Kill cord

Pedrode · 11 July 2013, 00:42

I know there's been a huge amount of debate on this matter but wanted to check views on the most secure way of attaching the cord. I have tried wrapping it round my leg but find that it just slips down and I believe would slide over my foot if I was thrown. Have taken to attaching it to my life jacket but seem to remember someone on here suggesting that wasn't a great idea?

Max... · 11 July 2013, 06:40

Mine is clipped onto a secure ring on a very secure chest strap on my flotation jacket. Cannot see how that is not a good idea? Keeps it out of the way of your hands and legs too where it gets in the way.

Pedrode · 11 July 2013, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max...

Mine is clipped onto a secure ring on a very secure chest strap on my flotation jacket. Cannot see how that is not a good idea? Keeps it out of the way of your hands and legs too where it gets in the way.

Thanks. I agree. It's a PITA on your hand or leg.

Solent Ranger · 13 July 2013, 23:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedrode

I know there's been a huge amount of debate on this matter but wanted to check views on the most secure way of attaching the cord. I have tried wrapping it round my leg but find that it just slips down and I believe would slide over my foot if I was thrown. Have taken to attaching it to my life jacket but seem to remember someone on here suggesting that wasn't a great idea?

It should be around your upper thigh! Reasonably tight, not on your leg, by which I mean below your knee. The cord should be of good quality from the engine manufacture and be in good condition.

Starovich · 14 July 2013, 07:56

it all depends on the position of your seating, helm and throttle controls. Some setups make having the KC on your Jacket a real PITA, however others its fine. On my Jacket is fine on my boat but i can see how on others having it that high would mean it get wrapped around the wheel.

As long as
a) Your wearing it
b) It stays attached to you.
c) It doesn't interfere with normal operation of controls
d) it stops the engine before you meet the prop.

Then I think your fine.

Leapy · 14 July 2013, 08:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starovich

it all depends on the position of your seating, helm and throttle controls

+1

Don't think there's a one size fits all.

Max... · 14 July 2013, 08:34

Good point, I'm on a tiller of course which makes a difference.

ShinyShoe · 14 July 2013, 09:16

Next time you tie up to a jetty, leave it attached where you normally have it and get out the boat over the aft quarter of the tube where you'd probably be ejected. If KC comes with you you are probably OK!

alystra · 14 July 2013, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedrode

I know there's been a huge amount of debate on this matter but wanted to check views on the most secure way of attaching the cord. I have tried wrapping it round my leg but find that it just slips down and I believe would slide over my foot if I was thrown. Have taken to attaching it to my life jacket but seem to remember someone on here suggesting that wasn't a great idea?

Life jacket harness ring for me. I too have tried it looped round my thigh and clipped to itself until, when moving around the boat to fasten something down, I found it almost round my ankle. Now it's clipped to the LJ 'D' ring. The only time it gets in the way is when I'm standing up and manoevring at slow speed, when it occasionally starts to wrap around the wheel, but I can feel that happening and sort it easily.

Starovich · 14 July 2013, 10:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max...

Good point, I'm on a tiller of course which makes a difference.

wrist then? some kind of velcro watch strap kind of thing? Example

Leapy · 14 July 2013, 10:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starovich

wrist then? some kind of velcro watch strap kind of thing? Example

We use kill cord attached to a divers lanyard round the upper leg these days. Found kill cord to wrist gets in the way. Ditto LJ, although we used to do that but found the killcord length too short for this and restricted movement.

jambo · 14 July 2013, 11:00

+1 for lj's d ring it the o ly place that's practicable when moving around.

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mick · 14 July 2013, 11:09

I clip mine to my boot laces having two and the position of the controls I find that the best for me wether its correct or not

nigel52 · 14 July 2013, 14:35

One issue that I have noticed is my ignition key is on a cork float keyring and this winds itself round the kill cord. If I went over the side I could also end up snapping the ignition key or taking it with me.
Any suggestions?

Chris · 14 July 2013, 17:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by nigel52

One issue that I have noticed is my ignition key is on a cork float keyring and this winds itself round the kill cord. If I went over the side I could also end up snapping the ignition key or taking it with me.
Any suggestions?

Get rid of the cork floating keying ? Or cut down the length of the cord attaching it

nigel52 · 14 July 2013, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Get rid of the cork floating keying ? Or cut down the length of the cord attaching it

Certainly a possible solution but I would like other views on what others do with their ignition key bearing in mind it is right by the kill cord. If I take off the floating cork key ring sods law says I will drop the key in the drink.

Max... · 14 July 2013, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starovich

wrist then? some kind of velcro watch strap kind of thing? Example

What I meant was for me on a tiller then the LJ ring works great - wheras for a jockey seated rib user it might be in the way. Seated on a tube the LJ ring works great.

TheKommandant · 16 July 2013, 15:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by nigel52

Certainly a possible solution but I would like other views on what others do with their ignition key bearing in mind it is right by the kill cord. If I take off the floating cork key ring sods law says I will drop the key in the drink.

I've not specifically noticed a problem with mine tangling up but being slightly paranoid I ordered a couple of spare keys from ebay, put one on my car keys which are either stashed away in a bag or in a zipped pocket, and one with a spare kill cord in the plastic tub of emergency goodies!

The one on my car keys helped me when I was flustered the other day and pushed off the dock before starting the engine...and then remembered the ignition for the boat was in the truck!

nigel52 · 16 July 2013, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheKommandant

I've not specifically noticed a problem with mine tangling up but being slightly paranoid I ordered a couple of spare keys from ebay, put one on my car keys which are either stashed away in a bag or in a zipped pocket, and one with a spare kill cord in the plastic tub of emergency goodies!

The one on my car keys helped me when I was flustered the other day and pushed off the dock before starting the engine...and then remembered the ignition for the boat was in the truck!

Not a bad idea. I certainly keep a spare kill cord on the boat and spare keys at home.

I did find that shortening the cord on the cork float and the key has helped a lot.

Pedrode · 16 July 2013, 20:25

Thanks for all the replies. I guess there is no one right answer but as long as it is securely fixed and doesn't get in the way then whatever works for the driving position. Going to stick with fixing it to my life jacket. Cheers.