Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

[deandec]

The Run/Off switch is just below the throttle/shift arm on my speedboat.

I believe its sole purpose is to tether the pilot to the switch so that it functions as a dead man switch if the pilot leaves the helm and shuts down the engine.

Is there any other purpose to this switch?

Can I just wire a bypass around the switch, without consequence, to remove it from the starting sequence?

Dean
2100sr Maxum 5.7 Merc Alpha One Gen II

 

[Bondo]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

Ayuh,... Just disconnect it,+ reconnect the 2 wires...

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

That is the exact reason it is there.

Yes you can bypass it, but i will not tell you how.

It is a safety issue and not just for you, but what your boat will run into after it toss' you out and keeps running at full speed into a bunch of swimmers or a dock full of people.

If you do bypass it and have an accident I can Guarantee that your inisurance wont cover any of the claim and if you kill someone,,,,, well there you go.

 

[fossill]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

I'm all for safety but, just how many people actually tie that thing to themselves when they are out on the water. Mine is hooked up but just hangs there, like I bet 99.999% of the other boats out on the lake. Pretty well a useless safety device in my opinion put there to satifsy product liability from haunting the manufactuers. I use mine as a simple antitheft device.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

Pretty well a useless safety device in my opinion put there to satifsy product liability from haunting the manufactuers. I use mine as a simple antitheft device.

Ayuh,... I completely Agree,... So Why take it Out,...
Then ya got taped up wiring,+ a Hole to patch.....

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

Pretty well a useless safety device in my opinion put there to satifsy product liability from haunting the manufactuers. I use mine as a simple antitheft device.

I do agree, but if it there and functioning, no one can say for sure if you are using it or not.

I saw a video on you-tube of a real nice CC running at full speed along the beach and not a sole on board. Some guy taped it until it hit some rocks and crashed.

Boat crashes into rocks

 

[deandec]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

Why Take it Out?

Well, I merely felt I would bypass the switch by patching the wires together and leave the switch in place.

1. I know of no one who tethers up to their switch, so it is relatively useless for its original function.

2. The switch has impeded rapid starting of the engine when the engine was needed because somehow or someone set it to "off". The person trying to start the boat, and failing, immediately concluded there were engine problems before ultimately checking the switch position.

3. On one occasion, the weak battery was depleted during the starting cycle before the run switch was noticed to be off.

I had not thought of it as an anti-theft device, so perhaps it does have some redeeming value.

If the switch is defeated, the insurance will still pay any claims. However, obtaining new insurance coverage could be problematic.

Thank you for the replies. The video was instructive.

Dean

 

[JustJason]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

They really need to learn how to install a pressure switch in the dang drivers seat. Heck, my John Deere has that, and it does about 7MPH, tops.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

They really need to learn how to install a pressure switch in the dang drivers seat. Heck, my John Deere has that, and it does about 7MPH, tops.

Ayuh,... You mean the 1 I defeat as soon as we buy a new piece of equipment....
Along with a hidden switch on the backup alarm...

 

[45Auto]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

They really need to learn how to install a pressure switch in the dang drivers seat.

Now that will be funny to watch when people stand up to drive - should be some good youtube videos there! Even better would be to bounce off the seat in rough water - you're caught in bad weather, trying to keep the boat from swamping, bounce off a wave which bounces you off the seat and you automatically loose the engine - sounds like just what I want in my boat!!!

 

[sltintexas]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

I use mine rarely... and its only when I'm boating alone, or when another adult is not on-board.

You can always just unhook the cord so there is nothing hanging down.

 

[fishinpa]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

There is no reason to remove an operating switch /circuit or to disable it.
It is intended as a safety device.

It is also not too hard too look down and see if it is on or off
its a fairly elementary operation !


In an emergency it can also be easier to hit the switch on some boats rather than to try and reach thru to shut the key off.




fish

 

[Don S]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

Come on guys. I think he now knows WHY the switch is there, either answer his question or find another post to reply to. Stop beating a dead horse about why he should keep it. Has nothing to do with his question.

 

[achris]

Re: Defeating the "Run/Off" switch

Leave everything else as is.... solder a short jumper wire across the 2 terminals.... Job done.... If you ever need to re-instate the switch, just clip the jumper wire...