Conference vicki::boats

re                        <<< Note 931.0 by LEDDEV::DEMBA >>>
>                              -< Weather radios >-

	We were out on the Merrimac river one sunny afternnon this
summer (Legal V-time, of course)  and we just happened to have the
radio on at a time when they broadcaste a storm warning for "East
Coast, North of Boston"  or some-such.  We looked around, agreed the
sky looked gloomy and that the next ski run(s) should be toward the
ramp.  I don't think we were more than 5 miles down river when we got
this first warning. 
We didn't hurry, in fact someone knee-boarded back, but we kept the
radio on and I'm pretty sure the word "Imminent" was used. We only
just made it, torrential rain started as we were leaving and the side
winds on Rte #93 were dangerous (understatement, there was a 
tractor/trailer rig on its side in the ditch before I got to 495).

	Anyway, the point is that we barely had a 20 minute warning 
and we could have been in REAL trouble if that wind had picked up just 
as we were coming in or trying to put the boat on the trailer.  I keep 
meaning to get a weather band radio and I keep not doing it, for 
$20-30, or even 50 it could be cheap coverage.  Gee, maybe Santa has a 
few to give out this year (-:

	Reg

Having a weather radio aboard and using it is an excellent idea. 
However, much severe weather is quite sudden and localized and is never 
forecast. You have to depend on your own observations and, if you have
and doubts, it is prudent to find shelter. And too, the forecasts cover
a large area, and local geography can have a big effect. One September
afternoon we were sailing across West Penobscot Bay, Maine, in winds
gusting over 50 knots. The NOAA forecast was for 10 to 20 knot winds,
which in fact was correct along the edges of the bay, but not in the
middle. 

Alan

	Hi Steve, its been a long time.  I assume you are interested in
listening to forcasts from home for winter weather or before you drag your
boat all the way to the ramp to find sea conditions keep you from launching.
If you still live in Stow you should be able to get Worcester (sp?) and
Boston (Blue Hills) and may be one of the NH stations Monadnock or Mt.
Washington.  You could check out your ability to receive these at home using
your boat radio.
	Now, the quality of the radio you need.  I've found the Radio Shack
weather only radios to be of two types: tunable - "weather cube" - OK but
not good, and the xtal controled "emergency weather radio" - much better.
The difference in price is like $12 and $24.  I would suggest you go to the
store, knowing what you get with your boat radio, and pick out the type which
best fit your needs.  Personally I have the "emergency weather radio" down
stairs and in the winter bring home the hand held and keep it on the night
stand so if its snowing I can get the forcast and decide if I'm going to
mess with it before or after work.
	Buy the way, I've found those combination flashlight, AM, FM, weather
radios to be junk and not worth the batteries you put in them.
	Give me a call if I can help any more.

	Rick

    NOAA, the poeple who bring you the weather,  broadcasts on 3 
    frequencies throughout the country,
    162.400, 162.475 and 162.500 MHz.  The signal will carry for about
    40 miles under normal conditions. Any radio that can receive
    162-162 MHz can get you the weather forcast
    
    radio shaft sells 3 or 4 different flavors of weather radio
    each with a different set of whistles and bells. All ot these
    work. It's more a matter of 'features'.

    If you buy one of these, keep an extra battery handy just in case.
    

    Does anyone know if there is a way to get NOAA forecasts from outside
    the VHF range of the area?  It would sure be nice to get the story on
    Maine weather before going all the way up.   My father-in-law was a
    private pilot and I always remember him calling some phone number to
    get some reasonably high-quality weather info for whereever he was
    headed, although I'm fairly sure it was an aviation-oriented service.
    
    
    

    NOAA in Concord - 603-875-6060 recorded message

    Most large cities have a NOAA phone w/ recorded forcast. Use a phone
    book or dial information. In the US gov't listings, Commerce
    department, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
    listing should have an entry for recorded weather info.
    

    Marine forcast in Boston 617-569-3700 covers
    Merrimack River to Watch RI out to 25 miles and give the offshore
    forcast (Georges, great south channel, out to hague line...)
    
    Bruce

    Where/what is the hague line.   Also mentioned on the Maine NOAA
    offshore forecast....
    

    Hague Line refers to the US/Canadian border that was determined
    at the Hague Convention.
    
    Joe

    On the other side is the "best" parts of Georges Bank. Go over it
    and the canadian coast gaurd will chase you all the way to
    New Bedford.
    
    Bruce