Kill Switch

So it's only a matter of time, Texas just passed a law that took affect this weekend that requires operators of boats less than 26 feet in length that are equipped with an ignition safety kill switch to use it whenever the vessel is moving at greater than headway speed. I understand, the law for jet skis but it's getting ridiculous now, how am I going to grab my beer from the cooler? Yes, that is a joke! But, if this happens it will really affect me trolling and fishing the back bays when I'm moving the boat constantly to stay off the marshes. I banged my head in the cabin this weekend with the waves maybe we should pass a law that when your in the cabin you need to wear a helmet.

New Boating Safety Law Starts During Labor Day Weekend
 
So it's only a matter of time, Texas just passed a law that took affect this weekend that requires operators of boats less than 26 feet in length that are equipped with an ignition safety kill switch to use it whenever the vessel is moving at greater than headway speed. I understand, the law for jet skis but it's getting ridiculous now, how am I going to grab my beer from the cooler? Yes, that is a joke! But, if this happens it will really affect me trolling and fishing the back bays when I'm moving the boat constantly to stay off the marshes. I banged my head in the cabin this weekend with the waves maybe we should pass a law that when your in the cabin you need to wear a helmet.

New Boating Safety Law Starts During Labor Day Weekend

There are some nice “cordless” ones. I have an “Auto Tether” which is RC and can accommodate 4 sensors. It cuts the motor off if you into the water or if you get too far from the boat. It’s nice being able to tie up or grab that beer, and not having to remember to unclip the lanyard.

A bit pricey, but since I usually go out solo, the Admiralty approved as safety equipment.
 
Do you have a link for the one you have ?

Yes, it's an AUTOTETHER, no space. Got mine at Hamilton Marine, but they don't have it anymore. Wally World has it, as well as the MFG (autotether.com), both at the list price of $235. I bought mine around 8 years ago and paid less than $200. Interesting in that their headquarters recently moved from CT to GA. BTW with the initial purchase you only get one remote, not two in the picture below, but the unit can handle up to 4 in case you want to have the crew wear them too.

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I'm actually surprised that legislation like this was enacted in a conservative red state like TX?? :unsure::oops::D

In any state over run by way over powered bass boats like TX, not a bad idea. The most scared I've ever been was in a 20' Ranger w/200 HP engine being "skippered" by a person with only lake experience. Doing like 40 mph heading directly into a dense fog bank on a large lake with his eyes glued to his GPS. I screamed "You slow this boat down NOW!!!!"
 
In any state over run by way over powered bass boats like TX, not a bad idea. The most scared I've ever been was in a 20' Ranger w/200 HP engine being "skippered" by a person with only lake experience. Doing like 40 mph heading directly into a dense fog bank on a large lake with his eyes glued to his GPS. I screamed "You slow this boat down NOW!!!!"

Was that just before he threw your Ass overboard or was that another indecent. :giggle:
 
"Indecent"? No, I was fully clothed, although had he not throttled back immediately there sure would have been a undergarment soiling incident...
LMAO !!, you may not know this but i don't use spell check. Or maybe im dislexis :giggle:

Oh and i'm not goinna edit ti.
 
Oh i forgot to add my rig. Make a knot every fathom in a 9 thread pot warp about 10 fathoms long. (That would be 6 knots) :)Throw it over the Stbd. side and tie a bowline over the throttle lever. just remember if you have to take a leak while underway to do so on the Stbd. side. :giggle:
 
About a month ago a guy in my marina pulled into his slip, jumped onto the dock and never took the boat of gear. The boat went straight across and nailed the 2 boats next to me. It would have saved his ass!
 
About a month ago a guy in my marina pulled into his slip, jumped onto the dock and never took the boat of gear. The boat went straight across and nailed the 2 boats next to me. It would have saved his ass!


Well George even with all the electronic stuff, ya can't fix Stupid. :)

Don't ask me how i know that. ;)
 
Oh i forgot to add my rig. Make a knot every fathom in a 9 thread pot warp about 10 fathoms long. (That would be 6 knots) :)Throw it over the Stbd. side and tie a bowline over the throttle lever. just remember if you have to take a leak while underway to do so on the Stbd. side. :giggle:

I still like my Autotether, let's me choose which side to use. OTOH, it can be embarrassing at times, like when you get off the boat at the gas dock to pay up, forgetting to turn the thing off and suddenly there's a loud alarm going off on your boat.
 

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