"RUN" switch functionality

[Colsanders1955]

On my 1988 Chapparal 2350SX boat, just acquired, there is a red up and down toggle switch mounted just forward of the throttle lever. I found two wiring running to it that are unhooked. The boat starts and runs OK without it. Could anyone tell me what the purpose of this switch is?

 

[oldjeep]

Sounds like the switch for a safety lanyard. Completely useless on a 23 ft boat, nobody would ever wear it.

 

[jbcurt00]

An I/O 1988 Chapparel? Is the toggle switch labeled RUN? And when thrown it stays thrown (on/off like a light switch NOT a hold it up to stay on momentary switch). I can think of 2 on/off devices that could be labeled w/ Run: blower/vent fan for the I/O engine or a bilge pump. Fairly certain you'd have both, are they elsewhere @the helm/dash AND working? Since they are disconnected, and located in an odd place, IMO, who knows maybe the previous owner ran light or something and removed it.

 

[Colsanders1955]

I have both the blower and bilge pump with switches on the dash and both are working. I'm fairly sure by looking at it that this red RUN switch is a factory item. I need to shoot a photo of it and send. Thanks for the quick replies.

 

[oldjeep]

I'm assuming it is just the switch in the lower left of the throttle control in this picture?

 

[thumpar]

I have the same switch. It is for the lanyard. I don't use the lanyard though. When we stop and the kids are on the boat I turn it off just in case they mess around. The engine will crank but not start.

 

[Colsanders1955]

That is the switch in your picture. I suppose the previous owner disconnected it for reasons stated herein. Thanks sincerely