1970 Johnson 115 - add kill switch

[ayukna]

Greetings all. New member and new to old boats: I just picked up a 1964 MFG Seacruiser 20 (all fiberglass) with a 1970 Johnson 115. I've been going through it to get her up and running and have just noticed that the ignition/throttle control unit does not have a kill switch. I need to be in compliance with the new law and am looking for any hints/suggestions to drop in a lanyard kill switch.

 

[matt167]

you will be 100% in compliance by doing nothing.. The law has always been there, but it's recently gained traction to be enforced.. Basically it says that if it's equipped, you need to use it. A 1964 boat or a 1970 motor/ controller would have never had a kill switch lanyard. Something rings a bell in my head that they began being added around 1975.

 

[ayukna]

you will be 100% in compliance by doing nothing.. The law has always been there, but it's recently gained traction to be enforced.. Basically it says that if it's equipped, you need to use it. A 1964 boat or a 1970 motor/ controller would have never had a kill switch lanyard. Something rings a bell in my head that they began being added around 1975.

Thanks for the quick reply! I totally misread the law thinking the "new" part was that all boats under 26 foot needed it now. Just re-read it on the Coast Guard site FAQs where they clarify exactly what you say as far as being equipped. Phew! I was looking into splicing that 50 year old harness or trying to find a new universal fit and some crazy adapter...that would have stunk!

 

[racerone]

You can get a universal kill switch.-----On that motor it would normally be closed and open to stop the motor I think.

 

[Faztbullet]

If its a 1970 it has the pulse pack on it. You break the 12V to amplifier from keyswitch.