Since we started paddling Lake Superior I got a marine weather radio. It's been handy in the Q too. Especially in the shoulder seasons. It's probably not for everyone, but it's kind of like GPS's, Spot's, or Fish Finders, etc... once you except it and use it, it sure is nice having one.

I don't take a Fish Finder, but I'm not that much about the fishing. We picked up the Spot for LS paddling too, and it's nice to know it's there.

Just saying they do work, but you probably need a nicer one, i.e. Marine type, not a Radio Shack pocket transistor model for home use. Mine is made for International waters and gets both Canadian and US stations.