have to lie to make me feel better about myself. But thanks for taking one for the team!!!
Honestly, I was getting really PO'd, then to find something so easily overlooked. I'm glad you guys have the decency to admit the same oversight and let me know I'm not the only one. Maybe I can skip my shrink appointment this week?!?! We all know this board will be our "retreat to a happy place" this winter!
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Ryan
Previously - '99 Z212 Shabah
350 Mag MPI
Currently - '07 Ebbtide 2600 CBR
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10-02-2007, 09:46 PM
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#8
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mikeyt is currently offline
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hell....i think i've done it more than once..... 
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Rarely visit this site given its problems and lack of management interest.
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10-04-2007, 07:07 PM
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#9
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MariahMan is currently offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by indykoch
Maybe I can skip my shrink appointment this week?!?!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeyt
hell....i think i've done it more than once..... |
Yeah... just make it for Mikey! 
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10-04-2007, 07:25 PM
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#10
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180diablo is currently offline
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Haven't been there... haven't done that (no .. im not lying). To be honest, next season im going to test it and make sure that even works !! ROFL.
I can relate however, my uncle owns a 22ft FourWinns and my cousin took it out for the day with his wife and daughter. My gf and I just get back to my uncles dock around 5:30pm that day and we are told that they are stuck out on the north end of the lake and the boat wont start. My uncle has the trailer connected and ready to go. The other choice would have been to use my boat and go up to get them. Needless to say, it ended up being the kill switch and man was my cousin stressing out over it after.. hehe.
Complete side note - my diablo does not have a test alarm sound before it starts. I guess that was in later years that they added that?
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~ Ryan
Sparrow Lake - Trent Severn Waterway boater
Owner of the 3.0L Powerhouse!
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