Where do you hook lanyard?

[gpfishingdude]

I haven't found a good place to clip the emergency kill switch lanyard that will work for me so I haven't been using it. I would probably use it if it was convenient to use. Maybe I need a better type of kill switch cord than the self coiling type that I have now. I am thinking about tying a piece of cord to it and making a loop to hang around my arm. Has anybody figured out a really handy way of hooking up to the kill switch so that it isn't a pain to use?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

During my Bass Tournament days it would go to my PFD.......... now I just loop it around my right wrist in the throttle control.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

Check out the wireless kill switches from "Autotether" and others. They work and can be used by other people on board. Just google "wireless kill switches" for the many options.

 

[gpfishingdude]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

I would have a few questions about a wireless kill switch. Are they one more thing that can fail in an emergency because the batteries are dead? Why couldn't somebody on board flip the kill switch back on after the lanyard clip is pulled out and restart the motor if needed? The right wrist sounds good to me I just need to do a little tweaking to get it to work for me. I am thinking about getting rid of the self coiling cord and going with a piece of string cord.

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

I bought a velcro strap such as those used to secure your lines, ropes and such and slid a key ring onto the strap and snapped the hook into the ring. It only takes a couple of seconds to zip it around your wrist and away you go, when Im not using it I zip it around the steering wheel so its right there to remind me.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

I would have a few questions about a wireless kill switch. Are they one more thing that can fail in an emergency because the batteries are dead? Why couldn't somebody on board flip the kill switch back on after the lanyard clip is pulled out and restart the motor if needed? The right wrist sounds good to me I just need to do a little tweaking to get it to work for me. I am thinking about getting rid of the self coiling cord and going with a piece of string cord.

If you are alone, and if you are wearing the lanyard, then the engine stops and there is no need for the wireless. If you are wearing the lanyard and you fall overboard then you take the lanyard with you and then how will the "someone" (if they know how to run a boat and don't panic) know how to restart the boat w/o the clip.

The wireless setups are intended to replace the restrictive lanyard with the limited range, and allow the operator to move about the boat to perform such mundane tasks as dropping an anchor, tossing a line, or grabbing a pole, where you may need to act quickly w/o time to disengage the lanyard. They also permit your passengers to wear sending units which warn you of their falling overboard. And you don't take the clip with you allowing it to be reapplied and the boat becomes operational, if you have trained that "someone".

Wearing a long lanyard sounds like a good idea until you actually do it. Once you get tangled in the various locations on your boat, you will quickly see why the lanyard has devolved into a short coiled line.

Most people would quickly get tired of continually applying and removing a wrist lanyard unless they are required to wear some type of lanyard. Tournament rules, I believe, require the use of PFD's and lanyards for safety (as in Lawyers).

 

[emoney]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

I think it's one of those things that once you get used to it, it won't be as big of an annoyance as it is now. Safety laynards aren't really restrictive if used the correct way and that's when running, they're attached to the driver should the worst case scenario occur. Initially, they are kind of a pain to remember to unhook when you've got the anchor dropped and/or fishing etc., but the more you do it the more routine it becomes to where eventually it's like wearing a pair of glasses: you just KNOW to put them on.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

Lanyard hooks to one of several "D" rings on my PFD, your PFD should have some "D" rings too.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

If I'm not mistaken we're talking about a barge. I realize this may ruffle some feathers (an iboats rarity I know), but if I were you I'd only use the lanyard in extenuating circumstances; pulling tubers, WOT in heavy chop, that sort of thing. It's extremely difficult to be ejected from a pontoon boat, so if I'm not in one the aforementioned situations I just leave the lanyard dangling. If I do feel compelled to use it I just clip it around my wrist. If I'm wrong and you don't have a barge any of the other suggestions be good.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

they hook to the PFD.

however you can also get a wrist strap for the kill switch lanyard. common for motorcycles, etc.

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

I keep mine clipped to itself.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

I keep mine clipped to itself.

Well......... isn't your kill lanyard kind of kept at home?

 

[gpfishingdude]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

I just tied a piece of cord to it with a lasso knot on the end. Like somebody said the kill switch is just used for when the boat is under way the rest of the time I will just have to get used to slipping it off my wrist to move about the boat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

wrist for a tiller steer; PFD for a wheel.

I don't use mine often but I do when driving alone at night; should during the day. I'll use it in bad conditions.

I have two. a short one (8") stays hooked up most of the time; out of the way but an easy grab for the passenger after I go over.

I replace it with the coiled one when I use it. If I go over, the second short one is right there in the compartment under the wheel for rescue. Everyone on the boat is told it is there.

Speaking of which: have you ever shut a motor off in gear when under way at speed? It's like hitting a log. Will throw your passengers and gear all over if they are not braced, with possible injury and further ejections. Think of it like an airbag in a car; not something you ever want to use. Not the same as running out of gas or a quick switch to neutral.

Every person on the boat over the age of 6 needs to know how to put the boat in neutral. This is to stop the run-away boat but also to allow you to climb back in safely.
Next they need to know how to drive back and get you. (and how to reinstall the kill switch if you used it).
If you do not have a ladder, they need to know how to raise the motor with you on it (a dangerous method, btw).
Last, they should know about throwables and lines tied to same, and that is the preferred method of rescue instead of using the gaff.

When training your crew or preparing for MOB rescue, presume that you (MOB) are unconscious, or at least too dazed to give instructions from the water. It is irresponsible not to train even the youngest child or dumbest in law.

And you better hope you've been nice to them; if not maybe having one kill switch lanyard is your insurance!

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

My end clip is very difficult to open and attach to most things -- I plan on adding a more carabiner style or thumb to open clasp (think necklaces...but bigger) attachment so that i can easily attach it anywhere to my shorts. The wrist wrap would be good...but there are times when i don't have my right hand that close to the throttle.

Good reminder is everytime you kill and take it off - wrap it up and over the throttle lever so it is very evident when you go to startup. I find if i am reminded of it, I am much more likely to go - "hey, i suppose i should put that on...."

 

[gpfishingdude]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

If you are alone, and if you are wearing the lanyard, then the engine stops and there is no need for the wireless. If you are wearing the lanyard and you fall overboard then you take the lanyard with you and then how will the "someone" (if they know how to run a boat and don't panic) know how to restart the boat w/o the clip.

The wireless setups are intended to replace the restrictive lanyard with the limited range, and allow the operator to move about the boat to perform such mundane tasks as dropping an anchor, tossing a line, or grabbing a pole, where you may need to act quickly w/o time to disengage the lanyard. They also permit your passengers to wear sending units which warn you of their falling overboard. And you don't take the clip with you allowing it to be reapplied and the boat becomes operational, if you have trained that "someone".

Wearing a long lanyard sounds like a good idea until you actually do it. Once you get tangled in the various locations on your boat, you will quickly see why the lanyard has devolved into a short coiled line.

Most people would quickly get tired of continually applying and removing a wrist lanyard unless they are required to wear some type of lanyard. Tournament rules, I believe, require the use of PFD's and lanyards for safety (as in Lawyers).

Bob! If anybody on board needs to flip the kill switch back on they don't need the clip to do that on my boats. Mine have the Quick Silver controls not the kind mounted into the dash.

 

[gpfishingdude]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

My end clip is very difficult to open and attach to most things -- I plan on adding a more carabiner style or thumb to open clasp (think necklaces...but bigger) attachment so that i can easily attach it anywhere to my shorts. The wrist wrap would be good...but there are times when i don't have my right hand that close to the throttle.

Good reminder is everytime you kill and take it off - wrap it up and over the throttle lever so it is very evident when you go to startup. I find if i am reminded of it, I am much more likely to go - "hey, i suppose i should put that on...."

I figured out that that is a good place to hang the loop end of mine too--over the throttle handle- so that it won't blow out of the boat as easily when I'm trailering it down the road

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

wrist for a tiller steer; PFD for a wheel.

I don't use mine often but I do when driving alone at night; should during the day. I'll use it in bad conditions.

I have two. a short one (8") stays hooked up most of the time; out of the way but an easy grab for the passenger after I go over.

I replace it with the coiled one when I use it. If I go over, the second short one is right there in the compartment under the wheel for rescue. Everyone on the boat is told it is there.

Speaking of which: have you ever shut a motor off in gear when under way at speed? It's like hitting a log. Will throw your passengers and gear all over if they are not braced, with possible injury and further ejections. Think of it like an airbag in a car; not something you ever want to use. Not the same as running out of gas or a quick switch to neutral.

Every person on the boat over the age of 6 needs to know how to put the boat in neutral. This is to stop the run-away boat but also to allow you to climb back in safely.
Next they need to know how to drive back and get you. (and how to reinstall the kill switch if you used it).
If you do not have a ladder, they need to know how to raise the motor with you on it (a dangerous method, btw).
Last, they should know about throwables and lines tied to same, and that is the preferred method of rescue instead of using the gaff.

When training your crew or preparing for MOB rescue, presume that you (MOB) are unconscious, or at least too dazed to give instructions from the water. It is irresponsible not to train even the youngest child or dumbest in law.

And you better hope you've been nice to them; if not maybe having one kill switch lanyard is your insurance!

Excellent write up!

 

[jdlough]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

Maybe my boat is weird, but I don't need the lanyard to start it.

If I have the lanyard clipped to the ignition/key switch, start the boat, then pull the lanyard off the ignition switch, the motor cuts off like it should.

However, I can just turn the key without the lanyard attached, and the boat starts and runs just fine.

I always thought that was a feature, so if I fell out with the lanyard attached to me a passenger could restart the boat without it.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Where do you hook lanyard?

I know the lanyard is a good idea as is wearing a PFD while operating. I don't do either I am afraid that if I forget and stand up to drive or move to far away from the controls while reaching for something there is more chance of injuring someone. I never go out alone or in bad conditions and if it gets bad while out I slow down accordingly. Everyone on the boat knows basic operation and where the other safety devices are located.