Overturned RIB

[bumpye]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Woodsy I don't disagree with this, however not all boats are equipped with one. I don't know when it became, (or if it is yet) a requirement for all new boats to have them installed.

I was very surprised when I bought me new to me pontoon last year, and it didn't have one.... it was a 2004..... Surprised because my previous pontoon a 1999 had one, and so did my speed boat which was a 2001.....

End of the day, yes they are a good safety item to use when available. However the bigger problem, is operators ending up in situations where it becomes necessary to begin with. That doesn't mean careless operation necessarily, I never judge a situation until I understand all the facts. Medical emergency rouge wave action etc. etc can all present situations that we never expect.....

Also called a “safety lanyard” or “engine kill switch,” it's designed to shut off a boat's engine if the operator is thrown from the helm. A new federal law that took effect April 1, 2021 requires the devices to be used on all personal watercraft (PWCs) and most powerboats less than 26 feet in length.