Icom IC-M601 - Keep or upgrade?

[terah]

I have an IC-M601 VHF (with CommandMic) and Raymarine e127 chartplotter on the new boat. On the old boat I have a Garmin 200i VHF, Garmin GPSMAP 451 and Vesper XB-8000.

I'll be moving the Vesper XB-8000 to the new boat, but not sure whether to keep the M601 or upgrade it. Old boat is being sold, but could potentially grab the 200i from it - if I do that I'll need to get the MMSI changed. Would also need to get MMSI changed if I keep the M601.

Is the M601 still considered a good set? Is there any benefit in a more modern radio?

[GTom]

It does DSC, I don't see any reason to ditch it if it's working.

[terah]

Thanks GTom, and certainly easier to keep it.

12 years seems old for electronics but maybe not so much for boat tech. Also wasn't sure if recent models had better integration, but the only newer feature I can think of is AIS click to call, which is neat but not enough to justify a new set.

[HankOnthewater]

The 601 model is on your new boat I guess??? Use all the features and check if they all work or not. Or/and open the unit and check what the inside looks like, if moisture and corrosion is visible...... maybe a new unit is called for.
BTW, you will need to get an Icom technician to change the MMSI on that radio, check the manual here (page #16): http://www.icomcanada.com/pdf_manual...601_manual.pdf

Check the new range of Icom (and other) radios and see if there are any features you need or want, features you do not have currently. Then you check the price, and decide if it is worth having.

I have a near identical radio (602 model) and see no need to upgrade..... yet.

[GTom]

Originally Posted by terah

Thanks GTom, and certainly easier to keep it.

12 years seems old for electronics but maybe not so much for boat tech. Also wasn't sure if recent models had better integration, but the only newer feature I can think of is AIS click to call, which is neat but not enough to justify a new set.

Question is how often would you really use a new feature...

[Pizzazz]

I think click to call is awesome. It should work from a plotter as well but I have not come across a setup that supports.