Hi Phil: First, you can use good quality thermal fax paper (availale at any office supply store) for about a tenth the price of the “official” Furuno paper. You will have to tear off the first 15/20% of the roll, however, as otherwise it will not fit in properly (we just toss what we tear off).

As to quantity–this depends on where you are sailing and how often the weather fax will be used. I think we have about a dozen rolls right now aboard Beowulf. My guess is we will use half of this between the Carribean and Azores–and then a good chunk of the balance over the summer.

If you are going to Mexico you will not need as much as if you’re headed to the Pacific Northwest and/or Canada or Alaska. However, fax paper is usually available just about anywhere you travel–just the cost will be higher than at a discount store in the US.–Steve