There was a question asked in a local FB group post regarding what is the best marine weather app. Here is my reply post.
My answer probably is WayTF more than you were asking… But I was bored today, and I like sharing info. Hope you don’t mind.
Also, your question didn’t indicate if you were asking from a sailor’s, power boater’s or fisherman’s perspective as there are apps that focus on these perspectives.
Some weather apps are only available on iOS and visa versa; Google Play. So, your mobile platform may impact your choices.
If you’re talking about "current" boating, sailing or fishing conditions; all the apps are on par for accuracy as there is zero forecasting involved (if the app has real-time data updating). Then it simply comes down to app features (presumably the free features), app focus and how they display the data; graphically (pretty) or tabular (detailed).
98% all weather data comes from NOAA, MADIS, Weather Source and PRISM. These sources get their weather data directly from satellites, buoys, weather stations, citizen scientists, etc.
Where apps can and often do differentiate themselves from one another is the “forecasting” involved; basically, how good is an app at predicting the future. Some of the single app developers or small app companies will use the raw data from the main sources (because its free) and develop their own makeshift forecast models. (I hope that app developer with a degree in meteorology pays it off by writing an ad-hoc forecasting model that could mean life, injury or death on the water).
Other app developers and bigger companies like Google weather will get their forecasting from specialized companies; for example, Weather Underground (aka The Weather Channel) or Accu-Weather. These companies are in the business of predicting weather with their meteorologists, climatologists and weather scientists; and package and sell their forecasting to app developers, news stations, municipalities, companies, sports franchises; practically any entity that relies on accurate forecasting of the weather.
IIMHO, Accu-Weather by far is the most accurate weather forecaster.
But seriously, I didn’t answer your question:
You didn’t say, so I’m going to assume you are wanting an app from a power boater perspective. I am a full-time charter Captain and I use several apps to get my weather information. I am not saying the ones I use are the best, I am just saying that these are what I use because they are accurate or I like the display, or maybe it’s because I am a creature of habit.
I have an iOS device therefore…these apps can be found on App Store
Since I have probably bored the average reader at this point, I won’t write reviews about each app; but simply give you the main reason why I use them. Also, apps are like opinions; which are like noses, which everyone has one…And some are better than others.
Real-time Radar App: My Radar
During my charters, I use this the most. Forecasting is one thing, but nothing beats real time weather data and my own brain to make decisions for the safety of my passengers. I actually paid for the professional version a long time ago, and I have used this for years. I like it; but there may be better ones out there.
Wind App: Windy
Windy started the graphical wind display revolution. You know those little overlay tick marks that form and contour to the speed and direction of the wind. The app developer was the first to do this graphical representation of wind. Now, if someone would do the same damn thing for current! Windy has nice graphical (yet tabular) representation of all key boating weather elements. I use swells, tide, cloud cover, precipitation, and of course wind speed and direction. And this app was originally developed for sailors; but now targets a much wider audience. Packed full of features and can be highly customized.
Fishing App; forget it!
(No that’s not the name) Fishing apps? Well first…I don’t (wait…make that; I can’t fish) and…What fishing person is going to share their special “fishin-hole” on social media with the “Hey there bitin ovah here.” Fishing IMHO, is a talent through mentorship, trial and error that doesn’t come from a weather app.
My advice…Download all the marine weather apps and use them all! You’ll quickly gravitate to what you like best. After all, they all use the same weather data; and as for forecasting, I live in Florida and in the Summer, weather can change on a dime despite what the experts say.
Comments