Marine Weather Stations Guide

It is easy to take the weather for granted. We all know that it changes over time, but the effect of marine weather conditions on the ships or any boat operating in a navigable area is no less important.

While many people think of weather as just a compilation of pleasant or unpleasant negative marine conditions, the truth is that it can have an impact on almost everything you do. Weather can paralyze flights across the country, cause road melts to become fatal, damage bridges, and even lead to loss of life. This is why weather stations are so critical.

The significant impact of weather

Weather can have a significant impact on your daily activities and safety, so it’s important to be able to accurately predict what the weather will be like during a journey with the help of a weather station. A good tool on a boat for this is a marine weather station, which provides information on wind speed and direction as well as air pressure, temperature and humidity. Weather stations are used to calculate the best time to leave port, then compare with prevailing conditions. The more accurate the figures are on these weather stations, the more effective they will be as a navigational tool.

The weather station and boating in general

Wind can influence the tides and currents. The wind will alter how fast you are moving through the water. It also affects the waves, causing them to be choppy.

Both oceans and inland waters are affected by wind. The stronger the winds in any given area, the more likely it is that there will be thunderstorms in that area. In a windy situation, the boat will have a difficult time holding a steady course, making it hard to navigate. This is why a weather station is invaluble.

Since winds can change direction quickly, you need to be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. It's essential to pay close attention to both the wind and weather you're sailing through.

On calm days, water levels fluctuate almost imperceptibly; on windy days, however, ocean waves can build up to significant heights.

A slow-moving storm system can create dangerous conditions for boats. If the weather around you is not safe, there are other concerns that should be taken into consideration when you're at sea.

Preparation is key to a successful boating experience

The best way to enjoy your day at the beach, during a sail or on the water is to be prepared. Keep an eye on the weather forecast. If you’re planning to go to a particular boating area, check for any coming or past large storms. If you’re planning an offshore fishing trip, look for any “stormy weather” forecasts.

Be sure to read all of your safety equipment manuals so you are familiar with what you have onboard and how it works. The right gear can make all the difference between a great day at the beach, a peaceful sail or a pleasant ride on the water. A weather station is included here!.

Whether you are cruising by the ocean or lakes, out on the lake or sea, there are things that will help you have a fantastic day at sea or on land. The experience you have behind the wheel is directly related to how safe it is for every passenger aboard. This is the number one reason to bring a weather station.

Safety is essential for everyone aboard. It is not just about saving lives but also having fun! Having fun while being safe is part of enjoying your day out on the water and in land and it should be taken into consideration when choosing your vehicle and ensuring that everyone aboard has adequate training and protective equipment available. Remember that you need to know how your weather station works.

2 of the most popular Marine Weather Stations

AIRMAR's Marine Weather Station

All Weather. All Marine. One Weather Station®. From cruising sailboats to yachting and commercial fishing, AIRMAR has Weather Station® products specifically designed for your marine application. Whether you’re on the deck or down below, check out these marine weather products to help you measure, monitor and manage the elements with precision and accuracy.

Available in three models, the WX 220S features standard NMEA 2000® digital data output and optional AirFoil™ vertical wind sensors to calculate true apparent wind, while the WX 220C includes NMEA 2000® and VHF-compliant NMEA 0183 digital data outputs to support rate gyro functionality. The WX 220W includes dual-rate gyros, 600 Hz GPS, compass and tilt sensors to provide complete wind information.

The WX220 weather station can be mounted as a head-on display on the helm,or located in the nav. station to give you instant access to all your critical weather information. If integrated into your nav. system, WX220 weather data can be displayed alongside: Digital Chart Plotter (DCPltyD), Radar, VMG and GPS.

Your weather is critical to your safety and peace of mind. From cruising sailboats to yachting and commercial fishing, this station has the marine grade instruments you need to ensure accurate weather data so you can take full advantage of your time on the water. The WX series instruments are packed with innovative technology for diverse applications.

Features of the Airmar Weather Station

A compact wireless weather station that combines the power of seven sensors into one easy-to-install unit. This weather station can be set up on a standard pole with 1" to 14" NPT threads, or mounted on a wall. It comes complete with an optional heater model for colder climates under 32° F.

AirMARC weather stations measure the following wind speed and direction, relative humidity, dew point temperature, barometric pressure (in kPa), solar radiation (in MJ/m2), and ambient temperature.

They feature 7 different sensors. Humidity, dew point temperature, wind speed, and solar radiation sensors are basically the same as the existing AIRMARC Technology™ sensors. A separate barometric pressure sensor is used to accurately measure the local atmospheric pressure. A separate wind direction sensor determines the direction of the wind with respect to true north.

The devices that read these sensors are extremely compact in size and easy-to-install. They are mounted on a standard pole with 1"-14 UNS or 3/4" NPT threads. The units can be either permanently installed on a building or used as portable equipment for field measurements.

The units are rated IPX6 waterproof rating (units with relative humidity option are IPX4 waterproof rated). The main unit has an internal fan that is turned on when the unit becomes saturated by rain or snow. This helps to dry it out quickly. As soon as it stops raining or snowing, the fan will work automatically again, drying out the unit in most cases within 2 minutes or less.

You can’t go wrong with the Airmar Weather Station. It’s a reliable, accurate and affordable system that can be used in all 50 states.

Kestrel Weather Stations

The Kestrel 1000 Weather Meter is the marine industry's choice in professional-grade wind meters. Perfect for cruising, sailing, fishing, boating and racing, this highly accurate anemometer beats some of the best brands in its category.

Be prepared for anything with the Kestrel 1000 Wind Meter weather stations and additional basic units. These incredibly accurate weather bars make spending time on the water safer and more enjoyable, and they provide boat owners and sailors with a wealth of information about their surroundings. Available in both analog and digital models, the Kestrel 1000 offers a wide range of features that make it one of the most advanced instruments on today's market.

A weather meter weather stations must be robust and super easy to use. The Kestrel 1000 Weather Meter has been engineered to overcome all caveats of traditional boat anemometers. Safely mount the display anywhere, and track data with ease.

Anemometers are used to measure wind speed. They come in a wide range of styles, consistencies, and costs. Kestrel Wind Measurement Systems operate from a boat or from shore and can help determine the direction of wind as well as its speed. With tools such as the Kestrel 5200 Pocket Weather Meter, you can also keep a check on weather forecasts and marine tides.

Environmental Measures

• Wind Speed/Air Speed

Features

• 3-Button Control
• Backlight blue white
• Data Hold Function
• Drop-Tested to MIL-STD-810G
• Hard Slip-On Protective Cover
• High Contrast, Sunlight Readable Monochrome LCD Display
• Minimum/Maximum/Average Reading
• Waterproof to IP67 (3'/1M for 30 minutes)

Conclusion

Wind and weather are the two most important factors affecting boating. Weather can seriously affect your safety, whether you're on a lake or ocean, and wind can significantly affect your boat's performance.