Virtual Lifeline II Guardian

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Solo anglers should consider investing in the Virtual Lifeline II Guardian, although its applications will interest young families as well. Think "electronic wrist lanyard." Essentially an engine kill switch, it comes with a sending unit that, upon becoming completely submerged, transmits a signal to the receiving unit. Simply put, once interfaced with the ignition system, Virtual Lifeline II Guardian kills your engine when the wearer falls overboard (there is a simple override to restart it). The Guardian comes with four sending units (reusable as long as the batteries are live, for an estimated at three years), each about an inch square with a plastic snap hook, the receivers, control unit and all wiring, including a sensor for the boarding ladder that also kills the engine when the ladder is down. The company has aimed Guardian at the OEM market until now but made it available as an aftermarket kit this month. Expect a price of around $900 for the complete system. MariTech Industries, 888-755-7767; www.powerboatsafety.com.