Thank you so much for all the insight and reviews. Vesper units seem to be the reigning champions here! I just ordered the XB-8000 with WiFi and it should be here in a few days!
@@RiggingDoctor I'd suggest looking into the splitter a bit more, as Bob mentioned. Splitter costs more, but the signal at the top of the mast will travel further than rail mount. I bought my unit through Defender. They had a package deal with the optional alarms and a Vesper splitter bundled with the AIS unit. The bundle helped a bit on the cost. Still not cheap, but remember why you are getting AIS in the first place. Also, on the splitters, my understanding is that they are not all made equally. Look into them a bit before selecting if you go that route.
Kim Young that is a really good point. Our AIS receiver picks up ships that are beyond the horizon because it’s mounted so high up. Once again, we would see them and not the other way around.
@@RiggingDoctor I installed a Vesper Marine XB-8000 on my Endeavour 43. I purchased a bundle from Defender that included the SP-160 antenna splitter, GPS antenna, external mute switch and alarm. The install was easy. Besides sitting on the NMEA2000 bus and transmitting NEMA data via WiFi, I have AIS data being displayed on my old (very old) Raymarine C120 chart plotter, via the NMEA 0183 output. The new GPS antenna is mounted on the pushpin rail and has a clear view of the sky. I did purchase a nylon antenna rail adapter that the antenna screws into, then zip-tied the cable along the rail and down through a Scanstruct Cable Clam and routed the cable to the XB-8000.
I use a Sitex MDA-1. It has a built in GPS receiver and a NMEA 2000 port and can also output with the older serial 0183 method. I have a dedicated antenna connected to it. You seem to want a device with a screen. If your VHF radio already receives AIS it is pretty easy to take that serial signal and put it to a serial to wifi converter which can then be accessed by plotting software on a tablet. You could also do this with the Sitex unit. I find it very convient to have my tablet showing AIS targets wherever I am on the boat and not having to look at a fixed display.
I have a vesper marine XB8000, it has the built in WiFi too. So if you’re using iPad iPhone or Android, you can just download the app. I use a splitter on the VHF. Works great.
Terry Evans I just bought that very unit! I have an old antenna on the mast so I wasn’t sure if it would work well with AIS so I opted to not pay $250 for the splitter and simply €65 for a standalone AIS antenna.
Hi Guys I have a Matsutec hp-33a low cost Class B Aud $400 I think Raymarine rebadge it. Things you may want to consider. Do you want to select the AIS target boat / ship and automatically call them using DSC. Do you want integration to your to Main Multi Function Display. It is far easier to navigate overlaying the AIS and Radar on the MFD and watch your route and everything around you. I found it invaluable during the Malacca Straights crossing at one stage I had 19 ships all within 12 nautical mile. I stayed steady on course and they all went round me. Also it can be used stand alone and comes with its own VHF antenna and GPS. Another thing is it is colour and the indicators change from green all ships okay to yellow watch them to red collision course. Hope this helps cheers Dave
Vesper 8000 WiFi is outstanding. The bonus is that you end up with a complete duplicate MFD in that the Vesper has its own GPS and transmits both GPS and AIS data to an iPad or equivalent. Now it does that with The Navionics software as well. So you have AIS receive/transmit plus a duplicate MFD should your primary MFD kick the bucket.
Was totally expecting a patreon or gofundme pitch. Kinda refreshing to hear people just asking for advice... I honestly wish I knew enough to help you guys, I’ll be interested to see what you guys go with as I’ve been considering setting up AIS transmit on our boat.... One annoying thing about boats with AIS transmit is they leave the damn thing on while moored in a marine. Idk about other brands but our Garmin system has a collision warning or “dangerous target” warning that gives off a near constant beeping if you’re anywhere near or converging on a boat with an AIS transmitter... you can dismiss it if you’re near the chart plotter but if you deviate from your current course it’ll set the whole thing off again- nothing soothes the nerves docking in an unfamiliar marina like a collision alarm screaming from the helm
Dutch Globetrotter That was my understanding as well, my thought was that if you are tied up in the marina you likely don’t need your radio on and probably forgot to turn it off- nearly every marina I’ve visited in the last few years has at least a couple of AIS signals transmitting
Our Vesper Watchmate is stand alone Rex and receive. Very low power draw. But the best thing is all the possibilities of filtering out unwanted signals. With many AIS signals in crowded ports it’s important to be able to filter out targets such as those that are dead in the water.
I have a Digital Yacht AIS transponder on my boat. It is made in England and the GPS antenna is integral to the unit so easier to install. They make one with Wi-Fi that I wish I had to interface to my Android tablet. I bought this from Defender Marine in Connecticut. We have had it for three years. You need to have your MMSI number issued by the FCC. It has to be configured by the dealer / manufacturer with your static information. I don't like to share the vessel's VHF antenna, I believe a dedicated VHF antenna for the transponder is the way to go. You will love having a full AIS transponder. Wayne S/V Wind Drift
Personally I have a Garmin AIS 800, not cheap but it is what came with the boat and it works really well. A lot of people I know really like the Vesper units, a good bit less than the Garmin, has NMEA 2000 connectivity, a separate external GPS antennae and costs less than $600.
I use Digital Yacht ait2000 especially good if you have a nmea 2000 network also has 083 output. I like the fact you can switch the transponder off if you want to hide! Dedicated antenna and gps so no splitter nonsense involved...
Vesper Marine make a very good product that you will find of great use. You will be surprised the new level of awareness a transceiver brings. I would still consider using a splitter and the VHF masthead antenna. We get 20 miles range as a matter of course and can receive vessels up to 80 miles out. We can fine tune the radius as we need. Also our chart-plotter allows alarms to be switched off for stationary targets - particularly good for entering harbour. We opted to wire our VHF and AIS units separately so we can use either without the other being on. We have a silent mode switch which is necessary in some of the parts of the world we sail. We recently purchased personal AIS MOB fitted to our lifejackets (also have PLB's). Very clever units and as we sail two up, a real safety bonus. We have an Echomax radar reflector after having several brands that either didn't work or only worked when fully upright - not the case on a yacht
I will check out the Echomax reflector! I’m looking forward to upgrading our AIS. We got back to the boat last night so I haven’t been able to install it yet, but I can’t wait to get it all hooked up!
I think in Europe Class A is only allowed for commercial vessels with the proper license. Recreational vessels need to use Class B. I can't comment on the devices itself, but make sure you choose one that can broadcast the AIS information to NMEA or wired or wireless TCP/IP network so that you can consume the data on another device. Even if you don't have such a device at the moment you might in the future and having your AIS data locked in the device itself would suck.
I went with the Vesper XB8000 which broadcasts on WiFi so that I can see it at the helm on my phone instead of needing to have someone at the nav station relaying the information.
I really like that unit! The built in gps antenna is right up my alley. Our other unit is inside with an internal antenna and works just fine! Is yours mounted inside without an external antenna?
@@RiggingDoctor I had a Vesper 850 inside with internal antenna no problem. I did not use a antenna splitter for the VHF. I installed a second antenna on my radar mast. It turned out very well. Also I easily wired aa 100db loud external alarm buzzer. I now have a Raymarine integrated system that is troublesome and difficult to troubleshoot. I like discrete systems much better.
I installed the unit over navigation table in saloon. It is next to chartplotter. It should be easy to wire AIS info to display on chartplotter using nema interface. Antenna is installed on spreader with bracket fabricated from 1/8"x2" aluminum. The antenna is an old Shakespeare half wave trimmed to resonate on AIS band. Herb, I really liked the information you have shared on TH-cam and your website. Last year I rerigged my Norsea27 with dynema dux from Colligo. You are a big inspiration to me.
Thanks :) My goal with the website was to make it possible for other people to do their own rigging. I feel that Dyneema is much easier to work with than steel, and it makes for a safer system on a cruising boat! I was thinking of mounting a second antenna on the stern rail simply because I don’t like climbing the mast, but I worry about it getting hit if it’s too low. Does the mast next to the antenna block some of the signal? I ask because I do not know and am curious. I like the idea of it hiding up on the spreader :)
@@RiggingDoctor I had 24 miles of range with my antenna about 12 feet above water. No indications of interference. My mast mounted antenna gets out to maybe 54 miles but, while interesting sometimes it is useless info. In the Houston Ship Channel my AIS max'ed out tracking 145 vessels so even 24 miles is overkill. In the Pamilco sounds and rivers the hills keep my range down to line of sight. I don't see why you couldn't lash an antenna to your dyneema any convenient point on a stay or shroud.
I have a Vesper 8000 Smart AIS. It is a B class unit with alarms for Closest Point of Approach. There is a B+ class, but it does not seem to be much additional value for sailboats. An A class gives you a stronger signal, but that will also require more power.
matsutec hp-33a is inexpensive and works great for me. I prefer second antenna as this is then a fallback antenna on stern rail for VHF - even on stern rail I got > 70nm 'hits' which seems incredible. The Matsutec is a fraction of the cost you are looking at. I interfece it to my Raspberry Pi / OpenCPN using Nmea 0183; set perimeter to 10nm with *external* alarm and it worked flawlessly.
Thanks for the suggestion. I was looking at those too, I really liked the price of it! We ended up going with a Vesper unit since we don’t have any computers on board to tie into the system. The Vesper is self contained and beeps for a bunch of different reasons.
@@RiggingDoctor From what I have read, the Vesper is better quality.. though just as a note for others who pass through, the hp33a is also self contained and has some quite good nav functions and thus a good fallback nav system (but not chartplotter). Seems you are set! Glad to hear you have AIS transmit now - I honestly think this is life saving kit and should be mandatory. I assume you do.. but make sure you know how to set 10nm perimeter with external buzzer - off shore that is a huge comfort when you are tired and short handed!
The latest version of the Navionics app for iPad supports AIS plotting from WiFi devices like the Vesper XB-8000 which I own. The AIS from my unit is displayed simultaneously on the Simrad chartplotter, iPad Navionics app and PC Coastal Explorer app. Therefore avoid AIS with built-in display and go for an AIS like the Vesper which broadcasts it's GPS and AIS and all other NMEA data it has access to.
Hello nice ornaments on your ears. Crossing the stretch of Gibraltar is easy at night , you can see everything, but is very spooky . That place by the Muslim mosque, is in my opinion the must scarey place I ever been. I felt something and my girlfriend Ketty tal Cual felt the same way. Go and experience it yourself, is by the light house and walk toward the tunnel. Saludos
I recomend SOTDMA AIS they are sending with 5 watt, willnot recomend any brand, because they are alle good. But you schould consider that the AIS SCHOULD USE IS OWN ANTENNE, and not A splitter, IF so use either brand where it is built in.
There’s a lot of things we don’t have that seem pretty standard on contemporary cruising yachts that we don’t have. Our list of electronics on board are: 1. VHF radio with AIS receiver 2. Refrigerator That’s it! We don’t have radar, ssb, wind instruments, MFD or nmea network. I’m sure there are more gizmos that I just plain don’t even know exist! I only know that we surprisingly don’t have equipment when we check in and the agent is shocked that we say no to everything on their list (except the VHF radio). It’s time to add something from the list 😁
Actually no. We have wind steering and no computers. I have heard of open vpn but don’t fully understand what it is or what it’s purpose is. We have navionics on our phones and then paper charts and a sextant.
Thank you for the explanations! Now I know what people are talking about :) I got the Vesper unit, so I will be adding a new electrical gadget to the boat 😁
GET A RADAR REFLECTOR IT WILL ENHANCE YOUR IMAGE GREATLY ON THE OTHER VESSEL'S PPI SCOPE IT IS THE LEAST EXPENSIVE ANSWER OWING TO THE SIZE AND TYPE OF YOUR VESSEL YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO GO WITH AIS TWO BLOCK THE REFLECTOR GUARD CHANNEL 16 AND MAINTAIN A PROPER LOOKOUT YOU WILL DO FINE IF YOU ARE IN THE PORT OF NEW YORK GIVE US A CALL----HAPPY SAILING !
Well the EU kinda frowns on not having built in GPS in the unit, so the EM-TRAK has you covered. Herby you want the class A. You are a lot less likely to get mowed down with that thing. It reports more frequently, and offers a silent mode where it receives but doesn't transmit. The silent mode is extremely useful when in pirate waters, and when you don't want to draw the attention of authorities. A friend of mine had his AIS on and every 100 miles he was stopped by the Coast Guard because they could see what he was, and he couldn't go fast, so they would not have to chase him. At least that is what one of the Coast Guard guys told him. You might also need an antenna splitter dooflinky, and assorted wiring whatchamacalitz! So find out if you have to buy that as well. There is a lot that comes with the unit, but I don't think it has the antenna splitter.
Boatbeacon is uesed as an A.I.S my ships details are re gisterd as i pointed out early V.M.R uses it to track the location of the ship after logging on.. sorry for any mistakes, i am a partly literte and self tought, as i have an disability, but i don't let it stop me from enjoying life. Boatbeacon use google maps so it is seprate from radar and therfor when in use will display your ships details. i highly recomend it as a back up plan and yoyr familys and friends can keep up to date where you are loccated. Gerard.
Thrres an app called boatbeacon. Everyone is using it and hear in Australia, volenter Marine Rescue use it to track our boats position, the beacon displays after registerinig your ships detailsof, you can set it to run in the back groaund of the mobile phone i do it with my boat and as it use google maps is very acurate and you will be supprised who uses the app. My view the best A.I.S all yo u need. remember its called BOATBEACON. A green dot with an sail boat in it. Gerard.
Very cool setup! Maddie and I have talked about the future when all boats will transmit some form of beacon and we will all be blips on a screen. The separation scheme buoys are already virtual around Portugal. You only see them on AIS!
@@RiggingDoctor Great ! Let me know how you like it and I might get one too. Where from and how much ? It's been on my wish list for over a year now ? Since my boat is on the hard , I've been waiting for a sale.
@@RiggingDoctor Perfect. I got an account there. This should be my last big expense. Relative to me, that is. LOL Oops I spoke too soon, I still need a power winch to operate all my halyards and things coming over my roof to the cockpit. One winch and a bunch of clutch cleats should take care of all those Let us know how that vesper works out. I've been studying it to death for two years. I just know you're going to love the wifi feature . I'm going to. BTW I've been called the Fridge Doctor for 40 years LOL . Yup, I can put a hot fridge condenser 20 different locations outside your boat so it hardly uses any power. Cheers
My vote is ICOM MA 500TR as I own one and it has been bullet proof. If I understand your video you currently have an AIS receiver. One issue you should check is whether your existing unit will receive the AIS transmit "ping" from your new unit and will decide that Wisdom is imminent collision danger from Wisdom!. With respect to antenna placement.... after reading all of the manuals carefully I determined it was risky to the electronics of the VHF radio and/or the AIS to have the antennas in close proximity (splitters are fine for AIS receive only units). Given that my VHF antenna was on the top of the mast I went with a Shakespeare AIS whip #5215 and mounted it on the stern rail. In that location I see AIS vessels 25+ miles away on the Chesapeake Bay without issues. The vessel traffic in the Straits of Singapore will put any AIS unit to the test!
Yea you better get a AIS.Having a woman aboard a sailboat was bad luck 100 years ago and some things never change.Did ya see Columbus or Pinzon[from the Pinta] Slocum[the Spray] or Drake or Mointesser [who learned the hard way] or Capt Blye[HMS Bounty] hauling around a female of the opposite sex?Has the sea changed?Is it still unpredictable watery foaming at times and deep?Gravity still works does it not?some laws are immutable.If you are going to haul around Jonah[so to speak]at least carry some oil with you so you soak some rags and drag them behind you in the wake.Either romance the sea or romance the woman but never both at the same time.Too many demands at one time.Consider what happened to the sailors on the Bounty after the Tahitian women came on board.A few years later only one man survived[on Pitcairn] and the boat was on the bottom.I rest my case.Do your research in the west marine catalog and then buy the chosen product from Defender.That is if ya want to save some money.Same product good service less money.
@@RiggingDoctor I was stirring the pot [so to speak]to see what may come up to the top.What did float to the top I found very interesting.I'll have to chew on that awhile. Remember that Noahs wife[and sons' wives] were on the ark and things went just fine.Have fun!!
![Can X-Rays Find the Crack in our Chainplates? | Sailing Wisdom [S6 Ep9]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/F0RJnXEgOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you so much for all the insight and reviews. Vesper units seem to be the reigning champions here!
I just ordered the XB-8000 with WiFi and it should be here in a few days!
I’m leaning towards a second (dedicates) antenna for the transceiver. The splitter costs $250 and a new antenna is only €65.
I was thinking of mounting the antenna on the stern rail. The VHF is on the masthead.
@@RiggingDoctor I'd suggest looking into the splitter a bit more, as Bob mentioned. Splitter costs more, but the signal at the top of the mast will travel further than rail mount. I bought my unit through Defender. They had a package deal with the optional alarms and a Vesper splitter bundled with the AIS unit. The bundle helped a bit on the cost. Still not cheap, but remember why you are getting AIS in the first place. Also, on the splitters, my understanding is that they are not all made equally. Look into them a bit before selecting if you go that route.
Kim Young that is a really good point. Our AIS receiver picks up ships that are beyond the horizon because it’s mounted so high up.
Once again, we would see them and not the other way around.
@@RiggingDoctor I installed a Vesper Marine XB-8000 on my Endeavour 43. I purchased a bundle from Defender that included the SP-160 antenna splitter, GPS antenna, external mute switch and alarm. The install was easy. Besides sitting on the NMEA2000 bus and transmitting NEMA data via WiFi, I have AIS data being displayed on my old (very old) Raymarine C120 chart plotter, via the NMEA 0183 output. The new GPS antenna is mounted on the pushpin rail and has a clear view of the sky. I did purchase a nylon antenna rail adapter that the antenna screws into, then zip-tied the cable along the rail and down through a Scanstruct Cable Clam and routed the cable to the XB-8000.
I use a Sitex MDA-1. It has a built in GPS receiver and a NMEA 2000 port and can also output with the older serial 0183 method. I have a dedicated antenna connected to it.
You seem to want a device with a screen. If your VHF radio already receives AIS it is pretty easy to take that serial signal and put it to a serial to wifi converter which can then be accessed by plotting software on a tablet. You could also do this with the Sitex unit. I find it very convient to have my tablet showing AIS targets wherever I am on the boat and not having to look at a fixed display.
I have a vesper marine XB8000, it has the built in WiFi too. So if you’re using iPad iPhone or Android, you can just download the app. I use a splitter on the VHF. Works great.
Terry Evans I just bought that very unit! I have an old antenna on the mast so I wasn’t sure if it would work well with AIS so I opted to not pay $250 for the splitter and simply €65 for a standalone AIS antenna.
Hi Guys I have a Matsutec hp-33a low cost Class B Aud $400 I think Raymarine rebadge it. Things you may want to consider. Do you want to select the AIS target boat / ship and automatically call them using DSC. Do you want integration to your to Main Multi Function Display. It is far easier to navigate overlaying the AIS and Radar on the MFD and watch your route and everything around you. I found it invaluable during the Malacca Straights crossing at one stage I had 19 ships all within 12 nautical mile. I stayed steady on course and they all went round me. Also it can be used stand alone and comes with its own VHF antenna and GPS. Another thing is it is colour and the indicators change from green all ships okay to yellow watch them to red collision course. Hope this helps cheers Dave
Vesper 8000 WiFi is outstanding. The bonus is that you end up with a complete duplicate MFD in that the Vesper has its own GPS and transmits both GPS and AIS data to an iPad or equivalent. Now it does that with The Navionics software as well. So you have AIS receive/transmit plus a duplicate MFD should your primary MFD kick the bucket.
Was totally expecting a patreon or gofundme pitch. Kinda refreshing to hear people just asking for advice... I honestly wish I knew enough to help you guys, I’ll be interested to see what you guys go with as I’ve been considering setting up AIS transmit on our boat....
One annoying thing about boats with AIS transmit is they leave the damn thing on while moored in a marine. Idk about other brands but our Garmin system has a collision warning or “dangerous target” warning that gives off a near constant beeping if you’re anywhere near or converging on a boat with an AIS transmitter... you can dismiss it if you’re near the chart plotter but if you deviate from your current course it’ll set the whole thing off again- nothing soothes the nerves docking in an unfamiliar marina like a collision alarm screaming from the helm
AIS piggy backs on the VHF. Loads of boats automatically turn on their AIS when they turn on their VHF.
No way to separate the two on a lot of boats.
Dutch Globetrotter That was my understanding as well, my thought was that if you are tied up in the marina you likely don’t need your radio on and probably forgot to turn it off- nearly every marina I’ve visited in the last few years has at least a couple of AIS signals transmitting
And that is why we are always forced to turn off the alarm as we approach a harbor!
Our Vesper Watchmate is stand alone Rex and receive. Very low power draw. But the best thing is all the possibilities of filtering out unwanted signals. With many AIS signals in crowded ports it’s important to be able to filter out targets such as those that are dead in the water.
I’m looking forward to it! We ordered the XB8000
I have a Digital Yacht AIS transponder on my boat. It is made in England and the GPS antenna is integral to the unit so easier to install. They make one with Wi-Fi that I wish I had to interface to my Android tablet. I bought this from Defender Marine in Connecticut. We have had it for three years. You need to have your MMSI number issued by the FCC. It has to be configured by the dealer / manufacturer with your static information. I don't like to share the vessel's VHF antenna, I believe a dedicated VHF antenna for the transponder is the way to go. You will love having a full AIS transponder. Wayne S/V Wind Drift
Personally I have a Garmin AIS 800, not cheap but it is what came with the boat and it works really well. A lot of people I know really like the Vesper units, a good bit less than the Garmin, has NMEA 2000 connectivity, a separate external GPS antennae and costs less than $600.
I use Digital Yacht ait2000 especially good if you have a nmea 2000 network also has 083 output. I like the fact you can switch the transponder off if you want to hide! Dedicated antenna and gps so no splitter nonsense involved...
Matsutec HA-102 very cheap and many people have said they work well, they also do one with a screen. Available on aliexpress
Vesper Marine make a very good product that you will find of great use. You will be surprised the new level of awareness a transceiver brings. I would still consider using a splitter and the VHF masthead antenna. We get 20 miles range as a matter of course and can receive vessels up to 80 miles out. We can fine tune the radius as we need. Also our chart-plotter allows alarms to be switched off for stationary targets - particularly good for entering harbour. We opted to wire our VHF and AIS units separately so we can use either without the other being on. We have a silent mode switch which is necessary in some of the parts of the world we sail. We recently purchased personal AIS MOB fitted to our lifejackets (also have PLB's). Very clever units and as we sail two up, a real safety bonus. We have an Echomax radar reflector after having several brands that either didn't work or only worked when fully upright - not the case on a yacht
I will check out the Echomax reflector!
I’m looking forward to upgrading our AIS. We got back to the boat last night so I haven’t been able to install it yet, but I can’t wait to get it all hooked up!
I think in Europe Class A is only allowed for commercial vessels with the proper license. Recreational vessels need to use Class B.
I can't comment on the devices itself, but make sure you choose one that can broadcast the AIS information to NMEA or wired or wireless TCP/IP network so that you can consume the data on another device. Even if you don't have such a device at the moment you might in the future and having your AIS data locked in the device itself would suck.
I went with the Vesper XB8000 which broadcasts on WiFi so that I can see it at the helm on my phone instead of needing to have someone at the nav station relaying the information.
I know nothing about AIS. Wish I could help. I think it's good idea to get one though.
Getting a transponder for Wisdom is a great idea. As I under stand a is for commercial boats and b is for recreational boats.
That is correct. The prices used to make the difference very clear but now the A has come down in price.
Maybe you should also think about a radar reflector to also be "seen" by radar.
We are seen in calm weather but when we heel and there are large seas, we are not seen as often on radar.
Hi you guys !! i don't think you could go wrong with ICOM or Standard Horizon products i'm pretty sure there everywhere
I bought Vesper 850 from Defender on sale a year ago. It uses less current than the others I looked at.
I really like that unit! The built in gps antenna is right up my alley. Our other unit is inside with an internal antenna and works just fine!
Is yours mounted inside without an external antenna?
@@RiggingDoctor I had a Vesper 850 inside with internal antenna no problem. I did not use a antenna splitter for the VHF. I installed a second antenna on my radar mast. It turned out very well. Also I easily wired aa 100db loud external alarm buzzer.
I now have a Raymarine integrated system that is troublesome and difficult to troubleshoot. I like discrete systems much better.
I installed the unit over navigation table in saloon. It is next to chartplotter. It should be easy to wire AIS info to display on chartplotter using nema interface. Antenna is installed on spreader with bracket fabricated from 1/8"x2" aluminum. The antenna is an old Shakespeare half wave trimmed to resonate on AIS band.
Herb,
I really liked the information you have shared on TH-cam and your website. Last year I rerigged my Norsea27 with dynema dux from Colligo. You are a big inspiration to me.
Thanks :)
My goal with the website was to make it possible for other people to do their own rigging. I feel that Dyneema is much easier to work with than steel, and it makes for a safer system on a cruising boat!
I was thinking of mounting a second antenna on the stern rail simply because I don’t like climbing the mast, but I worry about it getting hit if it’s too low.
Does the mast next to the antenna block some of the signal? I ask because I do not know and am curious.
I like the idea of it hiding up on the spreader :)
@@RiggingDoctor I had 24 miles of range with my antenna about 12 feet above water. No indications of interference. My mast mounted antenna gets out to maybe 54 miles but, while interesting sometimes it is useless info. In the Houston Ship Channel my AIS max'ed out tracking 145 vessels so even 24 miles is overkill. In the Pamilco sounds and rivers the hills keep my range down to line of sight.
I don't see why you couldn't lash an antenna to your dyneema any convenient point on a stay or shroud.
Good idea to have AIS. I'm with you though. I need help. That jet engine sounded like something was very wrong. Glad it cleared up when yall landed.
🤣
I have a Vesper 8000 Smart AIS. It is a B class unit with alarms for Closest Point of Approach.
There is a B+ class, but it does not seem to be much additional value for sailboats.
An A class gives you a stronger signal, but that will also require more power.
I like the added features of class A but I do worry about the power needs. We can’t just “crank up the motor” to charge the batteries
I ordered the XB8000! Thanks for the recommendation!!
@@RiggingDoctor 😊
matsutec hp-33a is inexpensive and works great for me. I prefer second antenna as this is then a fallback antenna on stern rail for VHF - even on stern rail I got > 70nm 'hits' which seems incredible. The Matsutec is a fraction of the cost you are looking at. I interfece it to my Raspberry Pi / OpenCPN using Nmea 0183; set perimeter to 10nm with *external* alarm and it worked flawlessly.
Thanks for the suggestion. I was looking at those too, I really liked the price of it!
We ended up going with a Vesper unit since we don’t have any computers on board to tie into the system. The Vesper is self contained and beeps for a bunch of different reasons.
@@RiggingDoctor From what I have read, the Vesper is better quality.. though just as a note for others who pass through, the hp33a is also self contained and has some quite good nav functions and thus a good fallback nav system (but not chartplotter). Seems you are set! Glad to hear you have AIS transmit now - I honestly think this is life saving kit and should be mandatory. I assume you do.. but make sure you know how to set 10nm perimeter with external buzzer - off shore that is a huge comfort when you are tired and short handed!
The A100 version of the Em-Trak has been discontinued. The latest version is the A200
My AIS came in my chartplotter, it's a simrad, and I love it...
The latest version of the Navionics app for iPad supports AIS plotting from WiFi devices like the Vesper XB-8000 which I own. The AIS from my unit is displayed simultaneously on the Simrad chartplotter, iPad Navionics app and PC Coastal Explorer app. Therefore avoid AIS with built-in display and go for an AIS like the Vesper which broadcasts it's GPS and AIS and all other NMEA data it has access to.
This sold me on the Vesper unit! I ordered it last night :)
We have the iCom - great piece of kit. We are very happy with it
Hello nice ornaments on your ears. Crossing the stretch of Gibraltar is easy at night , you can see everything, but is very spooky . That place by the Muslim mosque, is in my opinion the must scarey place I ever been. I felt something and my girlfriend Ketty tal Cual felt the same way. Go and experience it yourself, is by the light house and walk toward the tunnel. Saludos
Highly recommend vesper marine
Ordered the vesper xb8000!
I recomend SOTDMA AIS they are sending with 5 watt, willnot recomend any brand, because they are alle good.
But you schould consider that the AIS SCHOULD USE IS OWN ANTENNE, and not A splitter, IF so use either brand where it is built in.
Amazing that you haven't gotten one sooner. Stay safe
There’s a lot of things we don’t have that seem pretty standard on contemporary cruising yachts that we don’t have.
Our list of electronics on board are:
1. VHF radio with AIS receiver
2. Refrigerator
That’s it!
We don’t have radar, ssb, wind instruments, MFD or nmea network. I’m sure there are more gizmos that I just plain don’t even know exist!
I only know that we surprisingly don’t have equipment when we check in and the agent is shocked that we say no to everything on their list (except the VHF radio).
It’s time to add something from the list 😁
Actually no. We have wind steering and no computers. I have heard of open vpn but don’t fully understand what it is or what it’s purpose is.
We have navionics on our phones and then paper charts and a sextant.
Thank you for the explanations!
Now I know what people are talking about :)
I got the Vesper unit, so I will be adding a new electrical gadget to the boat 😁
I have one that I paid for myself and it work's very good
And which unit is that? We are looking to buy one that we also pay for.
GET A RADAR REFLECTOR IT WILL ENHANCE YOUR IMAGE GREATLY ON THE OTHER VESSEL'S PPI SCOPE IT IS THE LEAST EXPENSIVE ANSWER
OWING TO THE SIZE AND TYPE OF YOUR VESSEL YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO GO WITH AIS
TWO BLOCK THE REFLECTOR GUARD CHANNEL 16 AND MAINTAIN A PROPER LOOKOUT
YOU WILL DO FINE
IF YOU ARE IN THE PORT OF NEW YORK GIVE US A CALL----HAPPY SAILING !
Don't know a lot about the units, but you can pick up the ICOM considerably cheaper at TheGPSStore.com.
Vesper Marine AIS Watchmate 850 Transponder
We send and receive AIS so I can see them and they see me. Ours is the Raymarine brand networked to the chart plotter
Well the EU kinda frowns on not having built in GPS in the unit, so the EM-TRAK has you covered. Herby you want the class A. You are a lot less likely to get mowed down with that thing. It reports more frequently, and offers a silent mode where it receives but doesn't transmit. The silent mode is extremely useful when in pirate waters, and when you don't want to draw the attention of authorities. A friend of mine had his AIS on and every 100 miles he was stopped by the Coast Guard because they could see what he was, and he couldn't go fast, so they would not have to chase him. At least that is what one of the Coast Guard guys told him. You might also need an antenna splitter dooflinky, and assorted wiring whatchamacalitz! So find out if you have to buy that as well. There is a lot that comes with the unit, but I don't think it has the antenna splitter.
That makes sense. I was very surprised that when we left, and on the entire voyage, we never got stopped by the Coast Guard.
Boatbeacon is uesed as an A.I.S my ships details are re gisterd as i pointed out early V.M.R uses it to track the location of the ship after logging on..
sorry for any mistakes, i am a partly literte and self tought, as i have an disability, but i don't
let it stop me from enjoying life.
Boatbeacon use google maps so it is seprate from radar and therfor when in use will display your ships details. i highly recomend it as a back up plan and yoyr familys and friends can keep up to date where you are loccated.
Gerard.
I am a huge fan of redundancy and backup plans!
@@RiggingDoctor What dose redunancy to do with the topic?.
If one things fails, having a few backups is important
Try defender.com. a lower price.
Get yourself a radar deflector while you're at it.
I’m not sure why you were screaming while the plane was in the air but it drove me nuts.
I thought it was hilarious - Maddie
I don’t like flying 😓
I once got a steering wheel stuck between my legs that drove me nuts....
Thrres an app called boatbeacon. Everyone is using it and hear in Australia, volenter Marine Rescue use it to track our boats position, the beacon displays after registerinig your ships detailsof, you can set it to run in the back groaund of the mobile phone i do it with my boat and as it use google maps is very acurate and you will be supprised who uses the app.
My view the best A.I.S all yo u need.
remember its called BOATBEACON.
A green dot with an sail boat in it.
Gerard.
Very cool setup! Maddie and I have talked about the future when all boats will transmit some form of beacon and we will all be blips on a screen.
The separation scheme buoys are already virtual around Portugal. You only see them on AIS!
All the cool sailing youtube channels are shoplifting now. I suggest you get a 5-finger discount at west marine.
Not our style 🤪
I got a The GX2200 Matrix AIS/GPS VHF from Standard Horizon
Look here great price fast shipping
www.hodgesmarine.com/searchresults.asp?searching=Y&sort=5&search=GX2200%20Matrix%20AIS%20&show=30&page=1
$322.02 they have the best prices
I have that same unit and it’s been wonderful but it only receives, it doesn’t transmit.
In that case i would go with the icom. They are $100 less than west marine
www.wmjmarine.com/c41173.html
If you want to go super cheap, I thought I read that there’s even an AIS HAT for Rasberry Pi, but I don’t know the details.
Does not do transmit - this is recieve only I think..
Don't fool around ,you only do it once. Vesper Marine XB8000 . Then you'll be happy. Way worth the extra $300 !
From all the comments, it looks like I’ll be order a vesper unit tonight!
Ordered that very unit
@@RiggingDoctor Great ! Let me know how you like it and I might get one too. Where from and how much ? It's been on my wish list for over a year now ? Since my boat is on the hard , I've been waiting for a sale.
Robert Orzech I got it from defender. It was just shy of $800 with rushed shipping.
The splitter was a smidge over $250
@@RiggingDoctor Perfect. I got an account there. This should be my last big expense. Relative to me, that is. LOL Oops I spoke too soon, I still need a power winch to operate all my halyards and things coming over my roof to the cockpit. One winch and a bunch of clutch cleats should take care of all those Let us know how that vesper works out. I've been studying it to death for two years. I just know you're going to love the wifi feature . I'm going to. BTW I've been called the Fridge Doctor for 40 years LOL . Yup, I can put a hot fridge condenser 20 different locations outside your boat so it hardly uses any power. Cheers
True Heading AIS-CTRX+ Graphene Wifi öre Em-Trak B400 Class B transponder
Vesper with WiFi is the best
That’s what I went with!
Nice. You’ll love it!
Icom is what i used.
AIS EBAY SAYS MAKE AN OFFER..............make one
My vote is ICOM MA 500TR as I own one and it has been bullet proof. If I understand your video you currently have an AIS receiver. One issue you should check is whether your existing unit will receive the AIS transmit "ping" from your new unit and will decide that Wisdom is imminent collision danger from Wisdom!. With respect to antenna placement.... after reading all of the manuals carefully I determined it was risky to the electronics of the VHF radio and/or the AIS to have the antennas in close proximity (splitters are fine for AIS receive only units). Given that my VHF antenna was on the top of the mast I went with a Shakespeare AIS whip #5215 and mounted it on the stern rail. In that location I see AIS vessels 25+ miles away on the Chesapeake Bay without issues.
The vessel traffic in the Straits of Singapore will put any AIS unit to the test!
Hey safe sailing, for a lower price try defender.com
Good idea!
Yeah they are good place to look too
I bought the XB8000 from them
Yea you better get a AIS.Having a woman aboard a sailboat was bad luck 100 years ago and some things never change.Did ya see Columbus or Pinzon[from the Pinta] Slocum[the Spray] or Drake or Mointesser [who learned the hard way] or Capt Blye[HMS Bounty] hauling around a female of the opposite sex?Has the sea changed?Is it still unpredictable watery foaming at times and deep?Gravity still works does it not?some laws are immutable.If you are going to haul around Jonah[so to speak]at least carry some oil with you so you soak some rags and drag them behind you in the wake.Either romance the sea or romance the woman but never both at the same time.Too many demands at one time.Consider what happened to the sailors on the Bounty after the Tahitian women came on board.A few years later only one man survived[on Pitcairn] and the boat was on the bottom.I rest my case.Do your research in the west marine catalog and then buy the chosen product from Defender.That is if ya want to save some money.Same product good service less money.
I wouldn’t do this trip without her onboard!
@@RiggingDoctor I was stirring the pot [so to speak]to see what may come up to the top.What did float to the top I found very interesting.I'll have to chew on that awhile. Remember that Noahs wife[and sons' wives] were on the ark and things went just fine.Have fun!!
Female of the Opposite Sex??? Ha!!!