Signal Mate Review

Sound and light boat signaling unit automates safety at sea.

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Compliance is signaling in restricted visibility. This is why we became interested in Signal Mate and its approach to automating sound and light signaling, a big plus for short-handed sailors. The companys console-mount controller and its portable emergency signaling kit offer great capability and quite a bit more.

The easy-to-operate push-button console actuates digital switching circuitry that controls light, and sound signals are pre-programmed to indicate anchoring and making way in low visibility, as well as designating emergency and distress situations. Theres also a capacity to manually control the signaling process, and to select sound, light, or both as signaling options. The unit can connect to the boat horn or other audible device or can be wired to a mast-mounted maneuvering light.

Signal Mate Console Mount

The console comes with a stainless-steel bracket, and the units weather-proofing allows it to be mounted in a variety of locations. A self-contained kit version of the Signal Mate console includes, in addition to the above-mentioned controller, an orange nylon zip case that contains a sealed, rechargeable 12-volt DC AGM battery, a 106-decibel horn, and a bright LED maneuvering light connected to 16-foot cables. This mini setup can be temporarily affixed on deck in a number of locations, or the light and horn can be attached higher in the rigging.

During our testing, we found that the small LED maneuvering light was bright and exceeded the range for navigation lights on vessels under 65 feet. Its reflector concentrates light on the horizontal plane, so a conventional strobe likely will be more visible to search-and-rescue aircraft when overhead, something to keep in mind should you plan to use it as an emergency signal.

Signal Mate Portable Kit

Retailing at $299, the console-only version (without battery pack) can be wired into existing light and sound equipment providing automated signaling. The all-in-one portable device sells for $499 and can be easily placed in the bow as an automatic sound-signaling device. When the light is used as a maneuvering signal, its wise to elevate it well above the crew, because it kills night vision.

Not everyone will rank the Signal Mate as essential, but it does provide valuable functions that are required. By automating the process, a short-handed crew can continue to cope with other watchkeeping duties and vessel handling tasks. If you just want an automatic foghorn, some of the high-end VHF radios offer more basic signaling for about the same price.

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Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Supported entirely by subscribers, Practical Sailor accepts no advertising. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him by email at practicalsailor@belvoir.com.