Outer Banks Weather Reports

[cigar_stub]

I'll be spending a week in the Outer Banks starting Saturday. I have am/fm and VHF radios onboard. Can anyone give me the local radio station that broadcasts the weather for this area? Also, on the VHF, is there a station that broadcasts weather? And is there a public use station on the VHF that is used by fishermen more often that others?

New to the area and to the radio so any help will be apreciated.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Outer Banks Weather Reports

I'll be spending a week in the Outer Banks starting Saturday. I have am/fm and VHF radios onboard. Can anyone give me the local radio station that broadcasts the weather for this area? Also, on the VHF, is there a station that broadcasts weather? And is there a public use station on the VHF that is used by fishermen more often that others?

New to the area and to the radio so any help will be apreciated.

AM/FM is for music only. If you have VHF it should have the NOAA weather bands (WX1-WX7) already programmed. NOAA will broadcast local weather alerts should the need arise

Around here most ship to ship communications occur on 68, 72 and 74 however cell phones and communication within the DSC system has eliminated most of the radio talk between fishermen out on the water.

Also be aware that you must monitor channel 16 at all times by law.

Here is the channel list for VHF

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/vhf.htm

If you plan on running Oregon inlet heed all warnings as more than a few have died trying. That inlet is hazardous to navigation even when in its best behavior.

 

[cigar_stub]

Re: Outer Banks Weather Reports

Thank you for the sound advice. I was aware of the need to monitor Ch.16 and will of course do so. I just put the VHF on the boat and in running through the channels, I don't see the weather channels WX1-WX7. It's a new Uniden UM 525 Marine radio so I'm sure it has that capability. I may have to break down and actually read the manual on setting it up...<grin>

As for The Oregon Inlet, from what I understand, that's the only way (or the closest way) for me to get out of the sound and into the ocean. Of course, weather will dictate if I decide to exit the sound and ride out so some deeper water. I've contacted a local tackle shop in hopes of getting someone I can pay a fee to ride out on my boat to show me the things to avoid and/or be cautious of, such as getting in/out of the inlet.

I'm conservative by nature so won't do anything imprudent. I leave such folly to those with a more adventurous spirit, which is oft times coupled with a lack of less common sense. Coming from Oklahoma I always marveled at the numbers of people who drowned in such silly, avoidable circumstances.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Outer Banks Weather Reports

The biggest hazard you're going to face are the larger boats. It's a very rough and narrow channel that you'll share with 40'-60' charter boats coming and going though out the day. There is no such thing as a no wake zone in the inlet.

Be careful and good luck.

 

[cigar_stub]

Re: Outer Banks Weather Reports

If I find my way to the inlet, I'm more likely than not going to sit an watch for awhile, chew the cud so to speak while I get the lay of the land, or water in this case. I may select a likely candidate and follow them through, keeping a safe yet consistant distance.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Blue Water Runner]

Re: Outer Banks Weather Reports

I just spent a week at Frisco. The weather was beautiful. The wind blew the whole time I was there making a run into the ocean difficult. Keep a close eye on the weather while out there and don't let an afternoon thunderboomer sneak up and get yah.

 

[ParallaxBill]

Re: Outer Banks Weather Reports

Luv Frisco!! We've vacationed there the past two years previous to this summer when we vacationed on Wateree Lake in upstate SC.

We had my 12 foot boat out in the sound last year just behind Frisco on Utopia rd.