Albin Owners Group

I've seen some discussion around here about AIS. Although I'm not sold on the idea for my boating needs, this product looks promising and reasonable in cost if your thinking about upgrading your VHF.

http://www.marine-electronics-reviews.c ... x2100.html

Put one on my 31 TE just the receiver which shows on my plotter. Nice to have one on the Columbia River and in the NW waters from the San Juans and north along Vancouver Islands. Lots of commercial traffic and especially ferries. Although can see them on radar nice to know exactly who they are, their course and speed. The Canadian and Alaskan ferries move fast and don't veer off their course. Nice to identify them early on and give them lots of room. Also helps with tug that are under tow. Give that tow cable plenty of space.
Last summer drifting 60 miles off shore while tuna fishing, would see things passing in the night, now at least should know who they are.
Jeff S

Standard Horizon has just introduced the GX2150, an improvement over the 2100. I am ordering one this week since I have an outdated VHF radio anyway. I agree with Jeff, that in Northwest waters, with all of the commercial traffic, it is nice to know the big ones are headed your way.

I just purchased the 2150 as well. Seems like a great solution, since my 12 year old VHF is in need of replacement as well. I plan to connect it to my Raymarine E-120 network via a NMEA connection. I'm also upgrading the VHF antenna to maximize performance.