If the boat is equipped with an emergency stop, attach its lanyard to yourself immediately after detaching the mooring lines. For more detailed instructions, see the engine manual.
It is very important that the boat stops if you for some reason fall overboard or stumble on board, particularly if you are alone. However, remember to detach the lanyard from your wrist before docking or beaching operations to prevent the engine from stopping unintentionally.
Unintended activation of the emergency stop during normal operation can occur and may lead to hazardous situations, including:
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Sudden loss of forward motion: passengers, especially those seated at the bow, may be thrown forward unexpectedly. In severe cases, individuals could be ejected overboard and risk injury from the gearcase or propeller.
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Loss of power and steering control: this can be critical in challenging conditions such as heavy seas, strong currents, or high winds.
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Reduced maneuverability during docking: unexpected engine shutdown may result in loss of control when approaching docks or other vessels.
The emergency stop is designed to stop the engine immediately if the lanyard is pulled with enough force to detach from the switch. This feature helps prevent accidents if the operator falls overboard or loses control.
To reset the emergency stop, thread the loop at the end of the lanyard around the emergency stop and push the emergency stop back up. The emergency stop can also be reset without the lanyard by pushing the emergency stop back to up position if the situation requires it.
If your boat is equipped with an emergency stop model that cannot be reset without the lanyard, you must keep a spare lanyard on board. Store the spare lanyard near the steering console for quick access. If your boat did not come with a spare lanyard, request one from your dealer.
Always inform passengers about how the emergency system works before departure.