Say goodbye to that engine-cutoff switch (kill switch) that comes with a lanyard. Garmin released its Garmin OnBoard, a new wireless safety system designed to automatically cut a boat’s engine and mark a GPS location if the captain or a passenger falls into the water.
The system uses wearable wireless tags instead of traditional tethered cords, aiming to increase both safety and convenience for boaters. It is designed to comply with U.S. federal laws that require the use of an engine cutoff mechanism on a vessel.
Garmin’s OnBoard operates using small tags that can be worn on a wristband or attached to a carabiner. If a person wearing a tag falls overboard, the system automatically marks a Man Overboard (MOB) waypoint on the boat’s connected Garmin chartplotter and sounds an audible alarm.
If the tag designated to the captain goes overboard, the system will also automatically shut off the boat’s engines. Additionally, the captain’s tag includes a button that can be pressed to manually disable the engine if needed.
“Wearing an MOB tag that can activate an engine kill switch on a boat can potentially save lives,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin’s vice president of consumer sales and marketing. “We designed Garmin OnBoard with safety and convenience in mind using wireless, non-intrusive tags that will bring the boat to a stop and alert those on board if an MOB event is detected.”
The system can support up to eight active tags simultaneously, allowing boaters to monitor adults, children, and even pets. The tags can be managed directly from a compatible Garmin ECHOMAP or GPSMAP chartplotter and can be temporarily disabled for activities like swimming. According to the company, the battery life for each tag can exceed a single season of typical use.
The Garmin OnBoard System will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $499.99. Additional MOB tags can be purchased for $149.99 each. Garmin recommends that the system be installed by a qualified marine installer.
