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Old 15-10-2017, 14:54   #1
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B&G

Looking to buy B&G 7" Vulcan
V50 VHF WITH AIS.

My question is is this a good solution or should I buy
B&G Vulcan 7
Standard VHF radio
B&G AIS Transponder.
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Old 15-10-2017, 15:16   #2
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Re: B&G

B&G... worst customer service ever! Our V50's nmea2k port was DOA when we unboxed and installed it a few months ago. It's outside of warranty since it sat for over a year, but I wanted to get a service quote for repair. Three months later, 15+ emails, repeated calls go unanswered, and we even tried to connect via facebook, no response. I get autoresponses that the emails were received, but no follow-up after this.

I cannot figure how this company still exists with this level of incompetence.

Matt
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Old 15-10-2017, 15:31   #3
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Re: B&G

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Originally Posted by funjohnson View Post
B&G... worst customer service ever! Our V50's nmea2k port was DOA when we unboxed and installed it a few months ago. It's outside of warranty since it sat for over a year, but I wanted to get a service quote for repair. Three months later, 15+ emails, repeated calls go unanswered, and we even tried to connect via facebook, no response. I get autoresponses that the emails were received, but no follow-up after this.

I cannot figure how this company still exists with this level of incompetence.

Matt
Thank you Mat. That's the kind of info I was oozing for. Did you get your issue resolved? DI'd you like it after all was said and done?
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Old 15-10-2017, 16:24   #4
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Re: B&G

Nope. They did email me two weeks ago saying they will issue an RMA to the service department (no price quote) if we send them our address and serial number. We got back to them that afternoon and have heard nothing since. Multiple emails have gone unanswered.

You'll hear negative things about most of the electronic companies... Navico (simrad, b&g, Lowrance), Garmin, Furuno, Raymarine, but we've had good luck with the support from Raymarine, Garmin, Standard Horizon and Vesper. We've never had Furuno, but heard good things about their service.

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Old 15-10-2017, 16:31   #5
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Re: B&G

For AIS Transponders I would suggest Vesper Marine.
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Old 15-10-2017, 16:38   #6
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Re: B&G

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For AIS Transponders I would suggest Vesper Marine.

100% agree! The service and quality/utility you get for the money is amazing! Truly, one of the gems in the Marine industry.


Since I never answered your actual question. At this point, I think it only makes sense to get a full transponder for AIS. It just makes life so much easier being able to be seen as well as see ships of all sizes. We've had just a receive on the last boat, and just about the only stipulation for the new one was having a full transponder.

The Standard Horizon radios are great.... even the $120 ones.


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Old 15-10-2017, 18:32   #7
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Re: B&G

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chawes View Post
Looking to buy B&G 7" Vulcan

V50 VHF WITH AIS.



My question is is this a good solution or should I buy

B&G Vulcan 7

Standard VHF radio

B&G AIS Transponder.


Notwithstanding the terrible customer service Matt had (maybe B&G doesn't like their radios either?), I'd pick the Vulcan (or, better, the Zeus3), Standard Horizon VHF and AIS from Vesper.

You lose chart plotter initiated DSC calling on the VHF, but SH makes quality gear. Vesper is just superior at AIS.
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