Yes and No, you can use a VHF antenna for AIS receive. To transmit AIS you will need a dedicated AIS antenna. If not possible to have a dedicated AIS antenna, and you only have one antenna on the boat, make sure it’s a VHF antenna because that’s the primary form of communication. Please note you will need a splitter to accomplish this (sold separately).
If you have independent VHF and AIS antennas on a sailboat, the VHF antenna should be installed at the top of the mast, the AIS should be installed lower down on a radar arch. Due to the fact that range is not as important to AIS.
