What is Automatic Packet/Position Reporting System (APRS) and why should I want it?

[BayMan]

I just took delivery of my new-to-me boat. It has a standard VHF radio but it also has a Kenwood TM-D700 unit that, to the best I can figure out, is a type of Ham radio. Anyone have one of these or know what it is? It seems dated. I turned it on and did not hear any radio chatter going on between other users.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

It is indeed a VHF ham radio. Hardly 'dated' as it is a contemporary radio used by hams for general communications including ARPS which a simple google search will describe in detail. That feature enables the radio to send and receive location data but is of limited use to you unless you:
1. Are properly licensed, and
2. Are within VFF range.

Probably the best thing you can do is advertise it for sale as it is worth a good deal of money on the used market.