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 combidown AIS reception and transmission with GPS functionality, ensuring you are always clearly visible on the water.

Thanks to WiFi connection en USB output you can easily display AIS and GPS data on chartplotters, laptops, tablets and smartphones. The A051T supports both NMEA0183 as NMEA2000, making it compatible with various marine systems. What's more, it also converts NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 and via WiFi.

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

Now with a free month Waterkaarten app for €599. Are you already Waterkaarten user then for only € 589. 

Why use AIS?

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

• Increased safety: You are visible to other ships, even in poor visibility or at night. This helps to 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/paddlers: Alone on the water? AIS ensures that you are always seen by other ships and the coast guard.
• Useful in emergencies: In the event of a problem, an AIS transponder can contribute to a faster response from emergency services, because your position is automatically transmitted.

Note: Not all vessels use AIS. Think of smaller boats, fishing boats that prefer not to share their location, or a vessel with a malfunctioning AIS. Therefore, always remain alert to your surroundings—AIS is a tool, not a replacement for good looking out.

I sail on smaller waters or through canals. Does AIS still have an advantage?

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

Besides safety, AIS is also just plain fun! Family and friends can track you via websites and apps like MarineTraffic en Shipfinder. And how much fun is it to meet friends on the water for a nice, cold arrival beer? 🍻