What’s an ECOS? Adding an Engine Cut-Off Switch to Your Boat
Published: Sunday, November 28, 2021
By: John Tiger
On April 1, 2021, Congress and the Coast Guard approved and implemented a new boating law, one that requires the use of an engine cut-off switch on any boat less than 26 feet in length and capable of producing more than 115lbs of static thrust. Since 99.9% of new boats have this switch installed by the manufacturer anyway—and have for some time—for buyers of new boats, it was nothing new.
While this writer is never a fan of more laws, in this case I make an exception. An ECOS is a smart addition to any craft. Having one and always connecting the lanyard, has been bred into me since my grade school years—whether it was Dad threatening a grounding or the American Power Boat Association race inspectors demanding to see the engine cut-off switch demonstrated before allowing me on the race course. Boating safety makes our waters better for everyone. Hopefully this new law will help prevent more runaway boats and, in the process, help boaters enjoy time on the water more safely.
But what is an ECOS (and ECOSL), what does it do, and if a boat owner with an older rig wants one, can one be retrofitted? All good questions, and since the ECOS topic is fresh, it’s a good time to explore this accessory, and how to fit one to an existing rig.
ACRONYMS
Who doesn’t love a good acronym? Back in the day, an “emergency engine stop switch” was a fancy name for an engine “kill switch.” But in these litigious times, those words are scary to corporate attorneys, so we have “ECOS” (Engine Cut Off Switch) and ECOSL (Engine Cut Off Switch Link). The ECOSL is the lanyard that connects the captain to the switch, which is typically mounted on the dashboard, the engine controls, or in the case of a smaller tiller-controlled outboard, on the engine cowl itself. So if you want one, even if by law it’s not required on your older rig, can it be installed?
EASY PEASY
The short answer is yes; an ECOS can be retrofitted to most any engine, even really old ones. First, you need one, and the good news is they’re readily available and inexpensive. Some excellent, durable examples are T-H Marine’s switch and lanyard and a universal switch and floating lanyard from Sea Dog. Both are available online and from any marine dealer for well under $50. Installation is typically easy for any modern CD (Capacitor Discharge) ignition engine, and just a little more involved for older engines with points/condenser style ignition systems.
To mount the switch, a location near the helm (ideally near the ignition key switch) is best. For tiller operated outboards, mounting the ECOS near the tiller or front face plate of the engine is best. A hole (usually 1/2" or 5/8”diameter) is drilled in the mounting surface. The switch is fitted to the hole and secured with the supplied mounting nut or mounting plate.
The wiring is a bit more involved. Most switches provide a wiring diagram that’s easy to follow, though. The two switches referenced here each have two wires protruding from the rear of the switch housing. On most, if not all, engines with modern CD ignition systems, the switch is wired in between the ground circuit (black wire) and the engine stop circuit wire (black with yellow stripe). Older (mid 1970s and prior) Mercury, Johnson, and Evinrude outboards have different ignition wiring colors; follow the instructions in the kit for your engine.
For older engines (both outboard and inboard) with points and condenser ignition systems, one wire from the ECOS must be wired to ground; the other wire connects to the points. If there are more than one set of points (for example, 1950s to 1970s twin cylinder Johnson/Evinrude outboards), both sets of points must be wired to the ECOS.
Be sure to make good connections and protect them, with liquid electrical tape or heat shrink tubing. If your switch wires must pass through metal (the engine shroud, or aluminum dashboard) be sure to protect them with a grommet. Lastly, test your installation; start the engine, and pull the ECOSL to ensure the engine stops immediately. Of course—for the ECOS to work, the ECOSL must be connected to the captain!
WIRELESS TECH
For those tired of the traditional lanyard, a wireless ECOS/ECOSL is available from Fell Marine. This unit provides the safety and peace of mind of a wired ECOS and complies with the new laws, but there’s no bothersome tether lanyard to get in the way. This is a good solution for those who like a less cluttered helm.
A version of this article appeared in the Buyer's Guide (November/December) 2022 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Engines, Law & Politics, Retrofitting
