Icom UK will preview two forthcoming marine electronics products at the Southampton International Boat Show from 18 to 27 September 2026: the IC-M430 fixed-mount VHF and the MA-600TRBB Class B+ AIS transponder. The company says both will be available for hands-on inspection at stand A58, giving boat owners and installers a chance to assess the products before general release.
A slimmer fixed VHF for crowded dashboards
The IC-M430E is designed as a compact replacement option for boats where dashboard depth is limited. Icom says the chassis depth is reduced by more than 50% compared with the IC-M423GE while retaining the same front-panel and flush-mount dimensions, which should make upgrades easier on existing installations.
The radio uses a colour TFT display with day, dark and night modes and provides 25W RF output with Class D DSC. Built-in GNSS, NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183-HS connectivity, a hailer and automatic foghorn functions are also included, while an optional CommandMic can provide a second operating position elsewhere on the boat.
MA-600TRBB brings 5W SOTDMA AIS
The MA-600TRBB is a black-box Class B+ AIS transponder using SOTDMA and 5W transmit power. It includes an antenna splitter so the AIS and marine radio can share one VHF antenna, reducing the need for a second antenna installation on smaller leisure boats.
Icom also lists NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183-HS integration, an included GNSS antenna supporting GPS, GLONASS and Galileo, and a silent mode that can pause AIS transmission through a remote switch. The unit is rated to IPX7, which is particularly relevant when installation spaces are exposed to spray or damp conditions.
Southampton provides a practical pre-release look
Icom describes the Southampton appearance as an exclusive preview of the two forthcoming models rather than a normal retail launch. That distinction matters because pricing and final availability can still change before release, so buyers should treat the show as an opportunity to inspect the hardware and confirm compatibility with their existing navigation network.
For owners refitting boats under 12 metres, both products address common space and integration constraints: the radio reduces installation depth while the AIS unit can share the existing VHF antenna. The combination should therefore be especially relevant to compact cruisers, RIBs, fishing boats and sailing yachts where electronics space is at a premium.