In my humble opinion, weather is the most critical information requirement for boaters—more important even than navigation information. Weather impacts us even when our boat is tied to the dock or up on land.
Many weather resources exist, such as television, email feeds, and apps. Many boaters, like me, like to look at the raw data and try to predict what will happen themselves. Others rely on feeds for pre-interpreted information. If you go to any gathering of boaters, especially at Docktails, the conversation will always turn to weather and weather information sources at some point.
This article will look at the weather resources that are popular with boaters.
Phone/Tablet Apps
There are probably hundreds of apps that predict and report the weather. Just about every local and network TV channel has its own App. While these are excellent resources, we will focus on more boater-focused tools with more widespread coverage.
Windy – windy.com – Top Pick!
Available for iOS, Android, and Web
The Windy App, first created in 2014, has become a trusted source for accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts. It is used by many people, from those tracking storms to weekend hikers. The app was originally made to provide reliable weather information for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. It gathers data from well-known sources like the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the Global Forecast System (GFS), giving a complete look at global weather patterns. Using this diverse data, the Windy App offers detailed images and precise forecasts, making it easier for users to understand the weather.
The Windy App is exceptional due to its intuitive interface, which presents weather data in clear, graphical formats. Users can easily navigate the interactive weather map to access a wide range of information, including wind speeds, wave heights, precipitation levels, and real-time temperature changes. Its customizability allows users to set parameters and receive notifications tailored to their specific interests, whether that involves tracking an approaching storm or finding perfect conditions for sailing. Windy even lets you upload your route to see weather predictions along your path.
The app seamlessly integrates with local weather stations to provide hyper-local forecasts. Overall, the app’s user-friendly design and robust features make it an essential tool for anyone who values staying informed about changing weather conditions.
Price: Free features on the web and in the app. Windy Premium subscriptions are $18.99/yr.
Predict Wind – predictwind.com – Top Pick
Available for iOS, Android, and Web
PredictWind has been a leader in marine weather forecasting since it was established in 2008. It is a trusted resource for sailors and maritime professionals worldwide. The team behind PredictWind consists of experienced weather experts and sailors, and their main goal is to provide precise wind predictions to improve safety and enjoyment on the water. The app uses data from top meteorological models, including the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the Global Forecast System (GFS), to offer users reliable and accurate predictions tailored to their maritime needs.
The PredictWind app offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for ocean navigation. It includes detailed wind maps, weather routing, and interactive weather models that provide a clear visual representation of future conditions on the water. The app provides real-time updates to ensure that sailors have the most current data at their fingertips, and customizable alerts help monitor changing conditions, keeping maritime journeys safe and informed. Additionally, the Offshore App feature allows users to download critical forecast information for access even while offline, making it a valuable companion for anyone venturing into marine environments.
Predict Wind is very similar in functionality to Windy and is probably the second most popular app with boaters. We find the user interface is not quite as intuitive as Windy.
Price: Free & Basic plans starting at $29/yr. Pro plans reach $400/yr and include daily reports, sea temp, and GRIB data.
Wind Finder – windfinder.co
Available for iOS, Android, and Web
Another popular app among boaters WindFinder is excellent for wind predections as that kitesurfers and windsurfers were it’s original target audience. It’s a little weaker on wave heights than Widy or Predict Wind.
Windfinder has been a reliable companion for wind and weather enthusiasts since its launch in 1999. Originally developed to meet the demands of kitesurfers, windsurfers, and sailors looking for precise wind forecasts, it has grown to become a globally trusted platform. Windfinder gathers its data from reputable meteorological sources like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Integrated Forecast System (IFS), ensuring its users have access to comprehensive and accurate weather data.
One of the standout features of Windfinder is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to navigate through complex weather information. The app offers detailed wind forecasts, displaying information such as wind speed, direction, and gusts in an easily digestible format. Users can customize their experience with notifications about wind conditions, tide times, and weather alerts tailored to their favorite spots or travel destinations. Additionally, the Windfinder Plus version provides enhanced features like wind maps and super forecasts for more precise data, which is invaluable for those planning outdoor activities. Overall, Windfinder’s focus on delivering precise wind and weather information in an accessible manner makes it an essential tool for anyone looking to make the most of their outdoor adventures.
Price: Free for non-commercial use.
Wavve Boating – wavveboating.com
Available for iOS, Android only
The Wavve Boating App is a recent addition to the world of marine navigation and weather prediction. Since its debut, it has quickly made a name for itself. Designed with the modern boater in mind, Wavve Boating combines user-friendly navigation with real-time weather updates to enhance safety and enjoyment on the water. The app draws data from various reliable meteorological sources to provide accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts specifically tailored for marine conditions. This makes it a trusted companion for boating enthusiasts worldwide.
One of the app’s standout features is its intuitive map interface, which offers not just weather predictions but also detailed nautical charts and community-sourced tips. Users can easily find information on tide conditions, wind speeds, and weather changes, helping them plan their outings with confidence. The social aspect of Wavve Boating is also particularly appealing; boaters can share location-specific insights and connect with others in the boating community. Additionally, the app’s customizable notifications ensure that users remain aware of any sudden weather changes or navigational hazards. Overall, the Wavve Boating App’s combination of weather forecasting, navigation tools, and community connectivity makes it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to explore the waters safely and enjoyably.
The Weather Channel – Weather.com
Available for iOS, Android, and Web
While the weather.com App is not specifically targeted at boaters, it provides excellent forecasts, and the live radar is linked to a vast array of local radar sites. Weather.com does not offer hyper-local wind or wave predictions.
Probably the biggest complaint about Weather.com is the number of ads and pop-ups.
Price: Free version or remove Advertising for $29.99/year.
NOAA Marine Weather – buoysweather.com
iOS Only and designed for the iPad (but works on a phone as well)
Marine Weather is an app tailored specifically for iOS users those who spend time on the water, whether for work or leisure. Over the years, it has established itself as a reliable source for marine-focused weather data, providing necessary insights to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences on the seas. The app harnesses its forecasting power from trusted meteorological services, delivering precise and up-to-date weather information that is crucial for marine navigation and planning.
Marine Weather offers detailed marine forecasts, including wind speed, wave height, and tide information. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for users to quickly access the specific data they need. Additionally, the app includes NOAA weather alerts to keep users informed about any significant weather changes or potential hazards. One of its unique features is the ability to provide location-based forecasts, ensuring that boaters have the most relevant information for their specific region. In summary, Marine Weather by LW Brands is a robust tool, offering a wealth of marine-specific weather information in an easy-to-use package, making it an invaluable companion for anyone heading out on the water.
Buoyweather – Buoyweather.com
Available for iOS, Android, and Web
Buoyweather has been a trusted name in marine forecasting since its launch in the early 2000s. It primarily caters to those whose lives revolve around ocean activities such as fishing, sailing, and surfing. The service is built on reliable oceanographic data sourced from NOAA and other international ocean buoy networks. Buoyweather provides accurate marine forecasts that are essential for planning safe and successful outings on the water. Over the years, its technology and data integration have evolved to deliver increasingly precise and accessible information, making it a key tool for both recreational and professional ocean-goers.
The Buoyweather App has a sleek and intuitive design, making it easy for users to navigate through a wealth of ocean and weather data. The app provides detailed 7-day marine forecasts, including critical information such as wind speeds, swell height, wave periods, and sea surface temperatures – all essential for marine activities. Users can customize forecasts for their favorite locations or specific routes, making it easier to prepare for longer journeys. Another valuable feature is the high-resolution wave model, which offers an exceptionally detailed view of ocean conditions. With timely alerts for changing conditions, Buoyweather is an indispensable companion for ensuring safe and enjoyable marine adventures.
Price: Free version and subscriptions for $7.99/mo.
NOAA Official Weather App – weather.gov
Available for iOS, Android, and Web
The NOAA Weather App is a comprehensive tool for accessing official weather data and forecasts straight from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), renowned for its reliable and authoritative meteorological insights. This app is a favorite for those seeking accurate and timely updates on weather conditions and alerts. It’s a great information source if you like to geek out on the weather and develop your own forecasts. Among its standout features, it offers detailed hourly and weekly forecasts, radar and satellite imagery to track weather patterns, and timely notifications for severe weather alerts.
Users can customize their experience with personalized weather reports for multiple locations, making it easy to stay informed about local and global conditions. The intuitive interface ensures that all this valuable information is simple to navigate, making the NOAA Weather App an essential tool for staying prepared and informed about the weather conditions that matter most to you.
Marv’s Weather – MarvsWeather.com – Popular Choice
Web and Email Subscription
Marv’s Weather has been a beloved resource for weather enthusiasts and casual users since its inception over a decade ago. Meteorologist Marvin James founded the website as a humble project to share reliable and accessible weather forecasts with the local community. The site aggregates data from reputable meteorological sources like the National Weather Service (NWS) and various international weather models, ensuring accurate and comprehensive information gathering. This solid foundation has made Marv’s Weather a trusted go-to for anyone seeking detailed and reliable weather insights.
One of the standout features of Marv’s Weather is the wind and wave predictions for major pleasure boating routes in the Gulf of Mexico, around Florida, to the Bahamas, and up the East Coast. These highly accurate predictions are easily interpreted and feature data directly from the many weather and wave Byous deployed by NOAA and other agencies. When significant weather events arise, like tropical storms and hurricanes, Marv’s expands coverage to provide in-depth details specifically tailored to the boating community.
You can sign up for daily reports by email and through the website.
Price: Free!
Onboard Electronics
Radar
Many boats are equipped with radar. For local weather, radar can show you rain within the radar range of your boat. This takes some training and practice to determine which blog is rain, which blob is land, and which blob is, well, just a blob!
Weather Radio
Having a good battery-powered weather radio on your boat is highly recommended. Yes, your VHF radio has a weather channel, but a portable radio is easy to keep next to you at night, and many will provide weather alerts when placed in standby mode. Also, if you leave your boat in case of the threat of severe weather, you can take it with you.
Sirius XM-Weather – siriusxm.com/marine
SiriusXM Marine Weather service is designed for boaters needing reliable real-time weather information while on the water. One of its standout features is its extensive coverage with seamless satellite delivery, ensuring subscribers receive uninterrupted weather updates even in remote ocean locations beyond the range of cell signals. The service provides detailed graphical weather data, including storm tracking, sea surface temperatures, wind speed and direction, wave heights, and alerts for severe weather conditions. This information is crucial for making informed navigational decisions and enhances the overall boating experience by helping find the best fishing spots or optimizing sailing routes.
SiriusXM Marine Weather offers unparalleled reliability and extensive coverage, making it an essential service for serious mariners, especially those heading into offshore waters for extended periods. The wide range of features, including real-time updates and high-quality graphics, sets it apart from other weather applications. However, the main drawback is the cost. As a premium service, it comes with a higher price point that might not be justifiable for casual weekend boaters. Subscription costs vary depending on the package, ranging from basic services to comprehensive ones with more detailed forecast layers. Despite the potential drawbacks of the initial investment and ongoing subscription fees, many users find the detailed data provided well worth it for the peace of mind and enhanced safety it offers.
Price: SiriusXM Weather subscriptions range from $17.99/month for inland to $109.99 for fishing-specific subscriptions. This is in addition to the base subscription of $23 per month. SiriusXM offers bundles and specials that can lower the cost. Check their website for details.
We got a 3-month free trial of SiriusXM with the purchase of our Garmin SiriusXM radio antenna. However, we found that the data was very delayed and took a long time to update. If you are a Sport Fishing Charter service, the service may be of good value. However, given the free tools from other providers, we don’t think it is worth the expense for the casual cruiser.
YouTube Channels
Again, there are many YouTube channels dedicated to weather. I haven’t come across any yet that are Marine specific, but there are probably some out there.
The two that I’d like to call attention to are channels that provide extensive coverage and are not “sensationalist” in their reporting. They both provide real information that you can use. They educate as well as inform, and are fun to watch.
Max Velocity – YouTube.com/@MaxVelocity
Max Velocity is a young meteorologist who is extremely informative, accurate, and a blast to watch. During major weather events, he will live stream for hours, linking in Storm Chasers that are on site. He reports the forecast and goes in-depth on why he has come to his conclusions. His coverage is national, with a focus on major weather events. It’s worth a watch!
Mr. Weatherman – YouTube.com/@MrWeatherman
Mr. Weatherman is Brian Shields, a local weatherman for WFTV in Orlando, FL. His YouTube broadcasts are more centered on the Florida and Gulf Coast region, which is important if you are cruising in the South. Also worth checking out.
Like Potato Chips – You Can’t Eat Just One!
Most of these apps and most weather forecasters use the same data feeds and prediction models. Each, however, has a slightly different take on the weather, using different prediction models and focusing on slightly different audiences. It’s important not to rely on just one source. When there is a chance of bad weather, or we are making a longer open water crossing, we consult multiple sources and talk to locals who know how the weather impacts local conditions.
Download a few of the apps and see which ones work best for you. The only truly bad app is the one you don’t use! While I take all forecasts with a grain of salt, over our 24,000+ miles, we’ve come to learn that, more times than not, they are accurate.
Pre-set your go-no-go rules based on your boat’s safe capabilities and the comfort and experience level of your crew, and then STICK TO THEM! It’s not worth taking chances. This is “Pleasure Boating”. Tust me, being out in 6 to 8-foot waves is not pleasurable!
What weather sources do you rely on? Are there others that we missed you recommend?
Share it in the comments below! 
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