Much of what I test and work on is around staying connected while on the water. These posts cover various ways to do that, networks that I’ve built, and systems that can help you stay online while on the water.
If you're looking for recommendations on various systems, antennas, and setups that work well on a boat, start below.
Low Data Mode helps boat WiFi use in iOS 13
As of iOS 13, there is a Low Data mode for WiFi! For many years, you've been able to limit cellular bandwidth usage, but iOS has not had a way to control the same thing for a WiFi network, until now.
weBoost Drive Reach cellular amplifier installation and testing
weBoost released the Drive Reach recently which is a more powerful and refined version of the venerable Drive 4G-X, the gold standard for cellular amplifiers since 2014. I have been using mine for a few months, and have some observations
Best boat Internet systems
These are my recommended system designs for getting high quality Internet on your boat. There are several different choices depending on your budget.
Rendezvous internet setup
Having a reliable setup has always been one of my top goals, usually leveraging several technologies. This article covers the tech that I used on my boat.
Managing internet usage on your boat
Managing your internet data usage on the boat is important both for a quality experience, and because of limited WiFi and cellular networks.
Rendezvous initial networks
In the last 4 months, I have been developing my overall network on board Rendezvous. I wanted a good WiFi/Ethernet network to connect me to the outside world, as well as a well developed NMEA 2000 network for marine equipment while underway. So far, here's what I have…
MikroTik Groove step-by-step setup guide
Setting up the MikroTik Groove to boost WiFi on your boat can be daunting. With a few quick steps you can get the Groove up and running quickly on your network.
Modular, cheaper boat internet solution via Netgear and MikroTik
I've written a lot about my boat network, and in particular, Peplink products that offer a ton of functionality and features. For the last 6 months, I have been playing with configurations and hardware that cost less, but still provide flexibility and features that more expensive solutions offer.
Using an Intel NUC as a powerful boat server
I use an Intel NUC as a boat linux computer to run Grafana, SignalK, Zabbix and many more tools.
Best LTE antenna and booster for the boat
For almost two years I have been testing, re-testing, and re-wiring my setup on Grace in an effort to find the best LTE antenna configuration.
Easy security cameras for the sailboat via Arlo
Keeping your boat secure is always a challenge. Video security is hard to do because of bandwidth and cost. Arlo cameras have solved this for my sailboat, providing high quality video day or night, low bandwidth use, and easy to install and stow while underway.
T-Mobile international change will affect boaters
T-Mobile changed the unlimited benefit while roaming – the monthly data allowance has shrunk, and the speeds have dropped from LTE to 3G once you hit that limit. Boaters will be affected who use T-Mobile, as I do, out on the water.
Grace's updated network for 2017
My sailboat network is quite extensive, and I made a lot of changes in 2017 including a radar arch, new instruments, updates to connectors and more.
Surface Pro 4 is a great boat computer
I’m always on the look out for a compact, well performing, easy to use computer for the sailboat. Over the years, I’ve used some rugged tablets, laptops, and other creations, but none have been able to run the software I need while still being easy enough to use. Is the Surface Pro that computer?
Grace's redundant Internet setup
I have spent most of my professional life working on and fixing networks, and always want my personal network to be as reliable, speedy, and full of features as possible. My boats are no exception
