Chart plotter or I Pad

[PaulGooch]

<snip> I like the idea of the SH AIS VHF radio and compatibility with a CP180 but I was swayed by the fact that the Garmin uses a more modern format and is more up to date than the SH. <snip>

The SH AIS VHF will work exactly the same with the Garmin plotter.

Actually, it will work better with the Garmin plotter. Standard Horizons AIS implementation isn't as good as Garmins. They do make good, solid kit though and their VHF sets are excellent, as is their customer support.

 

[PaulGooch]

Might be worth mentioning that the Garmin 551 has two NMEA 0183 ports, each has an In and an Out. If you set a port for NMEA HS (which AIS needs), the setting also applies to that ports NMEA out. So, fitting AIS leaves you with one out and one in, standard NMEA port.

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

I like the belt and braces approach.

I have two Garmin plotters.
If they both fail I have an iPad with Navionics.
If that fails I have another iPad with all of the UK's Admiralty Charts on it.
If that fails then somebody upstairs it trying to tell me something and I shall not fight it.