XM Weather

[Chaunclm]

This looks like a great way to keep up with marine weather, but it seems rather expensive at $50.00 per month. Does anyone have any thoughts on it?

I just bought a Garmin 478 Chart Plotter as a back up for my main unit and it has the capability to receive the weather information.

XM WX Satellite Weather Overview

[Cruisingdad]

I agree with both statments. I think it is only good to about 200 miles out (maybe less). Still, it would be very usefull. I have heard serius is only like 29.99/month... but I have not verified. It is a bit of a plug and play with most modern CP's, like the E-80 by Raytheon.

[sailingdog]

I prefer to reduce my recurring costs.. so I can sail more..

[camaraderie]

When you think that it is our TAX dollars which provide the gathering of all the raw data and forecasts...it is even more outrageous to be charged 3X as much as their radio service with 500 channels costs!!!

Get a weather radio or wireless cell card for near shore and an SSB w/ fax connection for offshore.

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

When you think that it is our TAX dollars which provide the gathering of all the raw data and forecasts...it is even more outrageous to be charged 3X as much as their radio service with 500 channels costs!!!

Get a weather radio or wireless cell card for near shore and an SSB w/ fax connection for offshore.

Or get a NavTex receiver... any of the above would pay for themselves in under a year, if you consider the costs of the XM weather data service.

[PBzeer]

Not to mention XM is the most stable business around at present. I bought the reciever when I bought my stereo, but never hooked it up as I thought the price was too high.

Currently at Dinner Key Marina, Florida

[RickBowman]

Originally Posted by Chaunclm

This looks like a great way to keep up with marine weather, but it seems rather expensive at $50.00 per month. Does anyone have any thoughts on it?

I just bought a Garmin 478 Chart Plotter as a back up for my main unit and it has the capability to receive the weather information.

XM WX Satellite Weather Overview

Chanclm,
I am going to start up the service next week. It appears to be a useful tool. I'll try and keep you posted as to what I find. I have seen it work on another vessel and on land, both using laptops for the display, and it was impressive. It is almost real time, and that is what I was looking for. NOAH broadcasts don't always reach my vessel, this service is always suppose to. $50 is a consideration but in the operational expenses of a vessel, including depreciation, it is a minor one. I have yet to spread tacks on the deck to keep intruders off.
Rick

[TAK]

XM weather seems way over priced but I love having XM music on the boat and well worth it to me..

[Fstbttms]

$50 a month? Am I missing something? I pay $12.99 a month for my Sirius subscription.

[camaraderie]

That's for the weather option to your chartplotter as an overlay FST.
SIRIUS Satellite Radio - SIRIUS Marine Weather Service
It costs $30 for the basic weather + 7 bucks for the radio service BUT if you need more than the basic weather it costs $60 a month.