I'm trying to figure out the best way to install an AIS system in our
cruising sailboat. It's largely used coastally off Mexico with
occasional longer passages of a few hundred miles. Night passages are
common.

Hardware questions:

There seem to be two price points..single channel, serial only for
about $190 from Milltech or dual channel USB capable from Safe Passage
for around $800. I'm thinking single channel is adequate but I my sole
serial port is occupied by the GPS and I've had problems in the past
with the serial/usb adapters. Anyone know of a single channel USB
output receiver?

I have an unused "emergency" VHF antenna on a pole about 12 feet above
the water. I could use that for the AIS or I could use a splitter on
the masthead antenna. I'm not inclined to do anything to reduce VHF
reception. Can someone tell me the formula for VHF "line of sight"
distance?

Software questions

I'm currently using MAptech Offshore Navigator which doesn't have AIS
support. I'd have to upgrade to their newer system or else buy
another. Fugawi seems attractive. I have a whole bunch of Maptech
formatted charts but Fugawi seems to be able to handle these OK.

In either case, I would lose my "tracks" of past passages. Those are
especially handy off the Mexican coast because the charts are hand
drawn in 1888 or so and the shore is a few miles further east than the
charts show...except when it isn't. Finding a way into an anchorage
or around a rock once during daylight gives me a track I can follow
next time. Maptech suggests converting tracks to routes, but I haven't
looked into that yet. Does anyone know how to get the track files out
of Maptech's program? If they have lat longs I might be able to bring
them into the new program.

I also think I could keep the old Maptech program and switch it on
when following a past track is essential. I wonder if I could run both
simultaneously and bring the old program on screen.when I need it.

Any comments or advice? I'm not at the boat now so can't experiment
very much.

Thanks
Dick Locke
S/V Tanoshii