Dead man (switches) tell no tales.

[Larry]

On July 4, while sailing with grandchildren on Hunter 240 we have had for a year, I was not able to start Nissan 8 hp outboard. Sailed home successfully. Checked motor - NO SPARK! July 7 took motor 90 miles to Nissan service center. They called July 11 - motor is ready. Tonight, while cleaning out boat, First Mate asked if we should throw away small, black fork-shaped plastic piece. I recognized it as part of deadman switch that had become disconnected, and fortunately, tossed into cabin. It had no lanyard, but I recognized it from previous power boat. I should have payed more attention to the red button beneath the ignition switch. Now I have red face. Probably will be unnecessarily free of a few sheckels tomorrow. Hope this does not happen to you. Larry

 

[alan]

I had a similar experience.

Last year I bought an after-market safety lanyard with multiple adaptors. Since real men never read instructions, I just clipped the adaptor that SEEMED to fit the kill switch. Well, worked properly for half the year and then had a couple of episodes where the engine stalled or was hard to start, didn't make the connection yet! Then, just after I finished telling a friend that I considered sailing into a crowded anchorage hot-dogging, the engine stalled and had to do just that. Anchored, walked to Sailor's Haven Fire Island, toured the bars at Cherry Grove then came back to the boat and wouldn't start. Cause she had to get back, made arraingements with Tow boat US to pick me up about nine miles away (wind was fine) to escort me to my berth. Normally would have sailed all the way in but my friend had to get back. Now, I am no mechanic but used to play with 2 cycle mini-cycles when I was younger. I had pulled the plugs, checked for a spark (there was an intermittant one) and tried again a got a brief fire. The plugs looked dirty but not fouled. Well, a trip to the parts store and still no spark. Then I remembered from my younger days PLAY WITH THE KILL SWITCH. I did and found the problem. The after market safety lanyard has since pulled out when docking under less that ideal conditions, fortunately still glided to a perfect landing. I only use it now when away from land when accidently shutting down won't be a problem. alan