Weather Monitoring Devices

[alllrite]

I'm trying to decide on a weather monitoring device. I've narrowed down to two with barrometer and a storm alarm. I sail on inland lakes with no local radio weather forcasting. Thunderstorms are often a concern as winds can pick up very suddenly and lightning makes me nervous. So I've narrowed down to three, the Brunton Pro or Summit or the Speedtech skymaster 28. Before I buy on I'm wondering if other's have found them useful or are they expensive toys with no purpose. All of them will tell the wind speed, but the Speedtech has a protected impeller. The Bruntons have a better display. I understand that the Skymast has been recomend by a sailing journal, but compared to what? So what do you think?

thank you for your replies.

 

[Broke sailor SV Marcell]

XM Satelite Radio?

Try that?

 

[Ross]

Re: XM Satelite Radio?

An AM radio will detect lightning strikes for miles. Thunder clouds reach 40 thousand feet so you can see them for 20 miles or more. also check the Weather underground site near you. before you leave home.

 

[higgs]

Cell phone?

A cell phone with internet will give you a current radar image.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Recording barometer

I have an Oregon Scientific recording barometer at my nav station in addition to the traditional barometer. It has an LCD display that shows the trending of pressure for the previous 24 hours. It also has an icon display that shows weather predictions (rain, sunny, cloudy, etc.) for the coming 12 hour period. I find it more accurate more times than the local NOAA broadcast--imagine that! Before heading to the boat I check NOAA, Weather Underground, Intellicast, and Sailflow.com to develop a consensus of what to expect--especially important on a race weekend.

 

[Ross]

Re: Recording barometer

Dan ,For the Chesapeake bay the new site http://www.buoybay.org/site/public/ May be the best for current conditions.

 

[alllrite]

thank you for your responses.
to clarify my question I sail a macgregor 26s on lakes in the interior of British Columbia.Often there are no other boats. the lakes range from about 1.5miles X 12 - 35 miles long. with mountains surounding. They are subject to sudden storms. There is no cell phone coverage and no local weather forcast. I'm learning to read the clouds, but winds come up suddenlly for no apparent reason. I figure having a recording electronic barrometer is the best option, can't really afford a sat phone.
So I've narrowed down my options to two handheld devices a Brunton ADC or a Speedtech skymaster. I'm wondering if anyone has opinions on these two devices or something similar that I haven't seen. (The Kestrels are nice, but don't have a storm alarm.}

thank you
bruce