Overview

The B&G V60-B is a fixed-mount VHF radio with Class D DSC and AIS, built for 12 V DC systems (10 to 15.8 V DC operating range) and rated IPX7 for wet helms and washdowns.

It covers everyday calling plus distress features, and it can pass DSC and AIS data to a compatible chartplotter over NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 so targets and call details can be shown where you need them. DSC and AIS functions require an MMSI programmed into the radio.

Key features

• Class D DSC with a dedicated Channel 70 receiver for distress and calling functions
• Built-in AIS across the range, with V60-B configurations adding Class B AIS transmit and receive
• Selectable GPS setup using the built-in antenna in the radio face or an external passive GPS antenna on the SMA port
• NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connectivity for sharing GPS, DSC, and AIS information with onboard electronics
• Removable fist mic that can connect at the front or the rear to suit hidden-radio installations
• Support for up to two H60 wireless handsets, with up to 70 m handset-to-base range in direct line of sight conditions
• Track Buddy position polling for up to five contacts, plus a Man Overboard (MOB) function for quick marking
• Optional external speaker support and a 30 W hailer output when a suitable speaker is installed
• Compass safe distance of 0.5 m to help plan a clean helm layout

Variants

This radio family is offered in multiple configurations to match how you want to handle AIS and GPS on board.

Across the options, the base unit remains a fixed-mount VHF with DSC and network connectivity. The differences are AIS capability (receiver only versus transmit and receive) and whether GPS is handled by the internal antenna or by the GPS-500 external antenna package.

• 000-14474-001: AIS Receiver & Transmitter; GPS Antenna: Internal. This configuration keeps GPS self-contained at the radio, which works well when the unit is mounted where the face has a clear view of the sky.
• 000-14819-001: AIS Receiver & Transmitter; GPS Antenna: GPS-500 External Antenna. This configuration includes the GPS-500, which helps when the radio is mounted below decks, under a hardtop, or anywhere the face-mounted antenna cannot see the sky cleanly.
• 000-14471-001: AIS Receiver; GPS Antenna: Internal. This configuration is for AIS target reception on the radio and network without AIS transmission from the vessel.

What's included

• VHF radio base unit
• Removable hand mic
• Gimbal mounting bracket
• Gasket for recessed mounting
• Sun cover
• Bracket knobs
• Bezel trim
• 8 A spare fuse
• Bulkhead mount for hand mic

Installation and setup

The unit can be mounted on the gimbal bracket or recessed into a dash cutout. Base-unit dimensions are 201.2 mm (W) x 97.8 mm (H) x 163.3 mm (D) without the bracket, so it fits well at a nav station panel or a protected helm face when depth behind the console is available.

Power is 12 V DC nominal with an inline 8 A fuse on the supply lead. The fist mic can be moved to a front or rear socket, which is handy when the radio body is hidden behind a bulkhead and you want the handset where you steer.

Antennas and GPS sources

The VHF antenna connection is SO-239 for a PL-259 terminated coax. On V60-B transceiver variants, AIS transmit uses a separate AIS antenna socket; a single VHF antenna can be shared when used with a VHF/AIS antenna splitter.

GPS can come from the built-in antenna in the radio face or from an external passive GPS antenna connected to the SMA port. On V60-B variants, GPS is sourced from the radio's own GPS system (internal or external) rather than a networked GPS feed when AIS transmit is in use.

Networking and on-board use

NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 let the radio exchange AIS and DSC information with compatible plotters so you can keep the system consistent across the boat. The built-in screen is useful at the nav station for call details and nearby AIS traffic even when the main display is off.

This setup makes sense for cruising sailboats, offshore fishing boats, and powerboats that want a fixed-mount VHF with DSC and AIS awareness that can be shared across the network.