Adding AIS to Raymarine RL70C+ System

Lionel7 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2012

I have an older Raymarine system consisting of two RL70C+ chartploters, one at the helm and one at the nav station, radar, sounder, etc. It still all works great and I don't want to replace it till we get closer to going cruising in a year or two. In the mean time I would like to add AIS. I could buy an Icom stand alone AIS devise or similar, or buy one that integrates with a laptop, but I really don't want to add separte laptop based charts and navigation software and have two navigation systems as I already have redunancy with my two RL70's and a ton of navigation apps on my iPad/iPhones. Is there any way to add AIS to my current Raymarine system and be able to overlay the AIS data on my current charts displayed on the RL70's? Of couse I would hope it would be compatible with new Raymarine systems when I do upgrade later. I would like a Class B capability and and be able to see and be seen.

GNU · #2 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012

The RL70 doesn't support AIS overlay.

Minnewaska · #3 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012

I have two RL80s and have the same desire, but asked Raymarine directly and they confirmed that our old equip (only 6 years for me) doesn't support it. My equip is fully integrated with the autopilot, radar, depth, speedo, wind and laptop. It's a great system that I don't want to have to replace either.

Unfortunately, that will eventually be necessary for upgrades like this. If you need to rationalize the investment, you will improve the value of your boat with modern electronics, if only by some fraction of their cost.

GNU · #4 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012

Is there a suggested upgrade path for us RL70/80C Plus owners? Or are we better of switching to Garmin (like everyone else)?

Minnewaska · #5 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012

Upgrading to modern capabilities, graphics and digital interfaces is probably going to require a replacement of at least the chart plotters and radars. The rest, such as auto pilot, helm displays, depth, wind, speed, etc are probably salvageable. While not mandatory, I personally have a preference that all that equipment is from one vendor, so issues don't result in finger pointing.

Personally, I've not been seeing Garmin on too many sailboats. That's just my limited observation.

olson34 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by GNU

Is there a suggested upgrade path for us RL70/80C Plus owners? Or are we better of switching to Garmin (like everyone else)?

"Everyone else"??
That's an odd way to put it, unless you work for Garmin or one of their vendors.
I see a lot more Furuno gear on boats that get used a lot. Next after that is Raymarine.

The Garmin stuff is cheaply-built in my personal experience. Then there's the fact that the late model Garmin products cannot be mounted adjacent to the steering compass and the eliminates the usual mounting on the guard on most wheel-equipped sailboats.
Within their limitations, the Garmins are ok, but it's good to do some homework before spending your $.

L

Minnewaska · #7 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by olson34

"Everyone else"??
That's an odd way to put it, unless you work for Garmin or one of their vendors.?....

I had a similar thought.

night0wl · #8 (**permalink**) 01-10-2012

Why not just get the Matrix 2150 AIS VHF and the Ram Mic with AIS on it. For around $500 (self installed), you get AIS receive (only)...with the potential to patch it into a chartplotter in the future. The RAM Mic has an AIS display and full DSC capabilities.