Which AIS and simple plotter?

[kacecar]

I'm considering updating the nav equipment on my boat and am wondering what the forum would suggest.

The primary driver here is a desire to upgrade from my single, elderly, stand-alone and now somewhat restrictive GPS to a new setup featuring a modern GPS (with a greater capacity for waypoints and routes), simple charting abilities and AIS . The display will be inside, by the chart table. The AIS must send as well as receive data, and should also feature a collision alert/alarm. I don't want to implement a complicated data network as I neither need nor want to integrate the new stuff with the radar, autopilot, oven or whatever else one can integrate these days. I don't need it to "talk" to my phone either. I have an aerial at the top of the mast used for VHF and and AM / FM reception, so would anticipate using that for the AIS antenna as well (presumably with an appropriate splitter). The GPS antenna can go on the pushpit rail - the old one has been there twenty years so the new one should be OK there too. Installation should be straightforward - simple will be good, like "plug-and-play". Budget? Well, I'm not a complete tightwad but have no desire to spend more than necessary - that said, I recognise the benefits of good kit so will always attempt to balance value and quality appropriately.

Suggestions please.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Emtrak B923 AIS, built in GPS and splitter, nothing else to fit. Will connect to any NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 plotter. The Garmin Echomap UHD plotters are good value and come with preloaded charts.

Alternatively, the Emtrak B924 has all of the above feature, plus wifi, so you could use an inexpensive tablet below decks, such as a Samsung Galaxy.

 

[Ningaloo]

If you do decide to go for a new MFD it is likely to have excellent screen visible in sunny conditions.
You may want to reconsider hiding it away below decks as the benefits of having AIS are much reduced if you can't actually see it!. Having my charts available from the helm has revolutionised my sailing.

 

[Neeves]

MFD costs increase (seemingly) exponentially with size - if you have small screen and WiFi - your bigger screen can be a tablet (which will allow you to do everything the MFD can do and stir the porridge in the galley). Ningaloo echoes our experiences - a modern, waterproof screen, sun viewable, at the helm is invaluable if you are caught in close quarter, high speed navigation or night passages. If you already have a tablet then Xmas is coming - drop hints about a waterproof case .

We have a 7" screen at the helm (and a tablet for the porridge) - its fine, you just change the scale (and you apparently have radar as a second, or third set of eyes and information). If you are thinking that maybe to integrate the systems then buying from the same manufacturer might offer more sympathetic support. We have done what you suggest and have the old system, totally independent, and a new MFD + radar - so have redundancy - in case one system fails.

Reading posts here - I don't think there is too much to choose between the offerings - unless you want to integrate (but even then the pressure will be on you to update).

Jonathan

 

[Telstar26]

It's worth considering using a tablet rather than MFD. I use a Quark AIS receiver with WiFi and it was pretty easy to set up. And cheap! See Budget AIS receiver - PSSA

London Chartplotters are good

 

[whaup]

It's worth considering using a tablet rather than MFD. I use a Quark AIS receiver with WiFi and it was pretty easy to set up. And cheap! See Budget AIS receiver - PSSA

London Chartplotters are good

Agreed but this Quark is receive-only. For the OPs transmit requirement it seems you need more expensive hardware: a cursory search suggests about £500 plus, depending on power, packaging etc.

 

[Minerva]

I have seen quite a few positive comments about Onwa plotters with integrated AIS B+ transceivers which seem to be good value. Not used on myself, but certainly contemplating it!

 

[jwilson]

Emtrak B923 AIS, built in GPS and splitter, nothing else to fit. Will connect to any NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 plotter. The Garmin Echomap UHD plotters are good value and come with preloaded charts.

Alternatively, the Emtrak B924 has all of the above feature, plus wifi, so you could use an inexpensive tablet below decks, such as a Samsung Galaxy.

I have just fitted an Emtrak B923 as suggested by PaulRainbow. Very simple, seems to work well. My only problem was own boat showing as a dangerous target on a Vulcan plotter, fixed by going into menu on Vulcan.

 

[Neeves]

I was pondering the title

I'm not sure you can source a 'simple' plotter - at the sizes most people here use they are all as simple (or complex0, as each other. Depending on how you decide to bundle everything together you might find buying everything from one equipment supplier allows you to command a better price and then engender more support.

I'd caution built in GPS and used down below - but take advice from others posting. Our new MFD has a built in GPS and is slow to pick up satellites when used inside the cabin, we are able to detach our MFD and locate at the helm and it develops fixes very quickly - the only obstruction is the cabin roof and boom. Normally its not an issue but if you want to exit an anchorage quickly in the dark - not so useful. The difference in height is negligible the main difference is the cabin roof (a hefty bit of fibreglass and foam).

Jonathan

 

[johnalison]

I was pondering the title

I'm not sure you can source a 'simple' plotter - at the sizes most people here use they are all as simple (or complex0, as each other. Depending on how you decide to bundle everything together you might find buying everything from one equipment supplier allows you to command a better price and then engender more support.

I'd caution built in GPS and used down below - but take advice from others posting. Our new MFD has a built in GPS and is slow to pick up satellites when used inside the cabin, we are able to detach our MFD and locate at the helm and it develops fixes very quickly - the only obstruction is the cabin roof and boom. Normally its not an issue but if you want to exit an anchorage quickly in the dark - not so useful. The difference in height is negligible the main difference is the cabin roof (a hefty bit of fibreglass and foam).

Jonathan

My plotter is down below in a 10m boat and has no trouble picking up satellites. It is an e7 and must be getting on for ten years and now. The question of whether the plotter should be in or out depends entirely on the boat and the owner’s style of sailing. Having the display and control repeated on a tablet can be one way of increasing the functionality of an internal plotter, which is more likely to be the choice for a boat with a tiller.

 

[fredrussell]

Just to add something to the mix: I’ve just fitted a Matsutec AIS send and receive box. Cost £170 for box and another £30 for gps aerial. Works well and straightforward to set up. I did a fair bit of research before purchasing and they get good reviews online re reliability - they’ve been around a few years now.
Mine is paired with a Garmin Echomap. It’s a contentious issue, but I much prefer using the chartplotter than my iPad with navionics, although I’ve kept the latter as a backup.

 

[andsarkit]

I have seen quite a few positive comments about Onwa plotters with integrated AIS B+ transceivers which seem to be good value. Not used on myself, but certainly contemplating it!

I'm happy with my Onwa KP39A as it is by far the cheapest way to get what I needed. UK distributor and free charts. If you have more space a larger screen is available. If you add up a plotter, AIS and charts you will probably get to at least twice the cost with any other system.
Aves marine are very helpful Aves Marine

 

[tillergirl]

I have an Onwa Kcombo-7A - GPS, built in AIS, depth facility if fitted with a transducer. I am on my second. The first was so popular it was stolen! Speak to Aves marine as above.

 

[kacecar]

Thanks for all the replies - I'll look into all of the suggestions and let you know how I get on.

I understand the attraction of a chartplotter in the cockpit and might still consider it, but the cockpit is relatively small and installation of a display there might add some complication to installation. However, if it comes with that integrated porridge stirrer . . . .