Engine cut switch off law now active, kind of

[Cgolf]

Well apparently this has now gone into effect, without a lot of fanfare. My father in law saw it somewhere and passed it on or I would have never known about it. They should really post it at boat landings. The kind of is because we overheard someone talking to the folks on a sherif boat on the Mississippi and they said they won’t start enforcing it for a couple of years. 
 

Here is where my question comes in. I generally where shorts and shirts that don’t have anything to clip on to. Even some of the life vests I have don’t have a spot to clip to. My thought is I clip the tether to itself and wear it as a bracelet. Wondering if that would be legal? Not sure if @A-Jay has any insight being retired coast guard. 
 

Reading the law though it is interesting. It reads like my 2006 16 foot alumacraft would be exempt due to the boats age. I do know mine works because it shutoff the motor when I was wearing it traveling in rough water, after I stopped somewhere and stood up with the motor idling. This will ultimately get me to do something I should always do, not just in rough water, so it is a good thing and I will do it even if my boat is exempted. 

[MN Fisher]

I posted about this back in March

 

5 minutes ago, cgolf said:

Reading the law though it is interesting. It reads like my 2006 16 foot alumacraft would be exempt due to the boats age. I do know mine works because it shutoff the motor when I was wearing it traveling in rough water, after I stopped somewhere and stood up with the motor idling. This will ultimately get me to do something I should always do, not just in rough water, so it is a good thing and I will do it even if my boat is exempted.

Actually, if you read the link in my post - it says that any boat equipped MUST use it...doesn't say anything about the age. You just don't have to retrofit one in if it wasn't equipped at the factory.

[K1500]

As stated you are not exempt due to age. You are exempt due to age and not being equipped with a cutoff. If you have one you must use it.
 

I think making a bracelet would be fine. You could also get a loop of Velcro and make an actual bracelet that would be easier to put on and off and clip it to that. You can also clip to your shorts belt loop/ draw string. The best place to clip it is your PFD. 

[Cgolf]

14 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I posted about this back in March

 

Actually, if you read the link in my post - it says that any boat equipped MUST use it...doesn't say anything about the age. You just don't have to retrofit one in if it wasn't equipped at the factory.

The FAQ on the coast guard site said that a pre 2020 boat didn’t need to fix it if it broke. 
 

Also you may have, but I generally only read the tackle section and the general and rod and reel section from time to time. Only other time I was on this section was when I was drawing up some home plans and needed a garage depth for a 21 foot boat I may purchase some day. So I wouldn’t have seen it. 
 

Also my question is very specific with how to attach myself to the switch. 

[MN Fisher]

Just now, cgolf said:

Also my question is very specific with how to attach myself to the switch. 

For me - when I had the 14' Runabout - anytime the engine was running, I had my PFD on. Clip it to that would be my suggestion.

[Cgolf]

10 minutes ago, K1500 said:

As stated you are not exempt due to age. You are exempt due to age and not being equipped with a cutoff. If you have one you must use it.
 

I think making a bracelet would be fine. You could also get a loop of Velcro and make an actual bracelet that would be easier to put on and off and clip it to that. You can also clip to your shorts belt loop/ draw string. The best place to clip it is your PFD. 

Not looking to get around it, but the way they write the age bit is weird. I got nailed for passing a car turning left on the right on a 2 lane road and the fact I kept 2 tires on the pavement I later learned could have left me in the clear, but the law that nobody probably know exists is written so it clear as mud;) Sometimes I think they write laws like that to give cops some options. 

4 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

For me - when I had the 14' Runabout - anytime the engine was running, I had my PFD on. Clip it to that would be my suggestion.

For better or worse I only wear my PFD when running in rough water. I do have an older self inflate one, but even though the cartridge is green, I found out they have a shelf life. That is the only life jacket that has a built in attachment point. My kayak vest I would have to rig something on it. 

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, cgolf said:

Well apparently this has now gone into effect, without a lot of fanfare. My father in law saw it somewhere and passed it on or I would have never known about it. They should really post it at boat landings. The kind of is because we overheard someone talking to the folks on a sherif boat on the Mississippi and they said they won’t start enforcing it for a couple of years. 
 

Here is where my question comes in. I generally where shorts and shirts that don’t have anything to clip on to. Even some of the life vests I have don’t have a spot to clip to. My thought is I clip the tether to itself and wear it as a bracelet. Wondering if that would be legal? Not sure if @A-Jay has any insight being retired coast guard. 
 

Reading the law though it is interesting. It reads like my 2006 16 foot alumacraft would be exempt due to the boats age. I do know mine works because it shutoff the motor when I was wearing it traveling in rough water, after I stopped somewhere and stood up with the motor idling. This will ultimately get me to do something I should always do, not just in rough water, so it is a good thing and I will do it even if my boat is exempted. 

I use the unit installed on my rig - religiously.

Highly recommend everyone do the same.

 

Not certain on the legality of them in this instance,

but Jet Ski operators have been wearing wrist bands to attach the kill switch lanyard

 for a while now . . .

https://www.amazon.com/PRO-FLOATING-LANYARD-WRIST-BAND/dp/B00PCS3L1A/ref=sr_1_18?crid=1VWNM12AHC9UO&dchild=1&keywords=boat+kill+switch+lanyard+wrist+strap&qid=1622590110&sprefix=Kill+switch+lanyard+for+wrist+%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-18

 

A-Jay

 

[GRiver]

I just got a “new to me bass boat” it’ a small 15 ft and I got an inflatable vest and wear the kill switch lanyard. I fish mostly by myself. I figure it can’t hurt. 

[Cgolf]

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

I use the unit installed on my rig - religiously.

Highly recommend everyone do the same.

 

Not certain on the legality of them in this instance,

but Jet Ski operators have been wearing wrist bands to attach the kill switch lanyard

 for a while now . . .

https://www.amazon.com/PRO-FLOATING-LANYARD-WRIST-BAND/dp/B00PCS3L1A/ref=sr_1_18?crid=1VWNM12AHC9UO&dchild=1&keywords=boat+kill+switch+lanyard+wrist+strap&qid=1622590110&sprefix=Kill+switch+lanyard+for+wrist+%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-18

 

A-Jay

 

That is perfect and a lot more solid than the idea I had. Now if I can convince myself to wear my PFD more often. The lake I fish is weird as we can get 3-4 footers with maybe 4-6 feet of spacing in between. When I say we get 4 footers and I say it is dicey people look sideways at me because they think big water where you get the pictures of the people fishing while standing on water because the boat is in the trough. 
 

Had to cross this lake in really heavy waves once, probably the most scared I was in the boat even more so than when I was fishing and the sky got green and in between the strong wind switching 180 degrees it was eerily still to go along with the green sky. Totally froze in that moment and just fished through it. Had a seen a funnel cloud I was close to shore and would have ran to that. 

[Deephaven]

I wear mine on my wrist like a bracelet as well...but I have a tiller so it is the only part of me that is always right next to the motor.  If they made wearing them on your wrist illegal I'd be ticked.

[A-Jay]

10 hours ago, cgolf said:

 Now if I can convince myself to wear my PFD more often. The lake I fish is weird

The lake you fish may seem weird to you,

but it has one very important characteristic

that is EXACTLY the Same as every other body of water on this planet.

It can and will take you away from everyone that cares about and loves you.  

Stay Safe

A-Jay

[gim]

This occurred at Lake Minnetonka Grays Bay Access over the holiday weekend. @MN Fisher @Deephaven probably know this access. I used it 4 times this spring but I think I’m done out there for the summer boating season. A kill switch probably would have helped here.

 

https://kstp.com/news/video-captures-moment-at-lake-minnetonka-boat-launch-as-boat-spins-out-of-control/6128050/

 

 

[MN Fisher]

4 minutes ago, gimruis said:

This occurred at Lake Minnetonka Grays Bay Access over the holiday weekend. @MN Fisher @Deephaven probably know this access. I used it 4 times this spring but I think I’m done out there for the summer boating season. A kill switch probably would have helped here.

 

https://kstp.com/news/video-captures-moment-at-lake-minnetonka-boat-launch-as-boat-spins-out-of-control/6128050/

Last time I used the Grays Bay launch was before the re-build and expansion...but that could have happened anywhere. I think Spring Park, Excelsior and Maxwell would be likeliest places for a re-match. Phelps and North Arm are set up differently so that type of thing wouldn't happen the same way.

 

If you have a kill switch - use it.

[Deephaven]

Amazing no one was hurt.  Unbelievable.  

[Cgolf]

36 minutes ago, gimruis said:

This occurred at Lake Minnetonka Grays Bay Access over the holiday weekend. @MN Fisher @Deephaven probably know this access. I used it 4 times this spring but I think I’m done out there for the summer boating season. A kill switch probably would have helped here.

 

https://kstp.com/news/video-captures-moment-at-lake-minnetonka-boat-launch-as-boat-spins-out-of-control/6128050/

 

 

 

28 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Last time I used the Grays Bay launch was before the re-build and expansion...but that could have happened anywhere. I think Spring Park, Excelsior and Maxwell would be likeliest places for a re-match. Phelps and North Arm are set up differently so that type of thing wouldn't happen the same way.

 

If you have a kill switch - use it.

What is weird from the video doesn’t look like they got thrown so they could have just grabbed it and pulled it. Let’s say they were wearing it, not being thrown it wouldn’t have shut off. Some people freeze in situations like that. Not really sure how you teach that in the moment reactions, as some just naturally have them and some never do. For sure not defending them. I will say if I fish weekends during the summer I try to be off the water by 11 to avoid the recreational boaters. 

[desmobob]

10 minutes ago, cgolf said:

 

Some people freeze in situations like that. Not really sure how you teach that in the moment reactions, as some just naturally have them and some never do.

It helps to practice things... even a few times can help.  Any bicyclist can tell you about his first day using clip-in pedals.  Or a grouse hunter can tell you about pulling harder and harder on the trigger because the safety was on.   After you use stuff regularly, it becomes second nature to operate it.

 

Kill switches, like the ones on a motorcycle's handlebars or on a piece of shop equipment need to be used once in a while or you'll forget they're there.  It's not a bad idea to use safety stuff every so often so that even if it's still in the back of your mind, at least it might be up front of the back.  

 

In reality, when the poop hits the fan, we don't rise to the level of our expectations; we fall back to the level or our training.  Train a little with your safety gear.

[gim]

10 hours ago, cgolf said:

What is weird from the video doesn’t look like they got thrown so they could have just grabbed it and pulled it. Let’s say they were wearing it, not being thrown it wouldn’t have shut off.

 

I think its very likely that the clip/safety switch wasn't tethered in this situation, as that whole area by the access is a minimum wake zone.  Apparently the throttle got stuck.  Well, if the throttle got stuck, you can still engage the kill switch and shut it all off.  I've never been in that situation and I surely hope that I am not, but simply pulling the kill switch (assuming its tethered or being used) would be the solution to this.  Mine is a red flip switch right under the throttle.  Who knows where the one on this boat is but its probably in close proximity to the throttle too.  In the summer, this lake is known heavily for boating under the influence of alcohol so the investigation immediately looked into that.  None found.

[A-Jay]

11 hours ago, gimruis said:

This occurred at Lake Minnetonka Grays Bay Access over the holiday weekend. @MN Fisher @Deephaven probably know this access. I used it 4 times this spring but I think I’m done out there for the summer boating season. A kill switch probably would have helped here.

 

https://kstp.com/news/video-captures-moment-at-lake-minnetonka-boat-launch-as-boat-spins-out-of-control/6128050/

 

 

What's really a good time

is maneuvering a rig alongside one of those deals 

and then having someone jump on board it

to shut it down.

Talk about bumper boats and a wet & wild ride . . . .

Oh yea, and pretty freaking dangerous as well.

When that wasn't an option, we'd trail a floating line behind us

run it in front of the runways rig 

and foul the boats prop to end the insanity. 

Usually took a few tries.

Please use a kill switch

A-Jay

 

[Cgolf]

18 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

I think its very likely that the clip/safety switch wasn't tethered in this situation, as that whole area by the access is a minimum wake zone.  Apparently the throttle got stuck.  Well, if the throttle got stuck, you can still engage the kill switch and shut it all off.  I've never been in that situation and I surely hope that I am not, but simply pulling the kill switch (assuming its tethered or being used) would be the solution to this.  Mine is a red flip switch right under the throttle.  Who knows where the one on this boat is but its probably in close proximity to the throttle too.  In the summer, this lake is known heavily for boating under the influence of alcohol so the investigation immediately looked into that.  None found.

 

Yeh alcohol and boating is a bad combination. The other is just people being dumb. Used to have to recreational boats on the vacation lake that would chase each other around and jump each others wake. They were always close enough that if the lead boat turned an unexpected direction to say miss a loon or a yak they may have got center punched. Just never understand peoples behavior sometimes.

[TnRiver46]

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

What's really a good time

is maneuvering a rig alongside one of those deals 

and then having someone jump on board it

to shut it down.

Talk about bumper boats and a wet & wild ride . . . .

Oh yea, and pretty freaking dangerous as well.

When that wasn't an option, we'd trail a floating line behind us

run it in front of the runways rig 

and foul the boats prop to end the insanity. 

Usually took a few tries.

Please use a kill switch

A-Jay

 

Ah the old shaft fouler......  good trick 

[Deephaven]

$10 says the guy approached the dock was thinking he was in reverse and added some gas then freaked when it went forward and gave it more.  The news was quick to point out there was no alcohol involved, just new boater covid stupidity

4 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

Ah the old shaft fouler......  good trick 

That is my wives job

[Deephaven]

Drove by that launch tonight and there were 6 firetrucks and a boat with the engine cover up collecting attention.  Complete sh#$ show

[MN Fisher]

12 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

Drove by that launch tonight and there were 6 firetrucks and a boat with the engine cover up collecting attention.  Complete sh#$ show

Ya - Grays seems to attract the least experienced boaters for some reason...maybe they don't like the steep slope at Spring Park, the lack of docks at North Arm and Phelps, or something.

[gim]

17 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Ya - Grays seems to attract the least experienced boaters for some reason...maybe they don't like the steep slope at Spring Park, the lack of docks at North Arm and Phelps, or something.

 

I think a big part of is this: there are more parking spots (over 100), there's triple concrete ramps, a pressure washing station, indoor restrooms, a private dock w/gas pumps, and there's 6 docks.  Plus it is the closest access to any portion of the Twin Cities metro area which lies to the east, and it is easy to get to (394/494 to 101 south).  Its the combination of size, amenities, and geographic proximity in my opinion.  Its the access I use in the spring and fall (I rarely venture out there in June, July, or August) and as I've stated before it is literally the nicest public access I have ever seen on any lake here.

 

It does seem to attract riff raff though.  People tend to be clueless at that access, especially in the summer recreational boating months.  The thing that really peeves me off there is the dock usage.  There are 3 docks specifically right next to the concrete access ramps that have big signs on them that read "loading/unloading only, no boat parking" right there but almost every time I go, I see boats tied up there.  They are literally tied up IN the access point so the next person can't launch or load until that boat is moved.  The 3 docks to the right of the access are for tying up.  People just can't figure that part out.  So then you have a choke point when people start doing that.  It holds up the line in the water and the line of vehicles in the lot.