Foundation Findings #49 - Weather To Go

Test Background

At times it was tough to distinguish lights on land and lights on the water.

We tested more than two dozen weather products on the market – everything from cellular phone text messaging to Sirius satellite weather on a chart plotter. For the purpose of this test we did not examine offshore communication methods such as satellite phones, Inmarsat or weather fax products but focused on weather products available to inshore and near coastal boaters at nominal prices.

Given that “download” time could vary tremendously based numerous factors we focused our review on the information that each product delivered. We scored each product on its ability to deliver local land-based weather information (current conditions, temperature, humidity, wind strength, barometer, and visibility), hazardous weather warning, radar image/loop, weather forecast, marine forecast and buoy weather reports.

It is worth noting that each of the products we tested was delivered via a hardware and software platform (text message, Android App, mobile web, Iphone App, Raymarine Chartplotter, etc) and the service providers (multiple cellular and satellite companies). Some products could be available on multiple platforms and providers and some are limited to one platform and provider. Given the evolving nature of cellular phone apps be sure to check current product list on your phone and online to be sure that it is available.

This test was performed in March/April 2010.