XM weather

[stifler51]

so i was looking at the features for my HB SI and was like "oh xm weather...hmm" so i went to look up the price its $30 a month, i was thinking somewhere in the ballpark of 7.99 or something. who here would pay 30$ a month for weather to your fish finder? me personally ill stick to using my iPhone for weather updates tyvm.

[PerchJerker]

There was a thread on this not too long ago. A lot of people felt the same as you --- even though the satellite weather functionality is really cool, it was a lot cheaper and just as convenient to get the weather through your phone aps.

And I usually prefer the NOAA weather radio on my vhf marine radio over my phone aps.

I think the satellite weather is a lot more popular for guys on the great lakes and in-shore saltwater areas.

[mojogunter]

I ran it last year, and shut it off for the winter. I liked having it. The only think I didn't like was that it didn't show the weather in Canada, so when I was fishing on the border, and the weather was coming from the north I couldn't see what it looked like. I was only paying $11 a month last year. If it did go up to $30 I wouldn't renew, but for $11 I thought it was worth it.

[stifler51]

well there was a few options, i saw Skywatch for 9.95$ and Fisherman for 29.99$ i was just assuming Fisherman would be the one to go with.

[Ed Carlson]

I believe the pricing changes between seasonal and yearly subscriptions? The full year being the cheaper per month. Also if it is sat-radio or just weather or a combination of both may effect pricing too.

[TSchultz]

I ran it last year, and shut it off for the winter. I liked having it. The only think I didn't like was that it didn't show the weather in Canada, so when I was fishing on the border, and the weather was coming from the north I couldn't see what it looked like. I was only paying $11 a month last year. If it did go up to $30 I wouldn't renew, but for $11 I thought it was worth it.

I was curious about this as I saw in the fine print that Canada was not included in the WX package. When you were fishing LOTW did the WX cut off right at the border? So if I'm fishing Oak Island I can't see the T-storm a mile to the north? I was hoping that there was a bit of leeway right on the border since when I fish Whitefish Bay LOTW I can't get radar on my phone and the Satellite Wx looked like the way to go. If it cuts off right on the border though it doesn't look like it will be worth it.

Thanks

[mojogunter]

It cuts it off right at the border. It is fine if the weather is coming from the south or West, but north you're out of luck.

[wx_nut]

Hi all:

I've used the XM Satellite Weather Master Mariner package for a number of years (going back to 2005ish) and I have been rather pleased with it, and it's performance. With that you also get the Canadian radars as well. Even if you just are using the US package (Skywatch, Fishman, Sailor, etc.) Those will still show you the radar data coming out of the Grand Forks, ND and Duluth, MN Radars. The issue is, LOTW is at the edge for the radars for the Winnipeg, Grand Forks, and Duluth radars.

You can do yearly, or you can do monthly. If you are not wanting to have the 'new setup fee' each and every year, you can switch yourself over to the "End of Season" package. That will basically 'suspend' your account, and then the next spring, you do not have to pay for any form of a subscription or setup fee. I have been doing this since 2005, and aside from the first time, I have never paid a setup fee.

The XM system is a Satellite-based system. It does not rely upon the celluar networks - just Satellite. As long as you have a clear view of the sky (yes, there can be clouds) then you are fine. Think of it as similar to a GPS puck - if the GPS puck works, then your XM system will work as well. I have also heard a number of rumors that the pricing for the XM system will be dropping. I'm not sure if they are or not, however I know I am not going to be turning mine on for a while yet.

As for reliability, the XM system is second to none. I have, in 5 years of using it, had it fail, I think once. The reliability is there, and the lightning detection grid is wonderful. I love it. You can also view METAR/AWOS data, Flight restrictions, marine and buoy data, fishing information, etc. It's a great system and setup.

If you have questions about it, please don't hesitate to ask. I know I have been out and about and when cellular data doesn't work, or is sketchy, XM is the way to go.

If you want to check out some screen shots of the program in action, please feel free to visit:

http://tinyurl.com/yh7g58l

http://tinyurl.com/yaw8bzr

http://tinyurl.com/yfdjb5b

-wx_nut

[croixflats]

wx_nut thanks for the review.

I seriously thinking of investing the $200 for the antenna and xm satellite though the mariner package would be more than I need so the fisherman should be fine.

I like the idea of the "end of the season" package idea now to see if they will take a full payment for those months in use instead of the monthly payment just to reduce those monthly payments that add up and hurt each time I wright out a check. Get the pain over with in one big shot it doesnt hurt as long.

[gunflint]

This is something I've been thinking a lot about. Anyone who has been on the phone with their wife trying to determine just how far away the storm is, which way it's moving, how fast it's moving and whether or not you have completely lost your mind for staying out on the water can appreciate a program like this.

[Supercrew]

This is something I've been thinking a lot about. Anyone who has been on the phone with their wife trying to determine just how far away the storm is, which way it's moving, how fast it's moving and whether or not you have completely lost your mind for staying out on the water can appreciate a program like this.

look over your shoulder, and if it is raining think twice before dropping it in the lake. I have been on Mille Lacs and had the wife call to say a storm is coming... my reply was "Yup"