engine kill cords

[chrissd330]

outboard engine kill cords, are they all one size? as I need a spare for my Tohatsu 9.8 2 stroke.

[Poly]

They are not universal!

(1) The end fittings vary. There are at least 4 different styles. Yours will have a U-shaped clip I think. Make sure its Tohatsu compatible.
(2) The red bit - you want one with a 'cord' inner not just a solid plastic part.
(3) They do vary a little in length. For tiller steering I'd want short!
(4) The 'person' end varies between plastic and metal clips. Metal always feels more secure to me - but can have slightly sharp corners that dry suit wearers might not like, and they can rust a bit.

You can get a "universal" cord - with multiple end fittings - but unless you use a lot of boats probably isn't useful. Having only the right fitting will avoid the embarrassing why won't this start moment, when you've badly connected the wrong type!

[chrissd330]

Thanks Poly,I shall have to make sure I get the correct one,Tohatsu compatible.Take the one off the engine and compare it to the ones I look at on the internet.
Chris

[Starovich]

Get two and stick one in the toolbox

[Ronaldj]

I always keep a spare on my life jacket

[A1an]

Originally Posted by Ronaldj

I always keep a spare on my life jacket

Wouldn't it be better in a toolbox or similar?

If you go overboard you've taken the spare with you and your crew have no way of starting the engine.

(Unless you have a switchable kill switch?)

[Ronaldj]

I keep one there also.

[A1an]

2 spares! Well equipped.

[Ronaldj]

My logic is that even if I get separated from the boat or loose the toolbox.
I will have a cord to get back to the docks

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by A1an

If you go overboard you've taken the spare with you and your crew have no way of starting the engine.

(Unless you have a switchable kill switch?)

That's why I retrofitted a Merc kill switch to my Yam setup. It's a hooded toggle switch that gets flipped down if I go overboard (or, from experience, move away from the helm.) Easy to flick it back up, and you're back in business.

Not this one, but similar:
Emergency Cutoff Switch And Lanyard (Cole Hersee)

jky

[Lee argyle]

Originally Posted by jyasaki

That's why I retrofitted a Merc kill switch to my Yam setup. It's a hooded toggle switch that gets flipped down if I go overboard (or, from experience, move away from the helm.) Easy to flick it back up, and you're back in business.

Not this one, but similar:
Emergency Cutoff Switch And Lanyard (Cole Hersee)

jky

+1
I do like the merc system, some of the merc controls also have a 'lock - out' so if you leave the helm the throttles will not engage a gear until the lock is canceled - stops an accidental engagement or the kids playing