Garmin OnBoard: A Wireless Man-Overboard and Engine-Kill System
Garmin's new OnBoard system swaps the kill cord for a wireless tag that can cut the engine in an instant.
Garmin OnBoard is a new wireless safety system that replaces the traditional tethered kill cord. Worn as a wristband, carabiner, or floating key ring, its tags track up to eight people, pets, or objects and cut the engine instantly if the wearer goes overboard. It’s available now for $499.99, with additional tags at $149.99 each.
“Wearing an MOB tag that can activate an engine kill switch on a boat can potentially save lives,” says Susan Lyman, vice president of consumer sales and marketing. “We designed Garmin OnBoard with safety and convenience in mind using wireless, non-intrusive tags.”
The system arrives as engine cut-off switches have gone from a recommendation to a legal requirement. Since April 1, 2021, U.S. Coast Guard rules have required operators of covered recreational vessels — motorized boats under 26 feet with engines over 3 horsepower — to use an engine cut-off switch link whenever the boat is on plane or running above displacement speed. The concern is propeller contact: a typical three-blade prop spinning at 3,200 rpm delivers roughly 160 impacts per second, which is why an instant shutoff matters so much once someone is in the water.
Traditional lanyard-style kill cords satisfy that rule, but only for whoever is clipped to the helm, and only if they remember to clip in. Garmin OnBoard extends the same protection to up to eight people, pets, or objects at once, with no cord to forget or get tangled underway. When an MOB event occurs, the chartplotter automatically marks a waypoint and sounds an audible alarm in addition to cutting the engine, giving the crew a fixed position to circle back to. Captains can also trigger a manual cutoff directly from the tag without needing to reach the helm.
The system pairs with compatible Garmin ECHOMAP and GPSMAP chartplotters, supports temporary tag disablement for swimming, and complies with U.S. engine-cutoff regulations. Garmin OnBoard is available now at www.garmin.com.
Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
