A primary requirement in owning a powerboat is to operate it safely to protect yourself and those around you. Using an emergency engine cut-off lanyard is important because it will stop your boat if you fall overboard. It is also required by USCG law when operating open vessels under 26 feet in length. Unfortunately, most boaters "forget" to use one due to the inconvenience of being tethered and the false sense of "it won't happen to me." It only takes one second for the unthinkable to occur, so it's better to be prepared.

 

     Because of the rise in boat and outboard theft, many boat insurance companies are requiring boat owners to install theft deterrence and/or tracking devices. Many insurance companies are also providing discounts as an incentive to have these devices installed.

 

     The 1stMate system is the industry's first engine-integrated intelligent hub, which connects a set of wearable fobs with a mobile-device app (both Apple® and Android® versions available) to provide safety alerts and information. The system includes wireless man-overboard engine stop, distress messaging, and theft-deterrent functionality. All these benefits are bundled together with no monthly fee or activation charge.

     Additional features under development include NMEA2k connectivity, allowing for MOB information to be sent to your boat's chart plotter, and parental controls to establish geo-fencing notifications on vessel location. The system can be updated over the air and additional groundbreaking features will be introduced.

 

     The system can be installed on all outboards and Mercury sterndrives; it is plug and play with most engines. Up to eight fobs can be used with the system. It can be purchased from your local boat or engine dealer or online at www.1stMate.com or www.Fellmarine.com. See the support section at 1stMate.com for videos and FAQ's on installation requirements.

 

     1stMate owners are eligible for a discount on boat insurance, please visit www.BoatersChoiceInsurance.com/1stmate.

 

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