Driving a speed boat, power boat or motor boat can be a bumpy affair, particularly at speed and/or in choppy water. It is possible for the helmsman (boat driver) to be thrown from their seat or even overboard!

This isn’t a regular occurence – at least it hasn’t happened to me (yet!)

But because of this risk, a speed boat engine will come equipped with a kill cord. One end of the kill cord is attached to the ignition. The other end has a clip to attach to the helmsman’s clothing.

Kill Cord

If the helmsman is thrown from their seat or overboard, the kill cord attached to their clothing will become detached from the ignition and will automatically turn the engine off, bringing the boat to a halt instead of driving on out of control.

NEVER drive your speed boat without the kill cord attached to your clothing. If the kill cord is not attached to the ignition it will not be possible to start the engine.