Raymarine Ray70 VHF w AIS receiver

[Angler Management]

My Icom VHF just crapped out. On/off button, and I've been having some transmission/recieving questions recently anyway. Time for a new one.

Since I have a recent Raymarine install with Lighthouse III and Axiom on my MFD's which have AIS transmission, I was considering adding a receiver. Stand alone Class B receivers are in the $600-800 range. The Raymarine Ray 70 VHF unit comes with AIS receiving, and is touted to work with Raymarine MFD's. The unit is spendy, $650-700, but would be more economical than buying a new ICOM or SHorizon AND a black box AIS receiver separately.

Does anyone have experience with this unit? Should I consider other options? Standard ICOM unit and other AIS receiver that would be less expensive? I really need to replace this radio for my shrimp trip on Saturday. Handheld works fine, but not how I want to go out if at all possible.

Thanks in advance,
Randy

 

[SkunkBoat]

Standard Horizon GX2200 has DSC and AIS receiver. $310 at thegpsstore.
Put one on this year. Nice. Interfaced the NMEA0183 to my Garmin 4208. Shows AIS symbols, position, course, speed.

 

[Angler Management]

Went w the Ray70, arrived today, install tonight. Tomorrow, spot shrimp!

I spent the extra to have the Raymarine SeaTLk cable plug and play to my Axiom MFD, I know it’s not that tough to integrate NMEA 2000 into SeaTalk. But figured sticking w same may be easiest and I don’t want to second guess my wiring if there’s ever an issue, I’d like to know it’s the unit not something I did! Less variables for my shrinking brain.

Will report back later

R