AIS Receiver vs. Radar Reflector?

Question:

I would like to add an AIS transceiver. I have been tossing around getting a radar reflector and thought that if I had an AIS transceiver, it would be much more reliable than a radar reflector. What is your opinion on this? What is entailed in getting the AIS set up? You did set us up to receive AIS locations (which is great), but not to send out a signal.

Answer:

Both radar reflector and AIS transponder are great ideas. It is really not one or the other but both. The radar reflector is a no-brainer and you should get one. An AIS transponder costs around $900-$1000 plus installation.