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The only think that the NEMA connector will get you with a SSB is the ability to input the GPS coordinates into a distress call.
Lowrance and Simrad both (same company) have VHF units with NMEA. I have the Lowrance radio, works fine, and interfaces with NMEA as advertised. It supposedly also will show you up to three "Buddies" on the Lowrance chartplotter, if they are using NMSI, and you have entered their ID #'s . I have not tried this.
I would say put a NMEA 2000 network on the boat, and when you get to the point of interfacing the SSB, either get a converter, or use the usually supplied NMEA 0183 output from the chartplotter to feed the SSB.
FYI - I have a NMEA 2000 network:
Lowrance chartplotter
Lowrance VHF
Lowrance GPS puck
Simrad Tillerpilot
Simrad depth/speed
Garmin GMI 10 display
Icom has come out with a Ham radio with USB connector. NMEA 2000 I bet will be awhile, as they have to pay big $$$ to get each SSB type certified (called another process now, but cannot remember what).
Chris
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