By all means get the RADAR first. It will show all targets, not just those with AIS.

I’m having a radar installed on my vessel this winter, as I’ve been caught in the fog a few times accidently – and let’s face it, that can be scary.

I have been researching the other options to go along with a new radar, and two seem like good options – a heading indicator to enable MARPA target tracking, and also an AIS receiver.

If one only has the money for one of those – which one would you get? I.E. which is more useful to go along with a radar – MARPA tracking or AIS information overlayed on the radar screen?

I’m looking into both options but both gadgets are expensive, and I’m also not sure how easy to install, as from what I can find out, the AIS device transmits NMEA 0183 data at a different baud rate (higher speed?) then the heading indicator so I’m not even sure how to hook both up together (I’m still learning about NMEA 0183, though…)

Thanks in advance to anyone that replies!