Keep The Lanyard Stop Switch And Lanyard Cord In Good Operating Condition - Mercury TDI 4.2L Manual

Table of Contents

The lanyard cord is usually 122–152 cm (4–5 feet) in length when stretched out, with an element on one end made to be

inserted into the switch and a clip on the other end for attaching to the operator's PFD or wrist. The lanyard is coiled to make its

at‑rest condition as short as possible to minimize the likelihood of lanyard entanglement with nearby objects. Its stretched‑out

length is made to minimize the likelihood of accidental activation should the operator choose to move around in an area close

to the normal operator's position. If it is desired to have a shorter lanyard, wrap the lanyard around the operator's wrist or leg, or

tie a knot in the lanyard.

Read the following Safety Information before proceeding.

Important Safety Information: The purpose of a lanyard stop switch is to stop the engine when the operator moves far

enough away from the operator's position to activate the switch. This would occur if the operator accidentally falls overboard or

moves within the boat a sufficient distance from the operator's position. Falling overboard and accidental ejections are more

likely to occur in certain types of boats such as low sided inflatables, bass boats, high performance boats, and light, sensitive

handling fishing boats operated by a hand tiller. Falling overboard and accidental ejections are also likely to occur as a result of

poor operating practices such as sitting on the back of the seat or gunwale at planing speeds, standing at planing speeds,

sitting on elevated fishing boat decks, operating at planing speeds in shallow or obstacle infested waters, releasing your grip on

a steering wheel or tiller handle that is pulling in one direction, drinking alcohol or consuming drugs, or daring high speed boat

maneuvers.

While activation of the lanyard stop switch will stop the engine immediately, a boat will continue to coast for some distance

depending upon the velocity and degree of any turn at shut down. However, the boat will not complete a full circle. While the

boat is coasting, it can cause injury to anyone in the boat's path as seriously as the boat would when under power.

We strongly recommend that other occupants be instructed on proper starting and operating procedures should they be

required to operate the engine in an emergency (if the operator is accidentally ejected).

If the operator falls out of the boat, stop the engine immediately to reduce the possibility of serious injury or death from being

struck by the boat. Always properly connect the operator to the stop switch using a lanyard.

Avoid serious injury or death from deceleration forces resulting from accidental or unintended stop switch activation. The boat

operator should never leave the operator's station without first disconnecting the stop switch lanyard from the operator.

Accidental or unintended activation of the switch during normal operation is also a possibility. This could cause any, or all, of

the following potentially hazardous situations:

•

Occupants could be thrown forward due to unexpected loss of forward motion ‑ a particular concern for passengers in the

front of the boat who could be ejected over the bow and possibly struck by the gearcase or propeller.

•

Loss of power and directional control in heavy seas, strong current, or high winds.

•

Loss of control when docking.