How important is AIS?

[RussGW270]

So, looking at the Defender 1st sales, and they have a VHF radio for 191 bucks, a Standard Horizon 1700. Now, no AIS, I have AIS on my main one, a Simrad RS35, but I have 2 VHF antennas and the 2nd VHF is an old Ray 51....so figured to have a backup. Now, if I can get any sort of mounting bracket for it (previous owner cut the mount off vs storing it when he added it to the dash)... then I could just use that, since neither have AIS, but was curious if AIS is worth the extra cost?

I know it is a backup... but when you need a backup, isn't that when you want it? heh.

Truth be told, one is down, more likely both are down, so I also have a small handheld, but...was just curious. Mostly the backup will be for personal use and talking to others if I ever need it, the main will be for scanning.. or the other way around, not sure yet heh.

R

 

[seasick]

Since your boat apparently hasn't been out of the driveway yet, AIS backup capability won't add a lot

 

[RussGW270]

Yer killin me, Smalls.. lol

Trying to debate whether to buy a $15 mounting bracket or pony up 200 bucks for a new VHF without AIS.. or wait for another steal like I got on the RS35 for 181.

R

 

[RussGW270]

Eh, decided to spend 15 bucks and use the vhf that I have heh.

R

 

[Doc Stressor]

Unless you are in an area where there is commercial shipping, you don't need AIS. All you need is DSC with GPS for automatic distress hailing.

 

[RussGW270]

Excellent, thank you very much for that info.

See that @seasick ? Be more like @Doc Stressor !.. lol (just teasing heh)

R

 

[seasick]

Excellent, thank you very much for that info.

See that @seasick ? Be more like @Doc Stressor !.. lol (just teasing heh)

R

Can't do.. It's the Brooklyn NY in me.

 

[Fishtales]

Since your boat apparently hasn't been out of the driveway yet, AIS backup capability won't add a lot

ouch... that may have left a mark!

 

[usmm1234]

So, looking at the Defender 1st sales, and they have a VHF radio for 191 bucks, a Standard Horizon 1700. Now, no AIS, I have AIS on my main one, a Simrad RS35, but I have 2 VHF antennas and the 2nd VHF is an old Ray 51....so figured to have a backup. Now, if I can get any sort of mounting bracket for it (previous owner cut the mount off vs storing it when he added it to the dash)... then I could just use that, since neither have AIS, but was curious if AIS is worth the extra cost?

I know it is a backup... but when you need a backup, isn't that when you want it? heh.

Truth be told, one is down, more likely both are down, so I also have a small handheld, but...was just curious. Mostly the backup will be for personal use and talking to others if I ever need it, the main will be for scanning.. or the other way around, not sure yet heh.

R

wait until March 29th to buy anything from Defender. That when their big sale starts.