trying to find a good weather monitoring device

[rmeador]

I'd like to get some sort of weather monitoring device for my boat. I currently do not have a barometer. I think I'd like something that can give me inside/outside temp, inside/outside humidity, and barometric pressure. If it can also do phases of the moon, and even more importantly, tides (this question was inspired by QuickMick's thread about that tide watch), that would be awesome. I don't want to spend a ton of money either. Does such a beast exist?

[dabnis]

Meador,

I have used these links to find out what is going to happen and
what is happening now. They are for our area but a search will
probably show something similar for your area.

Marine Forecast : Weather Underground
Northern California NOAA/CDIP Buoy Data

Dabnis

[rmeador]

Thanks Dabnis, but I already use those sites (well, the New England buoy data, but same idea). I'm not looking for an online resource. I want something that will tell me the conditions right at my boat, in real time, not predict them in the future (though if it could do that too, that would be cool). Also, I have AutoHelm ST-50 instruments (I guess now Raymarine?) and the wind sensor needs replacing in the spring (speed doesn't work and direction is off by about 30 degrees to port), so if I could get some kind of weather sensor that includes wind and can integrate with the gauge for the ST-50, that would kill two birds with one stone.

[billyruffn]

How about an iPhone or iPad...there must be an app for that?

[Omatako]

Unfortunately, barometric pressure in isolation cannot tell you what the weather is likely to do next. It has to be considered against the immediate past, that is, a sharp rise in pressure is likely to produce strong winds in exactly the same way as a sharp fall. It's about the closeness on the isobars (gradient). The old quote "A quick rise after a low oft portends of an even stronger blow" sort of says it all.

So if you're going to predict your own weather, a barometer will help but one that saves the last 24 hours would be even better.

I don't believe that humidity or temperature will provide any guidance

[rmeador]

The humidity and temperature are more for uses like "do I want to wear a jacket this morning?" and "will the boat get dryer if I open a hatch?" than predicting the weather. The memory function for the barometer is key though, thanks for explicitly bringing that to my attention.

[QuickMick]

if you end up buying a handheld gps (ive got the lowrance ifinder), you might check the specs. the ifinder shows bar. press-current and historical which it converts to a 'weather window' as well as moon phases. i use that and the vhf wx stations.

the only downside is historical data is lost when unit is powered down

[QuickMick]

oh, and these guys make neat stuff. ive given their products as gifts and they were well received and lasted

Oregon Scientific


this looks pretty comprehensive and isnt too $$$

Full Wireless Weather Station (WMR80A) :Professional Weather Stations: Weather: Oregon Scientific