New Garmin OnBoard System redefines boating safety tech

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) announced Garmin OnBoard, a wireless Man Overboard (MOB) and engine cutoff system available Oct 2025. The system supports up to 8 MOB tags (wrist, carabiner, key ring float) that pair with compatible ECHOMAP and GPSMAP chartplotters to record automatic MOB waypoints and sound audible alarms.

The captain tag can auto-trigger engine cutoff and can also disable the engine manually; additional tags cost $149.99. Garmin states tag battery life can exceed a single season. The base system retails for $499.99. The device currently lacks FCC authorization and may not be sold until authorized.

Positive

• Supports up to 8 MOB tags for multi-person coverage
• Automatic MOB waypoint saving on compatible chartplotters
• Captain tag can auto-trigger engine cutoff
• Base system priced at $499.99 with tags at $149.99

Negative

• Not authorized by FCC yet; cannot be offered for sale until authorization
• Installation recommended by a qualified marine installer (added cost/risk)

Insights

Marine Safety Product Strategist

Garmin launched a wireless Man Overboard and engine-cutoff system with chartplotter integration; regulatory authorization remains unresolved.

The product pairs up to eight wireless MOB tags with compatible Garmin ECHOMAP™ and GPSMAP® chartplotters to auto-save a waypoint, sound alarms, and trigger engine cutoff when a designated captain tag detects an MOB event. The system targets routine boating safety gaps by replacing tethered kill cords with wearable tags and offers a retail kit price of $499.99 and additional tags at $149.99.

Key dependencies and risks include confirmation of Federal Communications Commission authorization before sale, the need for a compatible chartplotter and an existing engine cutoff switch, and user acceptance of wireless reliability versus tethered cords. Watch for FCC authorization and initial dealer installation feedback over the next several weeks to months and early user reports on false positives, battery longevity per season, and integration behavior when multiple tags are present.

Wireless Man Overboard detection and engine cutoff system integrates with Garmin chartplotters to give boaters added peace of mind

OLATHE, Kan., Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN), the world's largest¹ and most innovative marine electronics manufacturer, today announced Garmin OnBoard^™, a versatile Man Overboard (MOB) and engine cutoff solution for boaters that uses wireless technology instead of traditional tethered cords.

Tags can be worn on a wrist band, carabiner or key ring float, and designated as either captain or passenger. If an MOB is detected, the system will save a waypoint on the chartplotter, and audible alarms will sound. Should the captain fall overboard, the system will also automatically trigger engine cutoff. Captains can also disable the engine via a button-press on the tag if needed. With up to 8 MOB tags, mariners can tag what matters most – adults, children, pets and objects – all at the same time.

"Wearing an MOB tag that can activate an engine kill switch on a boat can potentially save lives. As part of our commitment to making boating safer and more enjoyable for everyone, 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." 
–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

Peace of mind on the water

• Setup, pair and manage MOB tags from compatible Garmin ECHOMAP^™ and GPSMAP^® chartplotters.
• Wireless MOB tags allow users to move freely around the boat without the need for a physical tether.
• Chartplotter integration provides automatic MOB waypoint recording at the time of MOB detection, along with audible alarms from the chartplotter.
• Easily disable tags temporarily to allow for hassle-free swimming and excursions.
• MOB tag battery life can exceed a single season of typical operation.
• Garmin OnBoard is compatible with any boat that has an engine cutoff switch and a compatible Garmin chartplotter.
• Complies with U.S. federal laws requiring the installation and use of an Engine Cutoff Link.

The Garmin OnBoard System will be available this month for a suggested retail price of $499.99. Additional MOB tags are available for $149.99. Installation of the Garmin OnBoard System by a qualified marine installer is recommended. To learn more, visit garmin.com/marine.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for anglers, sailors, mariners and boat enthusiasts everywhere. Recipient of five National Safe Boating Awards from the Sea Tow Foundation, Garmin is committed to creating products that can support safe and responsible boating practices. For the 11^th consecutive year, Garmin was named the Manufacturer of the Year by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA). For more information, visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminmarine on social, or follow the Garmin blog.

¹Based on 2024 sales.

This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and GPSMAP are registered trademarks and OnBoard, ECHOMAP and GOS are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. 

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements: 
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983), and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 26, 2025, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 001-41118). Copies of such Form 10-K and Form 10-Q are available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/investors/sec/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Carly Hysell
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com 

 

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.

FAQ

When will Garmin OnBoard (GRMN) be available and what is the price?

Garmin OnBoard is available in October 2025 with a suggested retail price of $499.99 for the base system.

How many MOB tags does Garmin OnBoard (GRMN) support and how much do extra tags cost?

The system supports up to 8 MOB tags; additional tags are priced at $149.99 each.

Will Garmin OnBoard (GRMN) stop my boat if the captain falls overboard?

Yes. Garmin OnBoard can automatically trigger the engine cutoff when a captain MOB event is detected and can also disable the engine manually from the tag.

Which Garmin chartplotters work with Garmin OnBoard (GRMN)?

Garmin OnBoard pairs with compatible ECHOMAP and GPSMAP chartplotters for MOB waypoint recording and audible alarms.

Are there any regulatory or sales limitations for Garmin OnBoard (GRMN)?

The device currently has not been authorized by the FCC and may not be offered for sale or lease until authorization is obtained.

How long do Garmin OnBoard MOB tag batteries last?

Garmin states MOB tag battery life can exceed a single season of typical operation.