Should Ontario Boats Have Kill Switches?
Yes, your Ontario boat should have a kill switch for safety reasons. A kill switch automatically shuts down a boat’s engine, reducing the risk of a propeller injury if the boat operator has been thrown overboard.
Does your Ontario boat have this safety feature?
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What’s a kill switch for a boat?
It’s also called an engine cutoff switch. It’s a safety device that shuts off the boat’s engine if the operator falls overboard, is incapacitated, or has to leave the helm due to an emergency.
Is a kill switch physically connected to the boat’s driver?
Yes, it is. An engine cutoff switch is a lanyard that’s usually connected to a boat operator’s wrist, life jacket, or belt and to the boat’s ignition system. It can look sort of like a long cord.
How does the kill switch work?
If the boat’s operator moves too far from the engine, the lanyard will disconnect and act as a kill switch to turn the engine off automatically.
Are there wireless kill switches?
An engine cutoff system can also be wireless, which gives more freedom of movement. It uses wireless technology (like Bluetooth) to establish a link between a wristband or lanyard and a receiver unit on the boat. If the fob loses the signal due to being overboard or too far away, the hub detects the disconnection and shuts down the boat’s engine.
Does the kill switch shut off if the boat’s driver is thrown overboard or blacks out?
If a boat’s operator is thrown overboard or loses consciousness, the cutoff switch will immediately shut off the engine.
Do kill switches prevent propeller accidents and boat fatalities?
A kill switch stops the propeller from rotating, which significantly reduces the risk of propeller strikes, injuries, and deaths. Propeller strikes are a serious risk and can lead to boating fatalities. Stopping the boat’s engine allows the boat’s operator to get back on board more easily.
Is a kill switch mandatory in Ontario?
A kill switch is not mandatory on Ontario boats. Transport Canada was studying and consulting on the possibility of requiring engine cut-off switches on certain recreational boats in Canada.
In the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard requires kill switches on recreational vessels under 26 feet (8 metres) in length.
In Ontario and the rest of Canada, personal watercraft (PWCs), also called jet skis or water scooters, are required to have engine cutoff switches.
Consider having your kill switch professionally installed in your Ontario boat to ensure it properly works.
Are there different kinds of engine cutoff systems?
An alternative choice is a wireless person-overboard alarm system, which is more suited to larger boats with a crew.
For smaller boats, a lanyard kill switch is solid choice for safe boating.
Final thoughts
If the boat’s operator is ejected, a kill switch prevents your Ontario boat from continuing to run and potentially harm the operator, other people, or marine vessels. An engine cutoff switch can also prevent propeller strikes, which can be deadly.
Should I get insurance for my Ontario boat?
Your boat is a significant investment. Boat insurance is not required in Ontario, but if your boat is financed your lender may require boat insurance. Ontario marinas can require boat insurance with $3 million in liability coverage.
Ontario boat insurance protects you and your loved ones in the case of a boating accident or injury. It protects your boat and its motor, boating equipment, and boating accessories like lifejackets, GPS, depth sounders, and many other items.
5 FAQs about kill switches and boats
How much does a kill switch cost?
A lanyard kill switch costs between $10 to $40. Many are less than $30.
What size of boat needs a kill switch?
They’re usually recommended for Ontario boats that are less than 26 feet (8 metres) but they’re also for larger boats, too.
Can an engine cutoff switch also prevent boat theft?
Yes, a kill switch can be used remotely to shut off the boat’s engine, making it impossible for thieves to start the boat. It’s foolproof and should be used with anti-theft measures.
Will a boat start if the kill switch is off?
No, your Ontario boat will not start or run if the kill switch is off.
Can I get an insurance discount for my Ontario boat if I get a kill switch installed?
Having a kill switch installed on your boat may get you a boat insurance discount. Many insurers consider kill switches as a safety feature that helps reduce accidents and theft, which can result in lower boat insurance premiums. You’ll need to ask your boat insurance provider.
How long does a boat kill switch last?
A kill switch is typically designed to last the life of your Ontario boat if properly maintained.
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