Selecting a Fixed-Mount VHF Radio

[WeekendSailor]

Hello all,
I would like a new fixed-mount VHF radio with DSC and I would appreciate your thoughts about steeping up to a unit with DSC and AIS and, your product recommendations. I have a personal preference for using a rotary knob for selecting channels vs. the use of the increasingly popular up/down arrow keys.
I am not concerned about the government monitoring my location; AIS is OK with me. However none of my sailing buddies have either DSC or AIS so I would not be able to see if they are on the water or where they are. I also know that commercial maritime traffic on the Chesapeake Bay does not monitor recreational marine traffic on AIS B they use A; so the thought one the “big guys” would notice my little 27 foot sailboat to avoid colliding with me is not going to happen.
I am thinking about purchasing a Raymarine Ray49 VHF for a flush mount installation in my cockpit, this unit has DSC digital select calling but not AIS. I would be able to easily call my buddies from a short list of favorites but I would not be able see their location, it also has the most important feature as all the new VHF’s have, a dedicated DSC distress key.
Does anyone have experience with the Raymarine Ray49 VHF or have any other product recommendations?

Thanks for your comments and suggestions,

WeekendSailor

[s/v 'Faith']

Sounds like the SR Matrix 2150 is what you are looking for.



This has AIS receive only, so no one will 'see' you,
but for an extra $100 or so over a regular VHF, you
can interface it with your chart plotter.

DO a search on the forum to find out more.

[RainDog]

Originally Posted by s/v 'Faith'

Sounds like the SR Matrix 2150 is what you are looking for.

I have this unit and recommend it highly. Very well designed interface and integrated easily with my GPS.

I does not come with the flush mount hardware. You need to order that separately.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, WeekendSailor .

[Seahunter]

SR Matrix 2150
Best choice: DSC, AIS, (2 way chart plotter connect - 2100 is only one way) and hailer all in one.

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by WeekendSailor

I also know that commercial maritime traffic on the Chesapeake Bay does not monitor recreational marine traffic on AIS B they use A; so the thought one the “big guys” would notice my little 27 foot sailboat to avoid colliding with me is not going to happen.

Not true. Some of the older Class A units did not properly decode the name and type of Class B vessels, but the MMSI, position, SOG, and COG are shown. With time and software upgrades even that minor problem is diminishing.

I have no issue with Chesapeake shipping seeing my Class B transponder signal.