Don't ask me how but in the process of untangling my kill switch lanyard Saturday I managed to drop it overboard. After quickly running through every curse word I know, I started digging around looking for a fix to get me back to the ramp. Turns out that my braid scissors, held tightly on the terminal, would close the circuit and allow the engine to start. Was a slow, frustrating trip back to the ramp because every time I hit a wave the scissors would slip and engine would die. And trailering in a crosswind with just my left hand for steering and throttle was an adventure.

Never occurred to me to have a backup lanyard on the boat but for what it's worth they're $7 on Amazon.

Yep. I carry a backup lanyard and a backup key in a tool bag behind the seats.

I found a backup lanyard several years ago at Academy that had an array of fittings attached for all of the different brands of outboards. It's been in the three boats I've owned since then; thankfully, it's never been used. I figure that since I leave the lanyard attached to my PFD (in my boat everybody wears a PFD at anything over headway speed), there's a better chance that I'll need to lend it to someone else (hence, the different manufacturers' fittings) than needing it myself. I'd rather jump someone's dead battery, or lend someone my spare lanyard, than take the time off to tow them in. If they don't return the lanyard I'm only out a few bucks, and I didn't have to interrupt my (and my guest's) trip.

That's a good tip! I once had a kill switch start to split between the prongs, which allowed them to spread out just enough to kill the engine. Liked to never figure that one out! LOL

I have one of those too. I bought it on Amazon as a spare for me and in case someone ever goes overboard or has an issue and has a different motor than mine so I can get theirs started. It has a bunch of different types on it and was about 10 bucks.

I have kept the multi outboard lanyard in my boat for several years. I always show the person fishing with me where it is located in case I get thrown from the boat. I figured I would buy the multi type in case I pull up on someone else who has been throw out. At least I can crank his or her boat to assist recovery if they are un able to get to it. Never needed it once.. but it’s always there if I do. I keep a spare key for my boat in it also. Never know! Lol

Good tip. Just bought the $6.27 version on amazon