Current AIS best buys?

[Copinsay]

Hello All

Seeing as prices change and new models come out, I'd welcome suggestions on current best buys for a Class B AIS transponder for a Rib, to run with a Garmin 451S chartplotter

I've see a couple in the US which seem a good price, such as:
AMEC CAMINO-101 Class B AIS transponder around £285 plus postage

EM TRAK MARINE ELECTRONICS B100 AIS Class B Transceiver at West Marine £385 inc delivery

Any experiences with these units?

However, I'd prefer to buy from a UK supplier for warranty reasons / less hassle, so if there was something around the £400ish mark, I'd go with that. How have UK people gone with US AIS suppliers?

So suggestions welcome please from users or suppliers with recommendations and prices.

Many thanks for you help - I hope this thread helps others too.

Best wishes

Steve

[Copinsay]

(Ooops - double post)

[ncp]

See if you can find one of these:

ACR Electronics 2675 Nauticast AIS Dual Channel Receiver
http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CHMQ8wIwAA

You need to be be able to set your baud rate high and if your VHF is connected to your gps, you may need a multiplexer.

[Copinsay]

Hi

Many thanks for this - looks a good price, but I'm after a transponder rather than just a receiver. Any suggestions you have on the latter welcomed too.

Best wishes

Steve

[BruceB]

I have the digital yacht receiver fitted and it is easy to integrate with a plotter.
I dod look at transponders but thought there was no real benefit when related to the cost and the multiplexer/second aerial and complexity.
The little DY AIS receiver is plug and play!

[Boats&Outboards]

Morning

Sorry for delay. These are the ones we can supply. Not able to offer advice on which to go for but the forum will give you a review or opinion I'm sure!

Comar CSB 200 B Class Transponder (excluding gps antenna) Priced £465 delivered

Comar CSB 200 B Class Transponder (including. AG100 GPS antenna, pole, mount + 10m cable) Priced £525 delivered

Garmin AIS 600 B Class Transponder £649 delivered

iCom IC-MA-500TR B Class Transponder £649 delivered

Simrad A150 B Class Transponder (with GPS Antenna included) £899 Delivered

Simrad NAIS 300L B Class Transponder (with NMEA 2000 interface + GPS Antenna included) £650 Delivered

Simrad NAIS-300N B Class (with Simmet interface + GPS antenna included) £ £625 Delivered

That's about all we can supply. Google for specs, I don't think you will find cheaper in the UK but if you do let me know where and I'll see what I can do.

Regards Peter

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[HUMBER P4VWL]

If you have an iPhone/pad there is an AIS app for £6.99 that works up to 12 mile offshore.

Search boat beacon

Has alarms for boats on track to crash etc and communication via message to others

Good for a rib if the fog came in.

[hadd]

I've got it I'll see if it works when we go across to Ireland in the fog

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Won't work half way across when the big cat ploughs through you!

Just stay close to someone who has the real kit!!!

[Copinsay]

Hello All

Thanks for all your comments and prices...

While I can see the simplicity of the receive only option, I do feel that the transmitter is worthwhile and worth the extra. Up here we have such a mix of both busy areas with tankers and some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, to very remote areas. For both reasons being seen by other ships, the coastguard, VTS - and the folks at home - is valuable to me, especially if out on my own.

Some very good prices there too Peter - I hope the posting bring you more business than just mine :o)

Best wishes to you all

Steve