Garmin VHF 215 AIS Fixed Mount Marine Radio
Best marine radio for boaters prioritizing safety and integrated navigation awareness.
Enhance your maritime safety and awareness with the Garmin VHF 215 AIS Marine Radio. This fixed-mount unit displays AIS targets directly on compatible Garmin chartplotters, offering clear situational awareness. It features Class D DSC functionality for distress calls and covers all major U.S., Canadian, and international marine channels, plus 10 NOAA weather channels. Built for the marine environment, it boasts an IPX7 water resistance rating. Seamless NMEA 2000 connectivity ensures easy integration with your existing Garmin system, and it supports an optional foghorn and two-way hailer for comprehensive communication.
$749.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
2
/ 178
#2 in Marine Radios
Price vs Category Average
+50%
Above average
Transmit Power
25
/ Watts
Who it's for
- Safety-conscious sailors tracking nearby vessel traffic
- Boaters seeking easy integration with existing marine electronics
- Captains needing reliable gear for harsh offshore conditions
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused mariners needing only basic communication features
- Novice installers intimidated by complex network configurations
- Users without a compatible external chartplotter for AIS visualization
Performance breakdown
AIS Integration
Seamlessly overlays critical vessel data directly onto your existing Garmin chartplotter.
System Connectivity
NMEA 2000 support ensures effortless communication with your wider marine electronics network.
Durability
IPX7 water resistance provides reliable protection against harsh, salt-heavy marine environments.
Safety Functionality
Class D DSC and dedicated weather channels offer essential peace of mind.
Installation Versatility
Flexible flush or bracket mounting options accommodate various cockpit and console layouts.
Communication Range
Standard 25-watt output delivers robust signal strength for reliable long-distance transmission.
Key Specs
Transmit Power
25 Watts
Water Resistance Rating
IPX7
Dimensions
3.9" x 7.8" x 5.8"
Connectivity
NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 compatible
Frequency Range
156.050 MHz to 163.275 MHz
Form Factor
Fixed Mount
Part Number
GRM-VHF215AIS
Integrated Safety Features
Digital Selective Calling, Automatic Identification System
Features
- Displays AIS targets on chartplotters
- Seamless NMEA 2000 integration
- Class D DSC functionality
- Covers all major marine channels
- Includes 10 NOAA weather channels
- Supports optional foghorn and hailer
- IPX7 water resistant design
- Easy fixed mount installation
What customers say
This Garmin marine radio earns high praise primarily for its superior integration and safety features. Users consistently highlight the seamless plug and play setup within existing Garmin networks using NMEA 2000. The built-in AIS receiver is a standout, significantly boosting situational awareness by overlaying targets onto chartplotters, which elevates safety. Audio clarity for both transmission and reception is excellent, even in loud conditions. While the initial cost is premium, customers feel the robust build quality, reliable performance, and advanced communication capabilities fully justify the investment. It is highly recommended for boaters prioritizing system coherence and dependable safety equipment.
Know before you buy
Yes, the VHF 215 AIS is designed to transmit AIS data directly to compatible Garmin chartplotters via NMEA 2000, allowing you to see nearby vessels clearly on your navigation screen.
No, the radio features an integrated GPS receiver, which is required for the Class D DSC distress calling functionality to work correctly.
The unit supports both standards for maximum compatibility. NMEA 2000 is the modern, plug-and-play standard for easy integration with your Garmin network, while NMEA 0183 is included to support older legacy marine electronics.
It carries an IPX7 water resistance rating, meaning it is built to withstand accidental immersion in water up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes, making it well-suited for the marine environment.
Yes, the radio is pre-programmed with all major U.S., Canadian, and international marine channels, ensuring you can communicate effectively regardless of your location.
The radio supports both a foghorn and a two-way hailer, but you will need to purchase and connect an external speaker separately to utilize these features.
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Ready to buy?
$750