Don’t just check the weather. Learn how to dig deeper and find the details that matter to boaters.
You checked the forecast. The wind didn’t look bad. The radar seemed clear. But a few hours later, you were pounding into waves, getting tossed around, and wondering what went wrong.
If that sounds familiar, this book is for you.
Weather Basics for Boaters is a practical, easy-to-understand guide to making better decisions on the water—using the forecasts and apps you're already familiar with. You don’t need to be a meteorologist. You just need to know what to look for, where to find it, and how to interpret what it really means for your boat and your plans.
With over 17 years of liveaboard experience, author Carolyn Shearlock knows how hard it is to figure out what forecasts actually mean for boaters. Most resources focus on meteorology or how to build your own forecast—when in reality, great forecasts already exist, created by professionals.
What’s missing is clear guidance on how to use those forecasts, apps, and tools to make safer, more comfortable decisions. This book fills that gap. You'll learn which forecast details matter, how to find them, and what they mean for your day on the water.
You’ll learn how to:
- Go beyond the overview screen in apps like Windy and PredictWind
- Spot the key forecast details that affect what you’ll feel aboard
- Know when it’s smart to head out—and when it’s better to wait
- Avoid common mistakes that catch boaters off guard
- Combine model data, radar, and real-world observations with confidence
- Apply rules of thumb for evaluating wind, waves, current, and more
- Evaluate the risk of thunderstorms, squalls, and other red flags in the forecast
At just 99 pages, this book is packed with useful information and no filler. It breaks down a complex topic into clear, manageable steps—including how to organize the information as you find it, track changes, and make sure you’ve checked all the key details.
You can read it in an evening and start using the method immediately, feeling more confident about your weather decisions the very next time you head out.
Additionally, you'll learn how to monitor conditions while underway, what to do when the weather turns against you, and how to approach hurricane season safely if boating during that time is part of your plan.
Large 7x10 pages make the hi-res, full-color screenshots easy to read, so you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Whether you’re new to boating or just tired of being surprised by the weather, Weather Basics for Boaters gives you the clarity and confidence to plan smarter and enjoy the day.
