Engine shut-off systems, Autotether most attractive?

Who’s going to argue with that admonition? I first noted MariTech’s use of the female form to sell its Virtual Lifeline wireless engine shut-off back in ‘05. While they may have switched body parts, these days the system itself seems pretty similar, a good sign of effectiveness really. But it looks like they’ve got a serious new competitor in Autotether, which at least seems to offer more features for less cost.

It’s particularly attractive if your boat already has a lanyard-style kill switch, as there would be no installation beyond fastening the box somewhere in sight. But according to the Autotether video that kill switch actuator seen below can also be adapted to toggle switches, buttons, and more.
   Note too the two “FOB” colors; the driver wears the yellow one, which does shut down the engine, while up to three white FOBs are for passengers and only set off an alarm. Note too the red button, which is an alternate way to set off the alarm, and that the whole kit can be used elsewhere, like making sure the kids don’t wander too far at the beach. Autotether, by the way, is an “alarm on failure” type system, like Raymarine’s LifeTag, while Virtual Lifeline’s senders are water activated. The real question, of course, is how do the systems compare in actual use. I can’t say, but may test one or both eventually, and also know that NavaGear’s Tim Flanagan is very much on the case. Which is what reminded me of Autotether in the first place. Thanks Tim!