Baraometer and Chronometer

[MedSailor]

Do cruisers still use real barometers and Chronometers anymore? We have had the offer of purchase of a nice set as a boat warming gift, and I am not sure how to select them. Any suggestions for some good instruments that look nice, work but aren't more expensive than my boat?

MedSailor

[brak]

I certainly use my barometer all the time. Falling pressure still means band weather is coming and rising - good one

[Valiente]

I have a bulkhead mounted "analog" barometer and "clock" (run off a battery), but my Suunto wristwatch (accurate to about one second every three months) has a really nice recording barometer I consult frequently, and I have in the pilot house a Speedtech recording barometer I find quite accurate and thrifty: it eats four AAA batteries per year.

I am keeping an eye out for a wind-up naval wall chronometer of the old type, though, preferably one that sounds watch bells. This is partly because it's that type of boat, and partly because I want mechanical backup to electronic devices that I rely on for information.

[JiffyLube]

I have a bulkhead mounted analog barometer and clock just like Valiente, and I check it out everytime I'm at the boat...works good...looks nautical too

[artbyjody]

I have something that says barometer, tide clock and a clock... they look fancy though... one out of three seem to be accurate... eh - go for it - its a gift - and if it works or not not a big deal - unless you literallly paid less then $500 for your boat..

[Omatako]

I have a Wheems and Plath aneroid barometer that is accurate and is used all the time.

If I was to replace it I would go for a recording digital unit simply because it's sometimes very useful to see a trend in pressure rather than a single snapshot. Recoding it manually is a mission.

But it is an essential pice of kit especially on a sailing boat.

Andre

[Idiens]

Originally Posted by MedSailor

Do cruisers still use real barometers and Chronometers anymore?

Yes, but they are useless if inaccurate, so good ones are the only ones worth having aboard. Me, I've got three of each, which is where you end up if you get given cheap stuff. So actually I use GPS for time and an electronic battery eater for baro history, its the rate of fall that really counts.

[Plumper]

A barometer and clock are very handy to have onboard. The barometer doesn't have to be accurate because you are looking for trends not actual pressure (unless you are landing helicopters onboard). Most will do the trick. I have an old fashioned anaroid which works well but you have to look at it every hour or so and write down the pressure to note trends. I also have a modern digital one which is great because it records the pressure and shows you the trend.

The clock is for looks only. Most watches are as good and the most accurate time onboard will be your GPS. In order to call your clock a chronograph you would have to start recording daily error and keep a log. I don't think anyone does that anymore. Most folks just get the correction from GPS or a time hack on HF whenever they need really precise time for astronomics.

[JiffyLube]

Originally Posted by Plumper

I also have a modern digital one which is great because it records the pressure and shows you the trend.

Those sound pretty nice, I'll have to check them out!

[RAGTIMEDON]

I have a barometer, but would much rather have a recording barometer. Any suggestions for a source?