Emergency Stop (E-Stop) Switch - Mercury MerCruiser Owner's Manual

The lanyard is a cord usually between 122 and 152 cm (4 and 5 ft) in length when stretched
out, with an element on one end made to be inserted into the switch and a snap on the
other end for attaching to the operator. 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.
Activation of the lanyard stop switch will stop the engine immediately, but the 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 (e.g.
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.
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 propulsion or steering components.
• Loss of power and directional control in heavy seas, strong current or high winds.
• Loss of control when docking.
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.
Emergency Stop (E‑Stop) Switch
The emergency stop (E‑stop) switch turns off the engines in an emergency situation, such
as a person overboard or tangled propeller. When activated, the E‑stop switch interrupts
the power supply to the main power relay, including power to the gauges, steering, and
accessories.
Activation of the E‑stop switch stops the engines immediately, but the boat continues to
coast for some distance depending upon the velocity and degree of any turn at shutdown.
However, the boat does 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 recommend instructing other occupants on proper starting and operating procedures
should they need to operate the engine in an emergency.
Accidental or unintended activation of the switch during normal operation is also possible,
which can cause any or all of the following potentially hazardous situations:
90-899883295 JUNE 2008
Section 2 - Getting to Know Your Power Package
WARNING
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WARNING
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