[It's another MadMariner feature from a few weeks back. —Tim]

If you’ve spent any time around major commercial ports or vessel traffic lanes, you’ve probably wondered about all those big ships. What’s in those enormous vessels? Where are they coming from? Where are they headed? How fast are they going?

It turns out that the big ships broadcast answers to all of those questions, all the time. To receive that data, you need an "Automatic Identification System," or AIS receiver. You can learn a bit about the technology over at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Center site.

I’ve had AIS aboard my boat for two years now, in one form or another, and I’m here to say: I would not be without it. I navigate the sometimes crowded waters of Puget Sound, Admiralty Inlet, Rosario Strait, and the San Juan Islands, and it is extremely handy to have access to accurate data about the shipping traffic displayed right on the chartplotter.

[Image generated with Rose Point Coastal Explorer]

Much of the time, to be honest, the AIS data provides a form of entertainment; it’s fun to learn the ships’ names, see how long they are, how fast they’re going and the rest. Recently, however, I was out in heavy fog, and obtaining accurate information about the commercial traffic satisfied a need far more compelling than mere curiosity.

UNDERSTANDING AIS

I’m actually surprised that more boats don’t have AIS receivers, because you can add AIS data to your chartplotter for about $300. About half the time, I get blank stares when I mention it to fellow boaters, and I get the impression there’s still a good deal of confusion about the technology.

To begin with, let’s clarify something: For most pleasure boats, the most valuable aspect of AIS is being able to receive the data big vessels transmit. Transmitting data about your own vessel is, at this point, is not especially helpful. So it’s important to draw a distinction between simple AIS receive-only units, which can be purchased for less than $200, and the more expensive Class B AIS units, which cost about $1,000. Class B units receive AIS data from other ships, but they also broadcast similar data about your boat.

I currently have one of Shine Micro’s Class B AIS units installed aboard Two Lucky Fish, and I like it. But the fact is that nobody really cares where my boat is; the vast majority of the boats in a position to do anything about the position of my boat (or care) are not equipped to receive the AIS data I’m broadcasting. The big ships are equipped to see me, but they’re not going to navigate around me anyway. It’s up to me to stay out of their way.

My point is that about 99 percent of the real-world AIS utility I have experienced so far comes from reception: I know the names, positions, headings, and velocities of the big traffic I need to avoid. I have made active use of this data on several occasions, hailing them by name over VHF channel 13 (the bridge-to-bridge channel most big ships monitor), in order to clarify intentions in passing and crossing situations.

BETTER TO RECEIVE

Here is an example from one recent foggy morning. I was arriving at Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island. It’s a harbor I know very well, but in the fog, it was mysterious and frightening. Big pink radar blotches on the screen are certainly nice, but they’re a lot more helpful with AIS vector triangles overlaid on top, especially since you can click on the target and learn the name of that specific vessel.

As I arrived at Friday Harbor, one Washington State Ferry was departing and another was arriving. I never saw either vessel. Heck, I never saw the headland I had just rounded. It was extremely reassuring to see the AIS data confirming the radar data, and to be able to hail one of the boats by name to clarify what they were going to do. I learned that they intended to pass one another right about where I was. Guessing that they would probably give one another a somewhat wider berth than they might in clear conditions, I decided to scoot in and hug the shore pretty closely. That’s about the time I grabbed this screenshot off my chartplotter.

Certainly, I didn’t need AIS in any of the situations where I’ve made active use of it; I could just slow down and wait to see how each situation developed, or take the longer, safer route that keeps me outside the area where the conflict could occur. But it’s empowering and, frankly, just good seamanship to know how to make contact with a bigger vessel, state your question briefly and clearly, and make a decision based on what you are told. AIS allows you to contact commercial vessels quickly – by name – to obtain additional information and confirm that events are proceeding according to your new, more complete understanding of the situation.

THE CHEAP WAY

So let me explain how you can add AIS data to your chartplotter inexpensively. One of the cheapest AIS receive-only units is Milltech Marine’s single-channel SR161. This bare-bones unit sells for $189, but the fact is that it works, and it does what you need to obtain the benefits I have described. To make it work, you need to connect it to three things: a 12-volt power source, a VHF antenna and a chartplotter.

The power is easy. The VHF antenna is fairly straightforward, if you have a separate antenna for it. You’ll probably need to track down a connecter or adapter to get it all hooked up, and that can be a bit of a hassle because standard VHF antennae tend to use PL259 connectors and AIS units seem to favor the BNC adapters. Don’t panic, but don’t be surprised if you have to call around or order online to get the adapter or connector you need.

If you want to share your existing antenna between your VHF radio and the new AIS unit, you’ll need an antenna splitter that can protect the AIS unit from the destructive potential of VHF transmissions you make when you key your mic. That kind of power can damage or destroy a radio receiver, which is one reason I prefer a separate, dedicated antenna for AIS. The cost (new antenna versus antenna splitter) is about the same, but you can often find inexpensive VHF antennae on Craigslist or at marine swap meets, so it can actually be cheaper to add a new antenna. I got mine for $20. Ironically, the antenna mount cost almost twice that. I had to get the fancy stainless steel model.

All that’s left is to connect the AIS unit to a chartplotter, or a PC running navigation software. The AIS-to-chartplotter connection can be a bit tricky, I’ve found, and it varies a lot depending on your chartplotter. I won’t pretend to cover every angle, but suffice it to say that in the end, you’ll need to connect three wires from the cable that plugs into the SR161’s 9-pin jack to three wires in a NMEA cable you can plug into your chartplotter.

Connecting it to a laptop, however, is very straightforward, even though the SR161 comes with that old-fashioned 9-pin RS-232 connector and your laptop probably supports USB only. All you need is a Keyspan USB-to-serial adapter, which sells for about $25. There are other brands out there, but the Keyspan seems to enjoy a great reputation, and I know from personal experience that it works, though it occasionally will require a reboot (unplug it from your computer, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in).

If you decide to try it with your laptop, let me suggest that you install Rose Point Coastal Explorer. I really love the powerful way it displays AIS data on the chart, so underway I’ll often run Rose Point on the laptop, right alongside my Raymarine chartplotter. I’ve got my installation set up so I can plug the AIS into my Raymarine C-80 chartplotter or my laptop.

Either way, I never leave the dock without AIS. It’s too valuable to me. I think many recreational boaters would agree, if they had a chance to experience it for themselves the way I have. The fact that can be added so cheaply makes it a pretty easy decision, in my opinion.

[Navagear has made no secret of the fact that we’re impressed with the Torqeedo line; we’ve written about several Torqeedo products. So despite the fact that I know very, very little about fishing, I thought I would share this press release with our readers. —Tim]

When it comes to kayak fishing, every advantage counts. That’s why professionals such as Chad Hoover, pair their kayak with an outboard designed specifically for fishing. With a total weight of 15 lbs., including the battery, Torqeedo’s Ultralight 402 can be easily mounted onto most rigid kayaks. It’s IP67-rated and can operate when temporarily submersed.

As a pro staff member and owner of www.kayakbassfishing.com, Hoover is an extensively experienced and enthusiastic angler. He also doesn’t recommend a product to anyone without trying it out firsthand.

"I’ve taken this motor over cypress knees, shale rock and dense vegetation, including lily pads," said Hoover. "I beat this motor up and it just keeps going. It even performs well in shallow water."

"I’d recommend this motor to other anglers," continued Hoover. "It frees my hands up to fish. The Ultralight is also quiet, fast, lightweight, efficient, smooth and easily adjusted. The speed and presentation can be dialed in to match your technique and not the other way around."

With propulsive power equivalent to a 1 hp gas outboard, it can reach a max speed between 5.0-6.0 mph for about half an hour, depending on the type of kayak. At slow speed, it provides a range of 12-15 miles. An integrated board computer combines information from the motor, batteries and a built-in GPS, enabling kayakers to monitor battery charge, speed and remaining range at current speed.

"The Torqeedo kayak outboard is a great addition to any beginning, intermediate or advanced paddling angler’s arsenal," continued Hoover. "It helps increase your range and the amount of water you can cover, which can ultimately increase your ability to catch fish."

The Ultralight’s impressive efficiency is due to its drivetrain, which converts 50% of stored battery power into propulsive power, measured after all losses, including propeller losses. In comparison, the equivalent value for trolling motors amounts to some 20% while internal combustion outboards have even smaller overall efficiencies.

Enabling trolling, providing additional range and giving support against local currents, this electric outboard is also helpful when kayaking with friends and family, who may prefer the convenience of an outboard. "It ushers in people who may steer away from paddling to fish and requires no permanent installation to your kayak," said Hoover.

Torqeedo’s new Ultralight 402 has a suggested retail price of $1,799.

Combining lithium batteries with leading-edge motor technology and propeller design, Torqeedo’s high-tech outboards have won numerous awards. Environmentally-sound, they offer unrivalled strength and efficiency for superior range.

Chad Hoover’s book, Kayak Bass Fishing, is now available for pre-sale at www.helipress.com and will be officially released November 1.

I’ve written a lot recently about stereo systems. Mostly, I had been focusing on minimalist and bare-bones systems that could be used simply to amplify a line-level signal from an MP3 player.

But then one thing leads to another, and before long you’ve got something that will read SD cards and USB thumb drives, too.

And heck, lots of us still have CDs—both the conventional audio kind and those we burned with MP3 and WMA files. And sometimes you just want to see what’s on the local radio stations.

So face it: Some of us just want it ALL! Read onward…

With so many music format options available today, boaters, golfers and other outdoor enthusiasts should not be limited with outdated technology. Compatible with MP3 and WMA audio files, the advanced Millenia MR380 Receiver from Prospec Electronics is a state-of-the-art AM/FM/CD stereo with USB, SD and AUX inputs conveniently located on the unit’s front.

Designed specifically for use with portable media, the innovative MR380 also provides a versatile PLL tuner with 18 FM and 12 AM station presets. Operating at 4 x 40 watts, it features an ergonomic, rotary-style volume knob, detachable control panel with a sleek, digital display and a line-out for an additional amp.

Built to withstand harsh conditions, the resilient receiver offers electronic shock protection. For further defense against the elements, an optional cover is also available. Simple to mount, the streamlined unit has an installation size of just 7-1/8" W x 2-1/8" H x 6-3/4" D.

The suggested retail price of the modern Millenia MR380 from Prospec Electronics has a suggested retail price of $149.

“Smaller, Lighter and now with a Strobe Light and Multi-Use GPS Acquisition Testing!”

It’s a press release, of course, so I expect the hype, and the creative capitalization rules. But seriously, these things are getting better and cheaper by the year. Pretty soon, there won’t be a reason NOT to have one, even if you only head out beyond cell-phone coverage areas once or twice a year!

Let’s see what the press release says…

ACR Electronics introduces its newest generation of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) the AquaLink  406 MHz GPS PLB.

The AquaLink , which recently received FCC approval, features a new strobe light function and multi-use GPS acquisition testing. The AquaLink represents one of the smallest, lightest 406 GPS PLBs in the world. The rugged, one-button activated, emergency signaling device is perfect for offshore boaters and sailors and outdoor enthusiasts heading into remote
areas.

The AquaLink  has all new high performance features such as:
* Built-in, super bright LED strobe light increases visibility to Search and Rescue.
* Onboard 66-channel parallel GPS acquires then transmits LAT/LON when the unit is activated, dramatically saving valuable time for the distress message to reach local rescue centers, and provide rescue agencies with exact position to within 110 yards (100 meters).
* In addition to full functional self testing of internal circuitry, battery voltage and power, the AquaLink  allows for an increased number of long GPS acquisition tests‹up to 12 times per life of battery.
* More efficient design uses less power, making it lighter.
* Inherently buoyant.

Suggested MSRP for the AquaLink  is $499.00.

Specifications
Size:               2.25 x 5.88 x 1.49² (5.72 x 14.94 x 3.78 cm)
Weight:             8.9 oz (252 g) with lanyard
Battery:            Lithium battery packs, meets DOT and IATA rules for safe transport,  5-year replacement life
Deployment:         Manual
Activation:         Manual
Operation:          2 steps: deploy antenna, press ON button, giving clear view to the sky
Waterproof:         16.4¹ (5 m) @ 1hr., 33¹ (10 m) @ 10 min
Operational Life:               Exceeds required 24 hours @ -4º F (-20º C)
Certification:      Cospas-Sarsat, FCC, and RTT&E Europe Approved

RLW over at BoatBits always has something interesting to say, and today is no exception. The fact that he’s recommending another one of my neighbors makes it noteworthy.

See, Ed Louchard at ZephyrWerks in Port Townsend fabricates delrin sheaves with bronze bushings, in pretty much any size you need.

Sounds expensive, doesn’t it?

Let’s see what BoatBits has to say in this post, entitled “Silly pricing on boat stuff":

So what should a really good sheave cost? Well take a look at Zephyrwerks who makes really excellent sheaves on a semi-custom basis. They use top quality materials and their workmanship is first rate… A single sheave will run you $38. If you buy more the cost comes down…

So why does the discount marine store sell cheap injected plastic crap with sharp edges for $79? Well, just maybe, it is because we as boat folk are stupid and confuse high price with quality or just don’t know better… Either way it is in our own best interest to give a little more thought to the stuff we install in our boats and the prices we pay.

So next time you need to replace sheaves, see if ZephyrWerks has what you need, eh?

Tim for another Navagear feature at MadMariner! This time, I introduce AIS, explain why I’m such a big fan, and show how you can add AIS data to your chartplotter for about $300.

Remember my recent survey of bare-bones stereo systems? It featured several interesting alternatives to conventional “car-stereo”-style head units.

If I had known about the Milennia MR50 from Prospec Electronics, I certainly would have included it. Although it LOOKS fairly conventional, and will easily fit into dashboards configured for traditional head units, it actually has more in common with the bare-bones amplifiers I discussed in that earlier article.

For one thing, it doesn’t include a CD player at all. It’s strictly an AM/FM receiver with an auxiliary input; a standard 3.5mm “1/8th-inch” stereo headphone jack.

But hold on! It also features an SD-card slot and a USB port on the front face, allowing you to play audio files on data cards and “thumb drives”. The USB port also allows you to recharge iPods and cell phones that sport USB plugs.

All that for less than $80? Count me in!

The fact that it is actually very compact is a plus, especially on smaller boats with limited dash and instrument space. Although it occupies about the same amount of “dashboard real estate” as a conventional stereo, it’s only four inches deep, since they left off the CD player. So clever installers will find room for this unit where full-on CD-player receivers just could not fit.

I contacted Todd Allen of Prospec Electronics, asking for some photos showing the shallow depth of the Milennia MR50, and he was kind enough to snap some for me and send them along. I’ve got to say, this looks like it might be the right unit for Two Lucky Fish, my C-Dory 22.

(more…)

The Everett Herald has the story/ The photo is by Mark Mulligan:

EVERETT — A boat docked at the Port of Everett’s 10th Street Boat Launch caught fire about 7:15 p.m. Thursday, sending a big plume of black smoke drifting over north Everett and attracting a crowd of onlookers, many who were out to watch the sunset.

Everett firefighters quickly had the fully involved blaze out.

Boat owner Mike Malloy of Everett said he started up his 22-foot Bayliner and had it running a few minutes when it backfired and burst into flames. He tried to use a fire extinguisher but ended up having to jump from the burning boat to a nearby boat-launch dock.

Malloy was not injured and no other people or boats were involved.

“Thank God for insurance,” Malloy said.

[Read more]

I wrote earlier about the new C-series widescreens. Well, hold onto your hat, because now there are new widescreen E-series chartplotters as well. With touch screen!

Again, you could do a lot worse than to check in with Ben over at Panbo for the details.

You know, I actually want this! I’m not just being silly, either. My slip on Lake Union is tucked between a houseboat and a boat house, and it’s DARK. At night, I barely have enough light to see where I’m going. What I need is a motion-sensor-controlled underwater lighting system that would turn on when a boat approaches, helping me see what I’m doing.

Anyway, here’s the press release:

Docking at night combined with improper lighting can be dangerous. Adding safety and colored beauty to waterfront property, Aqualuma underwater lighting offers its high-output LED Dock/Marina Light, improving visibility of the surrounding waters.

The light’s unique, curved-face design illuminates the waters around docks, pilings, seawalls and jetties. Late-night fishing is also more enjoyable since underwater lighting attracts a wide variety of fish for the avid angler.

Incredibly durable, its six LEDs are protected in a high-tech polymer housing. The Dock/Marina Light draws less than 1.3 amps at 12V DC and emits virtually no heat. With no bonding required or metal under the water, corrosion is eliminated. It comes with 16.2′ of tinned cable.

A fiberglass mounting post, injection-molded, reinforced bracket and stainless steel mounting pins are included. Easy cleaning is enabled by the pivot bracket.

The light is available in Ultra Blue, Ultra Green and Brilliant White. With a recent price reduction and a two-year warranty, Aqualuma’s Marina/Dock Light costs $777.18. Piggyback units are available for $642.18.