Furuno NX-300 and canyon weather

[CEShawn]

I have installed one of these units on the past 3 of my 4 boats I have had. I really like getting the texts of the weather out there, especially in the eastern canyons. I do not like listening to the VHF, because you have to wait, etc. As well as in the eastern canyons the signal drops off. After you learn how to use these filters on the unit, get the icebergs off there it became an invaluable tool. The biggest thing is being able to save a few weather reports in a row, so you can see how the weather is TRENDING as alot of times in some regard NOAA is right but the timing is off.

Just wondering if its the best thing to use out there or if there is anything else comparable. Granted its only $500 and is FREE data... I imagine Sirius and others can help but not sure... I will be adding that as well for water temps down the road, but like the storage bit of this...

Any input?

 

[backman]

I pooh poohed Sirius till I got it on the new boat. Now its a must forever. The amount of real time visual information is phenomenal both in seeing the weather this instant as well as what is coming. Wind barbs over the entire NE give you a better sense than any textual forecast.

 

[CEShawn]

I know I know... seems cheaper to buy a Lowrance than to add it to my NSS8... Larry is there any text or ways to looked at the predicted weather days ahead of time? Thanks...

 

[backman]

Shawn - it has current conditions for wind and sea temp, active weather which shows, rain, fronts, severe weather, etc. it also has the NOAA textual zone forecasts.


You can also "play" active weather by time to see the motion and direction of fronts. Invaluable tool now that I have it.

 

[Wharf Rat]

Sirius has gotten much better in detail over the past few years as the factories took advantage of the data feed, but as someone who believes in Old School, I still love a NavTex onboard, as the coverage is more reliable and not nearly as dependent on multiple components (tuner, antenna, MFD, and every cable used to integrate.) In a perfect world, I'd go with both, but I'd have to say Sirius has been the choice by most non-IMO boats, along with satellite comm systems for downloading GRIB data. However, there is a WM-3 that is due to come out and debut at Miami, so I'd hold off for a bit while the info on the new model comes through. Plus, the added Sirius audio is a big plus, throw in a SonicHub and you have a full stereo system with direct iPod/iPhone integration.

 

[CEShawn]

I'll be looking for something in the spring for sure. Thinking of getting one of the Lowrance units but not sure if it will be the touch or not... I know it seems cheaper to get a back up than to add it to my NSS8. Need a good backup anyways lol...

I will be sure to talk with you in the Spring... thanks...

Is this a complete replacement for surface temps? Of course except when I want to read it at home lol...