The Vesper 8000 isn't an orphaned product. Still being manufactured and sold. There has been no firmware updates for 3 years, but none have been needed. With it, and a cell phone or tablet or laptop, you can display AIS targets overlaid on a moving map chart, with free software and charts (such as OpenCPN). That is far better than a featureless display of AIS, which is itself far better than an internet source (the information may be incomplete and hours old).
To Soo-Valley, on a clear day, AIS can see around corners which your eyes and radar cannot. In the PNW channels, that can be a distinct advantage, when around the next corner and coming your way at 20 knots is a 500' ferry or an 800' cruise ship. And a transponder (as distinct from a receiver), lets them see you too.
To Soo-Valley, on a clear day, AIS can see around corners which your eyes and radar cannot. In the PNW channels, that can be a distinct advantage, when around the next corner and coming your way at 20 knots is a 500' ferry or an 800' cruise ship. And a transponder (as distinct from a receiver), lets them see you too.