AIS system

[UNI80]

Does anyone have an AIS unit on their boat?

I've looked in to the ICOM MA-500TR, but I can't find it in the states.

I've seen some good articles on the Vesper Watchmate850. Does anyone know anything about it?

I want to add an AIS system to my Bertram and any help or information would be appreciated.

[swampfox]

Check this site for starters: http://www.marinetraffic.com

[UNI80]

That's cool; but I don't have internet on my boat.

I talked to West Marine and they don't know when the ICOM will be available the delivery date keeps getting pushed back.

DOes anyone have any ideas on a stand alone unit?

[UNI80]

Does anyone have AIS on their boat?

[UNI80]

Does anyone know if big ships turn off/filter out Class B AIS signals? Any thoughts on Class A versus Class B?

[UNI80]

Alright, I did a lot or research and chose a Vesper AISWatchmate 850. I was sold on Class B and its target filtering and crossing prediction – it looks like the best of both the integrated systems and stand alone units. I just picked my unit up yesterday and hope to have it installed by this weekend.

I’ll look great next to my Simrad NSE!

Any other folks have one?

[UNI80]

Alright, finished the installation this weekend and have been able to get out on the water with it. I haven't had a chance to use it play with all the features - but so far it is pretty cool. There is a lot of commercial boat traffic that comes in and out of here and being able to see only the boats I need to worry about is great.

I'll really put it through its paces over the next few weeks.

[davepjr71]

How's the unit working? I've been thinking about upgrading to a unit with AIS but not sure if it's worth the extra cost. I know that it will pick up the commercial vessels. Have you picked up anyone else beside commercial?

[CaptWil]

I put in a Standard Horizon VHF radio w/AIS [Standard Horizon Matrix AIS GX2100W w/Built-In AIS 30WPA/Loudhailer] for about $245. While the display maybe small it's larger than most fixed VHF radios and has an alarm feature. Purchased mine from Ultimatepassage.com
Regards,
Will