AIS installation

[MontyMariner]

it struggles with smaller vessels in a big sea even in as little as 3 miles.

3 miles is more than adequate unless they (or you) are doing 30 knots!

 

[gaylord694]

Hello, I'd like to install AIS on my Sadler 29 before my planned passage over the North Sea next summer. I have a VHF radio on the boat and my question is this: is it possible to buy an AIS receiver and share the same VHF aerial via a splitter in the cable? Or, as a friend has on his boat, is it better to
buy a fancier radio that has AIS built in? Thanks, E

Hello, I'd like to install AIS on my Sadler 29 before my planned passage over the North Sea next summer. I have a VHF radio on the boat and my question is this: is it possible to buy an AIS receiver and share the same VHF aerial via a splitter in the cable? Or, as a friend has on his boat, is it better to
buy a fancier radio that has AIS built in? Thanks, Eric

Hi Eric install an Em-trak 952..... I've a Metz AIS masthead antenna and you really can't go wrong ......There customer service is first class , Bluetooth connection and you can install onto a tablet of your choice ... . As the saying goes buy cheap ,buy twice and I certainly think when it's one of the most important components on the boat to keep you safe there's no compromises to take

 

[john_morris_uk]

3 miles is more than adequate unless they (or you) are doing 30 knots!

I’d be really unhappy if my AIS only gave me targets 3 miles away. Ships often start taking an interest in targets at six miles away or more and I like to see what they’re doing.

And for those who mistakenly believe ships don’t track AIS B, my experience is that they most certainly do.

I still maintain that AIS is a brilliant tool. It’s convincing a new generation of boat owners that most every ship is not about to run them down but that when they’re the give way vessel, they’ve invariably tweaked their course a fraction to open up the CPA. Something that took a long time to become apparent when using a hand bearing compass.

PS to the OP. My preference is AIS class B using a powered splitter at the masthead. You gain far more in range than you lose in any slight losses in the splitter. And FWIW we use the Raymarine units that talk to each other.

 

[Refueler]

My preference is AIS class B using a powered splitter at the masthead. You gain far more in range than you lose in any slight losses in the splitter.

As a Yottie - you have no choice but use Class B / B+ if you want AIS transceiver - you are forbidden to use Class A.

As regards powered ..... Active .... splitter ... its powered specifically to counter losses ... to improve AIS signal transmit / reception ...

 

[gaylord694]

As a Yottie - you have no choice but use Class B / B+ if you want AIS transceiver - you are forbidden to use Class A.

As regards powered ..... Active .... splitter ... its powered specifically to counter losses ... to improve AIS signal transmit / reception ...

Is it a law as I thought you just had to be over 300 tonnes..... It would be nice to know

 

[john_morris_uk]

As a Yottie - you have no choice but use Class B / B+ if you want AIS transceiver - you are forbidden to use Class A.

As regards powered ..... Active .... splitter ... its powered specifically to counter losses ... to improve AIS signal transmit / reception ...

Are you sure about that? Over 300 tonnes etc it's mandatory but I am not sure that small craft are actually forbidden from using Class A. it's unusual as its a) expensive b) a PITA as you are supposed to feed in details of your passage with your cargo etc. However I know of several 'larger' yachts who run Class A for better or worse.

 

[gaylord694]

I know of several small yachts under 40ft which use class A. Like I said I don't think it's illegal, just major overkill