Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar Review

Let’s Dive into Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar

The Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar from Clipper promises a cost-effective solution for enhancing situational awareness on the water. It’s a dedicated AIS receiver and plotter designed for leisure boaters, offering a radar-style display of nearby AIS-equipped vessels and SART transponders. I’ve always valued safety and situational awareness when navigating, so this standalone unit piqued my interest.

My existing chartplotter, while capable, requires toggling through menus to access AIS data. I needed a dedicated, always-on display to provide immediate awareness of surrounding vessel traffic. Unboxing the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar revealed a compact, black unit with a clear, backlit matrix display. Its lightweight construction initially felt a bit plasticky, but the build seemed solid enough for marine use.

Compared to integrated AIS transponders or higher-end radar systems, the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar lacks transmit capabilities and advanced features like target tracking or collision avoidance alarms. However, it’s significantly more affordable than these alternatives. The Standard Horizon GX2200 offers similar functionality but also integrates a VHF radio, while the Raymarine AIS700 is a full-fledged Class B transponder, representing substantial price jumps. I chose the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar for its simplicity, focused functionality, and budget-friendly price point.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed like a practical, straightforward solution for improving situational awareness. I was excited to see how it performed in real-world conditions, but also slightly apprehensive about its limited feature set.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar during a weekend sailing trip in the Chesapeake Bay, a busy waterway with significant commercial and recreational vessel traffic. The unit was connected to my existing GPS via NMEA and to a dedicated VHF antenna mounted on the mast. I wanted to see how easy it was to get vessel information at a glance.

The Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar performed admirably in clear weather conditions. The radar-style display clearly showed nearby AIS targets, and selecting individual vessels provided detailed information such as MMSI, vessel name, course, and speed. In slightly choppy conditions, the display remained readable, but I did notice that the screen contrast needed some tweaking depending on the ambient light.

The initial setup required a bit of familiarization with the menu system, but after a few minutes, I found it relatively intuitive. One minor issue was that the GPS input occasionally dropped out momentarily, resulting in a brief loss of target data; I suspect this was related to my GPS unit rather than the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar itself.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar continues to be a valuable addition to my navigation setup. The unit has held up well, with no signs of significant wear and tear. It’s been exposed to sun, salt spray, and occasional splashes without any noticeable impact on performance.

Cleaning the unit is simple: a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed. Compared to relying solely on my chartplotter for AIS information, the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar provides a much more immediate and accessible view of surrounding vessel traffic. It doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of more advanced systems, but it provides a reliable, no-frills solution for enhancing situational awareness.

Breaking Down the Features of Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar

Specifications

The Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar boasts a dual-frequency AIS receiver capable of receiving both Class A and Class B AIS signals. It displays this information on a backlit matrix display. The unit requires a GPS input via NMEA (RMC sentence) for positioning and a VHF antenna to receive AIS signals. It operates on 12V DC and consumes minimal power.

These specifications are important because they define the core functionality of the unit. The dual-frequency receiver ensures compatibility with all types of AIS-equipped vessels. The GPS input provides the necessary location data for accurate target plotting. Low power consumption is crucial for battery-powered boats.

Performance & Functionality

The Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar excels at its primary function: displaying nearby AIS targets on a radar-style screen. Its ability to clearly display vessel position, course, and speed provides a significant boost to situational awareness. The display ranges from 0.125 to 32 nautical miles.

A key strength is its simplicity and ease of use. However, the lack of advanced features such as collision alarms or target filtering may be a drawback for some users. Overall, the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar meets expectations for a basic AIS receiver and plotter.

Design & Ergonomics

The Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar features a compact, black plastic housing with a white backlit LCD display. Its lightweight design makes it easy to mount in various locations. The menu system is relatively straightforward, though the buttons feel a bit small and plasticky.

While not the most aesthetically pleasing device, the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar is functional and practical. The learning curve is minimal, even for users unfamiliar with AIS technology.

Durability & Maintenance

The Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar appears to be reasonably durable, although the plastic housing may not withstand extreme abuse. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient for maintenance. The unit is not waterproof, so it’s important to protect it from direct exposure to water.

With proper care, the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar should provide years of reliable service. Repair options are limited, but given its affordable price, replacement may be a more practical option than repair in the event of failure.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar comes with minimal accessories: primarily a power cable and mounting bracket. It does not include a GPS antenna or VHF antenna, which must be purchased separately. There are no official customization options available.

However, the unit’s NMEA input allows it to be integrated with other onboard electronics. Compatibility with standard GPS and VHF antennas from various brands is assured.

Pros and Cons of Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar

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Who Should Buy Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar?

The Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar is perfect for leisure boaters, sailors, and fishermen seeking a cost-effective way to improve situational awareness. It is also well suited for anyone who wants a dedicated AIS display separate from their chartplotter. If you want an easily readable dedicated display to see vessel traffic on the water, this will do.

Those seeking advanced features such as collision avoidance alarms, target filtering, or AIS transmission capabilities should skip this product and consider a full AIS transponder or integrated radar system. A solid upgrade would be something from Raymarine. A must-have accessory is a high-quality VHF antenna to ensure optimal AIS signal reception.

Conclusion on Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar

The Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar is a no-frills, yet effective solution for enhancing situational awareness on the water. Its affordable price and ease of use make it an attractive option for budget-conscious boaters. It is especially useful if one’s chartplotter screen is difficult to read.

The value proposition is strong, as it provides a significant safety benefit at a fraction of the cost of more advanced systems. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, dedicated AIS display. If you’re ready to improve your on-water awareness without breaking the bank, the Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar is worth considering.