Navtex et al

[goochie]

Just wondering folks views on things like Navtex. At present our new boat has no weather forecasting thingies fitted. What do people use/recommend? Mobile phones? Navtex? Laptop + Mobile? Radio? Not sure of the pros and cons. At first we only intend doing shorter cruises, so weather check whilst planning and just before leaving should suffice, but as we gain experience and look to longer cruises the ability to update weather info is obviously going to be important.

 

[trev]

I've never felt the need for navtex meself (just another expensive gismo), but some folks seem to like them. I usually use one of the 'metcall' lines for a forecast the night before, and then just before departure. Also listen to the BBC shipping forecast.

 

[Talbot]

even better forecast is to actually look out of the window and understand what the cloud formations and directions actually mean. It was a sad day when the TV stopped adding the isobar lines on the weather charts. Onpassage.com provides access to decent prediction isobar charts, so start learning what it means yourself.

 

[gcwhite]

I think planning ahead via the Met reports is enough. A good site which goes out 15 days with remarkable accuracy is accuweather.com

 

[Planty]

Have had Navtex fittted over winter, seems to give far too much info, if you're not careful. Nice to never miss the shipping forecast though. Have found it useful and definitely gives er indoors more confidence. Other thing is, does keep you inside "passage planning" recommendations I suppose.

Agree with others though acuweather, theyr.net, windguru, still get used an awful lot just for peace of mind on our boat! Mind you nothing would stop me going out in F12 anyway !!! I don't think!! Paul

 

[gcwhite]

Planty Do you really relish going out in F12/

 

[goochie]

Thanks all, the benefit of your wisdom (!) / experience always appreciated.

 

[Planty]

Not a bleeding chance !! the "I don't think" was an attempt at irony, never been too good at that. Have been caught out in a reported f8 - 9 on a trip from Weymouth to Poole, that was very exciting but wouldn't do it again by choice. It was the time a couple of years ago when RNLI had the highest daily number of call outs ever in that area or something, can understand why. Damn was only 6 months old then and held together and performed really well but can imagine others being torn to bits, just the noise scared one excrementless. I would however say it was probably that experience and how she coped with it that proved to me that this Sealine "not as good as......" thing is probably groundless. Also explains why SWMBO is happier having Navtex on board than not. Comfort Blanket I suppose. Paul

 

[kindredspirit]

For longer cruises Navtex is brill.

Get the paper one and you can transfer your hourly, or whatever, positions to your logbook.

When you wake up in the morning, there's your weather forecast waiting for you. No need to listen for weather announcements at a certain time on VHF.

It also informs you, when you're cruising, of dead whales, tree trunks etc floating around your area!!!

 

[[2574]]

Navtex is very useful in France - unless your VHF french is very good and you can interpret at the rate of speech. It's very easy to interpret at your own speed from the screen. The cost:benefit ratio works for me.

rob

 

[npf1]

BTW - There's one on eBay.

 

[DavidJ]

Navtex is good in the Med. The biggest problem is that reception is reduced significantly by having vertical masts around...as is in a marina where you do most of your planning.
So can't 100% rely on it.
If you do buy a navtex receiver then a good earth is essential
David

 

[gcwhite]

Planty. Sorry I missed the humour. I never go out in anything above high moderate by choice. I have on occasions had to when I judged conditions were unpleasant but safe and I had a crew that was up to it. Power boats are designed for calm seas and that's when one gets the pure enjoyment of skipping along almost effortlessly. (fuel consumption would suggest otherwise).

Looking at the picture of your boat I would expect her to be able to handle some big seas safetly.

 

[Piers]

I use the "ICS Nav 6 plus" Navtex.

Navtex for the weather, and nav warning info. The ICS for its display and memory. Very useful.

I also use my laptop and mobile (GPRS) for other weather sources.

 

[CaptainThames]

I have found NAVTEX to be very useful, particularly when away from the UK. For the time being, you could get away with checking the forecast at the marina office of on the mobile, but in more remote areas it will be good. There is a set of filters which allows you to de-select types of messages that you don't need. ICS Nav 6 plus is on my shopping list, to upgrade from old NASA unit.