**As the FCC requires all units sold in the US to be programmed by a qualified technician. Please submit the form below for programming at the time of purchase. A copy of the MMSI Registration or FCC Ship Station License is required along with the vessel master or owner’s signature on the completed programming form. **

Click here to download the form.

WatchMate XB-8000 smartAIS Transponder with WiFi and NMEA 2000 Gateway

The Vesper Marine WatchMate WatchMate XB-8000 is the world’s only black box transponder with built-in smartAIS features including the deckWatch smartwatch app.

Complete Class B AIS Transponder

WatchMate XB-8000 is a Class B AIS transponder with a two-channel parallel receiver and transmitter. It transmits your vessel position and details and receives the same kind of information from other vessels with AIS transponders.

The AIS data is sent every few seconds and includes information such as course, speed, latitude, longitude, and heading. Static information about the vessel is sent every few minutes and includes the name, type of vessel, length, beam, draft, etc.

smartAIS Features:

Unlike normal AIS which sends and receives AIS data, WatchMate XB-8000 has smartAIS which is an active system with smart alarm logic that alerts you rapidly to potential dangers.

• Safety Underway. This alerts you when smartAIS detects a potential collision
• Safety at Anchor. If your anchor drags, smartAIS will let you know immediately
• Safety for your Crew. If someone is washed overboard, smartAIS not only alerts you, it also provides their location so you can pick them up quickly

It means you can focus on navigating your vessel, knowing smartAIS is always keeping watch in the background and is ready to alert you the moment it detects a hazard or unwanted event.

deckWatch

deckWatch from Vesper Marine is a free smartwatch app that will transform your boating safety. Get instant information about potential collisions, anchor drag, or man overboard on your smartwatch using this new Android Wear 2 app from Vesper Marine.

deckWatch uses the power of Android Wear 2 to connect your smartwatch directly to the WiFi of your smartAIS transponder. It’s your safety companion anywhere on your boat. You don’t have to reach for your smartphone or tablet or carry them in rough sea conditions about the boat. You can see alerts directly on your smartwatch. That’s safety on hand exclusively from Vesper Marine.

WiFi connectivity anywhere onboard

WatchMate XB-8000 has built-in Wi-Fi. You can securely connect up to 5 other devices simultaneously over WiFi. You can have a wireless connection to your laptop, smartphone, and tablet.

AIS data, GPS, and Navigation instrument data over WiFi

Besides AIS data, GPS and NMEA instrument data can be shared with all your mobile devices and laptops. This is exclusive to Vesper Marine Smart AIS transponders. Manage your vessel’s navigation, set and monitor alarms or take decisive action from anywhere on board using your mobile device.

Connect Wirelessly to Other Devices Using WiFi 802.11 b/g

WatchMate XB-8000 provides a dual WiFi configuration as either a secure Access Point supporting up to five other devices simultaneously or connected to an existing router providing WiFi expansion capability to unlimited devices.

Translates NMEA 2000 instrument data (heading, wind, depth, speed, log, temperature) and routes it to mobile devices, computers, and plotters.

Certified NMEA2000 Gateway-Built in

Over WiFi & USB

All NMEA 2000 navigation data is combined with GPS and AIS data and sent simultaneously to up to five WiFi devices (tablets, smartphones, computers) as well as computers via USB. Display and use this data in your navigation applications such as iNavX, Nobletec, iSailor, NavPlay, or SEAiq on an iPad. Or use it on Android and iOS apps or Windows and Mac navigation software.

To NMEA 0183 instruments

Integrate chart plotters, MFDs, and radars using NMEA 0183 to your NMEA2000 navigation network using WatchMate XB-8000.

High-Resolution GPS

WatchMate XB-8000 is equipped with a fast 5Hz 50 channel GPS. This provides greater detail and higher resolution plotting. Displays GPS satellite status and navigation data such as your position, course, and speed when viewed from the My Vessel screen.

GPS source for navigation network

Use it as a source of GPS data on an NMEA 2000 network which means you do not need an additional GPS antenna. View GPS data on your plotter or MFD, with higher resolution and smoother tracks even during high-speed maneuvers.

External GPS Antenna Included

Includes an external GPS antenna and deck mount that allows for simple installation. For best performance, the GPS antenna requires a clear and unobstructed view of the sky. It usually works well when installed in a cockpit, under a non-metallic dodger, or under a fiberglass hard-top.

Some of the additional innovative features of WatchMate XB-8000 include:

• Vesper Marine’s new multiprocessor architecture for fast performance includes dedicated AIS processors ensuring reliable, instant AIS data acquisition
• Easy installation: Just plug in a VHF antenna and connect to 12-24 VDC
• WatchMate XB-8000’s low power consumption keeps it always on, always visible, always watching
• The WatchMate XB-8000 is waterproof (IPx7) so it can safely be mounted mostly anywhere
• Galvanically isolated USB ports protect the transponder and connected equipment (eg laptops) against damage due to inadequately bonded or damaged circuits on board

What’s In The Box?

• GPS antenna with 10m (33′) cable
• External Alarm and Switch
• Installation Guide
• 2m (6.5′) Power/data cable
• 1m (3′) USB cable