Route Planing on Windy
 

How do I access (Plan a route) on Windy? When I log on there is no menu item that connects with "routes!

You may have to register to access this feature, assuming it really exists.

Even if it did exist, I don't think I would use it.

I use Windy as a go no go decision tool when I plan an immediate trip (within the next day or two). So for example, in another month I am going to make an offshore trip from northern Florida to Charleston, SC. I will scroll the time forecast forward a day or two to when I will be on the water and then see if the conditions will be ok. I don't need a route superimposed on Windy's map to do that.

FWIW I will also look at 24 hours before and after the trip in case a front comes through sooner or later than forecast. If a big wind shift is forecast even 12 hours after I plan to be on the water I won't go. I will often check windy along the way to make sure the forecast is holding.

FWIW this posting took longer to type than I usually spend on Windy with no routes.

David

I was not aware of this feature but have been a Windy fan.
When exploring I find 2 different paths to access.
On the App
If you go to menu (3 bars) - settings - menu (@top) - distance & planning is one of the choices

On the website
It more direct - Menu (bars at top L) - Distance & Planning

Not sure how I would use it for forecasts but would be interested in experiences.

Thanks much, Don! The video I saw showed the guy following along the route with his cursor and the forecast for that exact cursor location appeared above the cursor. If he continued moving his cursor, the forecast kept pace with forecast changes.

I am hooked! Just wish I could use it on my MFD as the only weather program that the MFD runs id Theyr.:dance:

I've done both of the above but cannot plot a course in either one!:banghead:

I have registered but no cigar for my efforts. I do exactly as you described but after seeing the video I mentioned above, it is even easier to see the forecast along a route! And as you say, moving the time line forward & backward will display any changes or alerts. (If you have that turned on.)

I wasn't aware of this feature but I just tried it and it works great for me on the PC, using Chrome and Windows. However, I'm not finding it on my Android tablet.

Ok,using the web version, I used the distance and planning feature to add waypoints. Then when you click on "boat" at the bottom, the weather at each hour of the route shows up. But how do you set the boat speed? It looks like the default is to spread the trip over 7 days.

Even if I can find out how to set boat speed, I don't find the route tool all that helpful. And how do you set the start time and date?

David

Interesting! I can't find it on my iMac or iPhone either!:banghead:

Good question...What tics me off is that there's no "go to" link for getting questions answered.:blush:

The horizontal weather data at the bottom is the forecast along your route at the specific time shown in the timeline just above the weather data. I circled this in red. The timeline does not correspond to the distance.

If you move your cursor over either the route or the weather data it display distance from the start point. If you slide or click different times in the timeline then you can see how the forecast changes along your route at that specific time.

It's kind of confusing and hard to explain, but hopefully you can follow.

I don't see a way to show varying weather forecast along the route for a particular speed.

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/...icture6030.jpg

I found a feedback/FAQ section on the website. Here is a link to FAQs tagged as "Route Planning"

https://community.windy.com/tags/route%20planning

GEEZ! I'm envious! I'm not even able to plot waypoints!:mad:

After selecting the distance and planning do you get a cross as a cursor? I did and simply click for a start location and then keep clicking for waypoints.
I did get the fcast at the bottom but wouldnt expect much difference with short distances.
I find it easier to enter and save a few locations I plan on cruising to and look at the fcst for the next / each of the selected points

Thanks, Don. I finally got it to work on my boat's smart TV but iPhone, not so much! Also, I wrote a rather detailed reply on what I found. (my iMac is too old and won't support the route planning function) Your suggestion on saving a few locations for later is a good one and will be included in my planning.:popcorn:

Everyone is free to do as they please.
But I wouldn't trust it to do route planning to feed to a autopilot.
I think I would display the plotter on one screen and Windy on a different for reference.

Agree.. it may be useful for looking ahead for Wx fcst. I dont see it for APilot use.

This is from the "how to use" section of the app menu on my android phone.

Routes

You can see the length of your route and check the forecast for any spot you've marked.

1. Open the map
2. Mark any spot and press "Add to route".
3. Add to route as many spots as you like.




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I agree! I also see it as a great planning tool with information that is data based, not human generated. I studied damn near all the available weather programs and I think Windy is one of the very best, if not the best!:whistling:

I looked a several before an extended US / Canada Cruise in 2019 and came to the same conclusion. Here is a short article I wrote for our ABC-FLX boating club as an intro to Windy. Hope it helps.