An apparatus is described to measure the skin temperature and related variables on lakes and coastal waters. The apparatus is attached to a buoy, can operate for periods of 24 hours or more with wind speeds of 10 m/sec, and has a minimal effect on air and water flow. The surface temperature is measured with an IR radiometer and the water temperature at depths of 1, 10 and 50 cm with thermocouples. Wind direction, speed, air temperature and humidity are measured at a height of ~1 meter.

Data are presented to illustrate the validity of surface layer scaling for the complex boundary layers and variability characteristic of small bodies of water. General agreement with previous models is shown. Results are also presented to explain time variability in the skin temperature data.