Hi Mark,

...but I'm dreading the day when most recreational vessels have transponders, in congested waters it will quickly become more of a distraction, than an aid.. I liken that prospect to the time when all cars on our roads have those freakin' Xenon headlamps...

I've always figured it's my responsibility alone to avoid getting run down by stuff far bigger and less maneuverable than me... Certainly, I rely upon a good radar reflector, foghorn, etc., but a boat like mine with an AIS transponder just seems a bit silly, to me... I really wouldn't mind having AIS transmit capability restricted to commercial vessels, or those over a certain size, basically those vessels that HAVE to be out there... Those are the guys I'm worried about...

best regards,

Jon