My AIS vessel name is wrong

K

Kapena Honu

Member
Joined
May 6, 2026
Messages
9
Fluid Motion Model
R-29 CB
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2905I324
Vessel Name
HONU
How do I correct the vessel name transmitted through my AIS?

I’m the new owner of a used, 2024 Ranger 29CB. The vessel MMSI has been transferred to me (through FCC) and shows correct owner and vessel name.

I have the Icom M510 vhf and twin Garmin 8612xsv units. Looked behind helm (behind head mirror) and could not see any specific “black box” for AIS.

Thanks in advance.
 
The vessel name is transmitted by the AIS transceiver. You will need to have an authorized dealer re-program the transceiver. If you have the iCom M510 Plus, those apparently are AIS transceivers. If it’s the non-plus unit, you have some other AIS transceivers somewhere. If it’s the iCom, you need to find a dealer who can fix it for you.
 
Jesperjo said:
The vessel name is transmitted by the AIS transceiver. You will need to have an authorized dealer re-program the transceiver. If you have the iCom M510 Plus, those apparently are AIS transceivers. If it’s the non-plus unit, you have some other AIS transceivers somewhere. If it’s the iCom, you need to find a dealer who can fix it for you.
Click to expand...
My Icom 510 is NOT the AIS version. I assume I have a n AIS “black box” somewhere. Just can’t find it. It’s not behind the main helm, I checked there.
 
Interesting. It would have to be connected to the NMEA 2000 bus, which should be behind the helm on that boat. I’d open the hatch for that and trace all the connections to see where they go.

Your setup seems quite aftermarket. The iCom radio is not standard on that boat, I believe the Garmin VHF 215 AIS is. Nor is AIS transmit standard, only receive. The most likely scenario is that a previous owner replaced the Garmin radio with the iCom and since they didn’t get the AIS capable version, they also added a Garmin AIS 800 somewhere. My guess would be that it is mounted either behind the dash, or in the cave behind the microwave under the helm seat. If you go to the Garmin screen and click Options, then Settings, then Communications, then NMEA 2000 Setup, and finally Device List (my memory may mislead me on the exact menu options, so they could be somewhat different) you should be able to see exactly what’s connected to the NMEA bus there. That should tell you which AIS unit you have, even if it doesn’t tell you where it is.
 
On my 2018 Cutwater C-30S the Garmin AIS black box is located in "the cave” (the quarter berth storage area on the port side).

The unit is mounted behind the monkey fur panel at the end of the cave, near/under the captain’s seat area depending on the exact install. Attaching a couple of pics below that should help you spot it.


ais-location-1.jpeg

ais-location-1.jpeg

  • Media owner abastos
  • Date added

ais-location-2.jpeg

ais-location-2.jpeg

  • Media owner abastos
  • Date added
 
The Garmin AIS 800 should be able to be re-programmed yourself if you are only changing the vessel name or dimensions. Only the MMSI is dealer locked from my memory
 
I was able to reprogram the vessel name on my Garmin AIS 800 via the Garmin software which can be downloaded free here: https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=14363 (Windows only, needs a mini-usb cable).

On my 2013 R29, a prior owner installed the AIS 800 black box unit inside the v-berth closet which is located directly behind the helm station. I believe the layout is different on the newer boats so this reference point may not be much help
 
Does your Garmin AIS show up as a “device” on your system list?
 
If the AIS transceiver has been connected to the nmea2000 network, then it will show up in the device list, regardless of model or manufacturer of the unit.
 
abastos said:
On my 2018 Cutwater C-30S the Garmin AIS black box is located in "the cave” (the quarter berth storage area on the port side).

The unit is mounted behind the monkey fur panel at the end of the cave, near/under the captain’s seat area depending on the exact install. Attaching a couple of pics below that should help you spot it.


ais-location-1.jpeg

ais-location-1.jpeg

  • Media owner abastos
  • Date added

ais-location-2.jpeg

ais-location-2.jpeg

  • Media owner abastos
  • Date added
Click to expand...
Pic#2 is of your Garmin Reactor autopilot CCU. Your AIS unit is likely above the panel just to the aft of the one in pic#1.
 
you are right, my bad, I uploaded the wrong pic. My garmin AIS is the 600 model. Same place, but different location. Here is the right pic


ais-600.jpeg

ais-600.jpeg

  • Media owner abastos
  • Date added
 
That makes sense as the box has a vhf coax connection
 
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