When you are sailing, you naturally want you and any passengers to be safe. A dead man’s cord guarantees this safety. In fact, it is even mandatory to have on fast boats. You can read more about how the dead man’s cord works on this page.
What is a dead man’s cord?
A dead man’s cord is a plastic cable with a clip at the end. The cable is often spiral-shaped and red, so that it stands out. You can attach one end to your wrist or clothing, the other end is attached to the dead man’s switch. You can install a dead man’s cord on both an inboard and outboard motor.
How does it work?
A dead man’s cord has a very important function: to stop the engine if the driver of the boat falls overboard. This is because the cord is pulled loose from the dead man’s switch. The electronic circuit is interrupted by this pulling force and the engine automatically shuts down as a result. This is not only safer, but it also prevents accidents. So you can imagine that it is very wise to wear the dead man’s rope at all times on the water.
How do you use a dead man’s cord?
You must attach the dead man’s cord to your wrist. There is also a possibility on your pants. The cord must then be attached to the dead man’s switch on the engine. If you go overboard, the engine immediately stops. The cord floats and you can always find it again due to the striking red color. Don’t worry about your freedom of movement when you wear the cord around your wrist: the cord’s spiral shape provides enough slack.
Who is it intended for?
The dead man’s cord is worn by the person steering the boat. As soon as the driver of the boat falls overboard, the engine is immediately switched off. Please note: you do need a cord to restart the engine. It is therefore advisable to take a second cord with you on the boat. Any passengers on the boat can get the engine running again when you are in the water.
Dead man’s cord for your outboard motor
Are you looking for a dead man’s cord for your Yamaha motorcycle? Or perhaps you would prefer a dead man’s cord for your Mercury engine? You can purchase a cable for your specific outboard motor brand. You can also choose to buy a universal variant. This fits almost all outboard motors due to the large number of adapters that are supplied. This means that the cord can always be connected to the dead man’s switch of your specific outboard motor.
More information? Please contact us
Would you like more information about the dead man’s cord or do you need one? Please contact us. We know everything about outboard motors and their operation. We are happy to help you.
