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Author Topic:   Installing Safety Lanyard Switch

adaco posted 04-26-2007 03:50 PM ET (US)
I am running a 60-HP Yamaha with a standard Yamaha ignition switch on the console. If I want to have a kill switch, do I replace the existing switch? Or do I install one of the small pull switches with lanyard, used on smaller outboards, into the ignition circuit? I am having difficulty locating a Yamaha ignition switch that incorporates a kill feature in it, even through my Yamaha dealer.
Any and all suggestions welcomed.
Barrie
jimh posted 04-27-2007 11:06 AM ET (US)
I am in favor of using original equipment components for systems like a safety lanyard switch. Generally an original equipment device will provide the proper connectors and wiring harnesses to make assembly simple. Using original equipment devices will also tend to preserve the value of your motor. A buyer may not be as confident in a home-made safety lanyard switch installed by a previous owner.
Wiring your own safety lanyard switch is not particularly difficult, however there is often more integration of the switch into the ignition circuit than you might expect. For example, see the wiring associated with the ignition switch and the safety lanyard switch on an older OMC motor:
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/ignitionSwitch.html
adaco posted 04-27-2007 11:21 AM ET (US)
Jim:
Thank you for pointing me to the Reference section. I have to remember to look there first in the future.
If Yamaha makes a switch with an integral kill feature I am determined to find it. Based on the Reference information I wouldn't think of playing with that circuitry on my own and, at the same time, I have gained more worthwhile information.
Thanks for a great site.
Barrie
andygere posted 04-27-2007 04:09 PM ET (US)
The kill switch wiring is probably already in place on your Yamaha wiring harness. I added a kill switch to my Mercury kicker motor easily. I don't think it's nessecary to replace your entire ignition switch just to get one with an integral kill switch. You may not like the prices you are quoted by the dealer for a keyswitch assembly, which are likely to be more than $100.
Find the correct wire based on the following table, and test it out before you buy. Any switch such as an old light switch will work for test purposes. It's easy to test it out while running on the hose to be sure it works. http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/wireColorCode.html
A generic lanyard and switch can be purchased for about $20 at any decent marine chandelry. http://www.boatersworld.com/product/198420408.htm
adaco posted 04-27-2007 04:48 PM ET (US)
Thanks, Andy, I'm on to it.
Barrie

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Author	Topic: Installing Safety Lanyard Switch
adaco	posted 04-26-2007 03:50 PM ET (US) I am running a 60-HP Yamaha with a standard Yamaha ignition switch on the console. If I want to have a kill switch, do I replace the existing switch? Or do I install one of the small pull switches with lanyard, used on smaller outboards, into the ignition circuit? I am having difficulty locating a Yamaha ignition switch that incorporates a kill feature in it, even through my Yamaha dealer. Any and all suggestions welcomed. Barrie
jimh	posted 04-27-2007 11:06 AM ET (US) I am in favor of using original equipment components for systems like a safety lanyard switch. Generally an original equipment device will provide the proper connectors and wiring harnesses to make assembly simple. Using original equipment devices will also tend to preserve the value of your motor. A buyer may not be as confident in a home-made safety lanyard switch installed by a previous owner. Wiring your own safety lanyard switch is not particularly difficult, however there is often more integration of the switch into the ignition circuit than you might expect. For example, see the wiring associated with the ignition switch and the safety lanyard switch on an older OMC motor: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/ignitionSwitch.html
adaco	posted 04-27-2007 11:21 AM ET (US) Jim: Thank you for pointing me to the Reference section. I have to remember to look there first in the future. If Yamaha makes a switch with an integral kill feature I am determined to find it. Based on the Reference information I wouldn't think of playing with that circuitry on my own and, at the same time, I have gained more worthwhile information. Thanks for a great site. Barrie
andygere	posted 04-27-2007 04:09 PM ET (US) The kill switch wiring is probably already in place on your Yamaha wiring harness. I added a kill switch to my Mercury kicker motor easily. I don't think it's nessecary to replace your entire ignition switch just to get one with an integral kill switch. You may not like the prices you are quoted by the dealer for a keyswitch assembly, which are likely to be more than $100. Find the correct wire based on the following table, and test it out before you buy. Any switch such as an old light switch will work for test purposes. It's easy to test it out while running on the hose to be sure it works. http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/wireColorCode.html A generic lanyard and switch can be purchased for about $20 at any decent marine chandelry. http://www.boatersworld.com/product/198420408.htm
adaco	posted 04-27-2007 04:48 PM ET (US) Thanks, Andy, I'm on to it. Barrie