Some people find it inconvenient to attach their kill switch. As someone who has gone overboard and also rescued a solo operator who went overboard I think this is a good time to mention that when a boat with an outboard loses their helmsman their tendency is to spin in ever tightening circles . Just saw this video from Miami: https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2021/04/14/boat-spins-in-miami-coast-guard-newsource-orig-vpx.cnn
They are now mandatory for vessels less than 26' in the USA. https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Arti...-off-switch-law-will-improve-maritime-safety/
I had a RIB with tiller steering with one of those long extention arms to keep the bow down. I just clipped 2 curly kill cords together, worked perfectly.
Now all they have to do is get Mr. 'It'll never happen to me' to use it. They've been hanging from motors and dashboards for decades yet here it is still happening. They very easily clip to PFDs, and we all know PFDs save lives but how often do we see them not worn. The guy I plucked fell out of an 18' Pembo (heavy wooden boat) with a 75hp. Moments after I got him the boat was spinning on a dime right where he was.
We have jet ribs and a center console with outboards and have always made them being connected mandatory for anyone running them, including ourselves. So simple, and such a life saver and protector. I've talked to game wardens who were heavily involved in search and rescue and they said while finding drowning victims who would have lived had they worn life jackets was painful, nothing prepared them for finding both survivors and those who died from getting cut up by propellers. Clearly the jet rib doesn't have propellers, but it can still do a lot of damage.
Wireless - for bigger boats so you can walk around, tie up, tend windlass etc etc https://www.fellmarine.com/
The wireless is a pretty good idea. How abut the same technology that cars have. My car has lane departure warning and correction. I hate the technology but that's a debate for another time. When it is activated however, the car will detect when you take your hands off the steering wheel for more than 5 seconds or so. I wonder if this same technology could be used for small boats. Haven't really thought it through.