We’ve installed a couple of Garmin’s new OnBoard™ Man Overboard systems over the past few weeks, and it’s a pretty impressive upgrade from traditional kill-switch lanyards.
Most boaters are familiar with the standard kill-switch cord that clips to the operator.
They work, but they also keep you physically tethered near the helm. If you move too far away, the engines shut down.
Garmin’s new system takes a different approach.
Instead of a physical lanyard, the system uses a small wireless wearable tag. Honestly, it looks a lot like an Apple Watch or fitness tracker. If someone wearing a tag goes overboard, the system can automatically trigger an alarm, mark the MOB location on compatible Garmin displays, and shut down the engines for the operator’s tag.
What we like most is that it allows the operator to move naturally around the boat without constantly dealing with a cord attached to the helm. Multiple wearable tags can also be added, allowing family members, guests, or crew onboard to each have their own paired device.
For a lot of center console and offshore boats, that’s a much more practical setup.
The system integrates directly with compatible Garmin electronics and can monitor multiple wearable tags onboard at the same time.
As more customers continue updating electronics and safety systems, this has become a really solid option for anyone already running Garmin equipment.
If you’re interested in adding one to your boat or want to know if your current Garmin setup is compatible, feel free to reach out.
More information from Garmin can be found here: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1229049/