Boat Clocks & Marine Barometers

Clocks for Boats and Barometers for Boats Resources and Information

Barometers for boats perform the simple but essential function of measuring atmospheric pressure and displaying the corresponding data. This information keeps boaters notified of changes in the weather which could result in hazardous marine conditions. Clocks for boats keep track of time, so you can plan your day to ensure that you have time to safely return to the shore. 

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Boat Clocks and Marine Barometers FAQs

What are marine barometers?

A marine barometer is an instrument that measures changes in atmospheric pressure and displays the information to the user. This information allows boat operators to predict weather patterns and make adjustments to their course or plans to avoid hazardous water conditions, dangerous windspeeds, or heavy rainfall. 

How do mechanical marine barometers work? 

Barometers for boats are instruments made of metal with a display featuring an arm and a sequence of numbers that indicate the barometric pressure of a given marine environment. While older mechanical marine barometers contained a quantity of mercury that rose and fell in response to the barometric pressure, modern mechanical barometers for boats contain a metal chamber that expands and contracts to manipulate the gauge reading. 

Why is it important to have a clock on my boat? 

While boat clocks serve the obvious function of keeping track of and displaying the current time, this seemingly benign instrument is a vital boat safety product. Staying abreast of the time helps you plan out your day on the water, and avoid getting caught by predicted weather changes and nightfall. It also allows you to measure the length of time it takes to get back to shore, so you can avoid using up all of your fuel or return before the sun goes down. 

What makes BARIGO boat navigation instruments so unique? 

The Bauhaus in Weimar laid the foundations for the contemporary aesthetic work of architects, designers and artists. The product designs of BARIGO are based on the clear form language of the Bauhaus.

The hearts of the BARIGO products, have their origin in the precision-based industrial traditions of the Black Forest. The high quality measuring instruments and weather-stations from this traditional company, have embodied the creativity of craftsmen and developers as well as gifted engineers. For over 80 years, BARIGO has maintained a high vertival range of manufacture. Such indispensable technical knwoledge and craftmanship is becoming rarer and rarer as every year goes by. Whether it is cases, dials or barometer mechanisms – the expertise of the superbly trained employees can be found in all of the key components. In this context, at BARIGO, “Made in Germany“ is an incomparable product experience.

All BARIGO measuring instruments are professionally manufactured from the highest quality solid materials. These range from long-life and resistant plastics for the modern outdoor products, to chrome and stainless steel, through to degnified materials that have been used for centuries in the construction of maritime instruments. Many of the classical maritme instruments are still made of high-grade brass and prescious mohagony – a “material mix” that has proven its resilence on all of the world’s oceans.

Beautiful design inspired by function was around long before the slogan “form follows function” became a generally accepted formula for design. Traditional design details inspired by historic archetypes make classical measuring instruments both functional and aesthetically appealing articles of daily use. The design of the product lines in a modern style follow the same high standard. Numerous awards for good product design such as the Red Dot Award or the „Focus Safety” of the Design Center Stuttgart prove that BARIGO continues the tradition of beauty and functionality at the highest level.

Precise, reliable function, clever design, sturdy construction and uncompromisingly precise workmanship – a BARIGO instrument means quality and longevity you can feel.

What are the key features of the BARIGO Viking Series Ship's Clinometer?

The VIKING series boasts large, easy to read dials for clocks, barometers and clinometers to show the angle of inclination of the boat. Greatly prized in the yachting and professional world by many sailors, the range also has a truly excellent price-performance ratio. The compact, two-piece cases made of solid polished brass with a metal back plate. Dials are white with black hands. The clock numerals are Arabic, and radio sectors are shown in red and green.

• Dial Diameter: 130mm
• Housing Diameter: 155 x 35mm
• Weight: 335g

What are the key features of the BARIGO Viking Series Quartz Ship's Clock?

The VIKING series boasts large, easy to read dials for clocks, barometers and clinometers to show the angle of inclination of the boat. Greatly prized in the yachting and professional world by many sailors, the range also has a truly excellent price-performance ratio. The compact, two-piece cases made of solid polished chrome with a metal back plate. Dials are white with black hands. The clock numerals are Arabic, and radio sectors are shown in red and green.

• Dial Diameter: 130mm
• Housing Diameter: 155 x 35mm
• Weight: 380g

Why should boaters follow U.S. Coastguard safety regulations? 

Boating on various waterways is similar to automobiles out on the roads and highways—safety devices are designed to keep people safe. Thousands of accidents occur, many of which have a high probability of injury and a substantial number of cases resulting in death.

Specifically, in 2020 the Coast Guard counted 5,265 recreational boating accidents resulting in 767 deaths, 3,191 injuries, and approximately $62.5 million of property damage. Where the cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 86% were not wearing a life jacket.

Since most accidents occur unexpectedly, there may not be sufficient time to put on a life jacket, especially when stowed away in a locker. In cases where a person is thrown overboard, it is harder than you think to get them back on board, which can be assisted with proper equipment. Always be sure personal floatation devices (PFDs) are in good and serviceable condition. For extra protection, equip your PFDs with a whistle and emergency light.

What boating safety equipment should I have on hand?

Bring a first aid kit along for all outings. This is especially important when fishing.

Since the sun reflects off the water, it is wise to consistently apply proper sun protection to make sure you don’t get burned. Sun protective clothing is a smart choice— it provides all-day protection that doesn’t need reapplying. Pro-tip: some sunscreen is toxic for the marine environment and repels fish, who can smell even trace amounts on bait. For any part of your body not covered by UPF clothing, use a sunscreen that’s both reef-safe and fish-friendly.

While some boats are simply too large for this to be practical, carrying a paddle or two on board is a good idea in many cases. Even if you can’t paddle all the way back to a marina or dock when your engine goes, you may be able to reach the closest bit of land and wait for help. A good anchor with enough chain will also be helpful.

We’ve written extensively on the importance of a VHF radio, but it simply can’t be overstated. Cell phones aren’t enough in many areas, and you’ll be glad to have the security.

Be alert to changing conditions on the water and aware of weather that can change quickly. The danger of boating in a storm is no joke!

Finally, bring plenty of drinking water for everyone on board to stay hydrated. In the face of unexpected problems, you don’t want to be caught stuck on your boat with an insufficient water supply.