New Quark-Elec A051T AIS transponder with WiFi available!

Good news for water sports enthusiasts: the budget-friendly Quark-Elec A051T AIS transponder is now available! This powerful device combines AIS reception and transmission with GPS functionality, ensuring you are always highly visible on the water.

Thanks to the WiFi connection and USB output you can easily display AIS and GPS data on chartplotters, laptops, tablets and smartphones. The A051T supports both NMEA 0183 as NMEA 2000, making it compatible with various marine systems. Indeed, it also converts NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 and via WiFi.

With the Class B AIS functionality broadcast your vessel information and receive data from nearby vessels, significantly improving safety and navigation on the water.

Now with a free month of Water Charts app for €599. If you are already a Water Charts user, then for only € 589. 

Why use AIS?

Using an AIS transponder such as the Quark-Elec A051T offers numerous advantages:

• Enhanced security: You are visible to other ships even in poor visibility or at night. This helps avoid collisions.
• Better overview on the water: You can see in real-time which ships are nearby, including their speed and course.
• Useful for solo sailors/boaters: Alone on the water? AIS ensures you are always seen by other ships and the coastguard.
• Useful in emergency situations: In case of trouble, an AIS transponder can help speed up the response of emergency services, as your position is transmitted automatically.

Note: Not all ships use AIS. Think of smaller boats, fishing boats that prefer not to share their location, or a ship whose AIS is faulty. So always stay alert to your surroundings-AIS is an aid, not a substitute for good lookout.

I sail on smaller waters or through canals. Does AIS have any advantage then?

If you sail your Optimist on a local lake, AIS is indeed not necessary. But if you sail in Friesland on the lakes or on the Alkmaardermeer, for example, you will still encounter commercial shipping. On canals, it's nice to be able to see what traffic to expect before a bend or bridge, so you can anticipate.

Besides safety, AIS is also just plain fun! Family and friends can follow you via websites and apps such as MarineTraffic and Shipfinder. And how fun is it to look up friends on the water for a cosy, cold arrival beer? 🍻