I've been looking at the AutoTether 'wireless safety lanyard' ( http://www.autotether.com/at/ ) for some time now, and decided recently to take the plunge.
I called Jim Maier at BOE Marine and ordered the basic AutoTether package with an extra 'passenger' fob so that both of my grandkids could wear one.
The unit arrived already loaded with AAA batteries, so installation was simply a matter of deciding where I wanted to mount it.
I initially thought that the rear station would be a good spot, but eventually decided to place the unit at the helm where it was more protected.
The device is sealed, according to the manufacturer, so installation on open boats isn't a problem.
In my case, I was concerned more about theft. :evil:
The device comes with everything needed, including an alcohol swab to clean and prep the fiberglass for the velcro fasteners.
They even include an extra set of velcro attachment strips in case you decide to move the base unit, or decide to put another set of mounts on that rear station. :wink:
The 'operators' fob is yellow, and the 'passengers' fobs are white, though there are instructions in the owners manual on how to open the white fobs and convert them to 'operator' status by moving a couple of dip switches.
Good to know just in case...
After the 'installation', I decided to test the 'operators' fob...
I started the motor, and took a walk down the dock...
I probably got about 150' away before I heard the motor stop and the alarm sound. Sweet!
Next I tested the 'passengers' fob.
The passengers fob only sounds an alarm. It doesn't kill the motor, so if a passenger goes over, you can do a Williamson Turn and go retrieve them.
The owners manual says that if the fob goes 12 to 18" underwater, the head unit will activate for either fob (though I did not test that aspect).
When you are ready to leave the dock, you turn on the head unit and as many fobs as you need, and they register as green LED's on the head unit (up to 4 fobs).
When you come back to the dock, simply turn the head unit off, and 3 minutes later, the fobs automatically turn off.
Very slick.
I believe I can recommend this one! 8)
I called Jim Maier at BOE Marine and ordered the basic AutoTether package with an extra 'passenger' fob so that both of my grandkids could wear one.
The unit arrived already loaded with AAA batteries, so installation was simply a matter of deciding where I wanted to mount it.
I initially thought that the rear station would be a good spot, but eventually decided to place the unit at the helm where it was more protected.
The device is sealed, according to the manufacturer, so installation on open boats isn't a problem.
In my case, I was concerned more about theft. :evil:
The device comes with everything needed, including an alcohol swab to clean and prep the fiberglass for the velcro fasteners.
They even include an extra set of velcro attachment strips in case you decide to move the base unit, or decide to put another set of mounts on that rear station. :wink:
The 'operators' fob is yellow, and the 'passengers' fobs are white, though there are instructions in the owners manual on how to open the white fobs and convert them to 'operator' status by moving a couple of dip switches.
Good to know just in case...
After the 'installation', I decided to test the 'operators' fob...
I started the motor, and took a walk down the dock...
I probably got about 150' away before I heard the motor stop and the alarm sound. Sweet!
Next I tested the 'passengers' fob.
The passengers fob only sounds an alarm. It doesn't kill the motor, so if a passenger goes over, you can do a Williamson Turn and go retrieve them.
The owners manual says that if the fob goes 12 to 18" underwater, the head unit will activate for either fob (though I did not test that aspect).
When you are ready to leave the dock, you turn on the head unit and as many fobs as you need, and they register as green LED's on the head unit (up to 4 fobs).
When you come back to the dock, simply turn the head unit off, and 3 minutes later, the fobs automatically turn off.
Very slick.
I believe I can recommend this one! 8)
