Last year I stumbled across the MOB+ Wireless Cut-Off Switch from FELL Marine. The first thing that hit me was the design – a safety product which actually also looked cool! It didn`t take me long to decide this was something I had to try.
Not only is it a nice product, it is highly necessary. Because I’ll be the first to admit that the old corded solution is often if not always left hanging. Especially for those of us who fish, we`re not only piloting the boat, but we also need to move about while the engine is running, e.g. when trolling. My boating season is long (and sometimes cold!), from the beginning of February while there`s still ice on the waters and till the beginning of December. Needless to say I have many hours in very low temperatures, down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit – and if I were to fall out of the boat the outcome would surely be fatal if the boat doesn`t stop immediately to let me get back on board.
The choice was therefore a simple one, I had to buy this product. The installation was incredibly quick and simple with detailed explanations in the instruction manual in the package. In short, you need to connect to power and the 2 existing wires to your old kill switch. Depending on engine brand you will connect the orange or blue wire together with the gray one from the MOB+ xHUB. I`ve been using the MOB+ for a year now and though I would write about my experiences with the product. In short, the engine cut-off switch has finally become wireless. This is truly a new standard for safety in boats. It acts exactly as an invisible cord. If the units are not connected, you cannot start the engine so you can be sure that you are secured when the engine starts. So without even thinking about it I am always connected and secure while boating, and that is one of the main achievements of this product. As they say in the ad: “Don`t think – just reel in!”. It gives you freedom at your terms, in your boat. During the cold seasons I use a survival suit and since this has a very snug fit around the wrists, so having the wristband on my wrist was not an option. However, this doesn`t matter as the xFOB can be attached to your life vest, put in your pocket or hand around your neck with the xTAG. The point is, as long as the xFOB is secured to your body in any way – it will protect you.
The MOB+ has always felt robust and not to mention reliable. Even during the coldest season it worked the whole time.I got a lot of electronics in my boat which easily could disturb adjacent equipment. But even with WiFi, remotely controlled trolling motor, compass and several GPS antennas there has not been a single problem either way. The battery in the xFOB kept through the whole season and has still more to go. And as I do with all battery powered equipment in my boat (e.g. remote controls), I replace them every year anyway.
I am convinced, this is an ingenious product. And the day I am sending my kids out in a boat alone, they will be surely equipped with the MOB+ from FELL Marine.
And finally, remember that even though it is mandatory or not, this should feel as natural as wearing the set belt is in the car – and it could be the difference between life and death.
– Martin G. Karlsen, Pike fisher