# SeaBits
> I test gear, fix systems, and write about marine electronics, internet, and electrical systems while cruising the Salish Sea aboard a 50-foot steel trawler.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [About Steve](https://seabits.com/about-steve.md) - Steve grew up on a Christmas Tree Farm and spent the majority of his childhood outdoors, learning everything from construction to engines to electrical design from his father. He also started playing piano at age 3, and went on to participate in a number of musical groups up through college, which…
- [A site dedicated to boat technology, internet on the water, and marine electronics](https://seabits.com/about.md) - My name is Steve Mitchell and I write about marine electronics, technology, and internet connectivity. You can join my newsletter and get access to new articles and tidbits, check out my current boat Aruna, or just learn more about me and the site.
- [Affiliate Disclosure](https://seabits.com/affiliate-disclosure.md) - SeaBits uses affiliate links I don't write articles to generate revenue. Every opinion is my own, driven by real-world use and testing, experience in a particular field, or otherwise. You can read my Review Policy [https://seabits.com/review-policy] to understand more about that particular part of…
- [AIS](https://seabits.com/ais.md) - Please see my Services [https://seabits.com/services/] page for details on my AIS solutions. I use a mobile base station on my boat Rendezvous [https://seabits.com/rendezvous/] along with a dedicated VHF antenna, AIS Class-B transponder, an Intel NUC that gathers the data and forwards it to various…
- [Logos and branding](https://seabits.com/branding.md) - Below are logos available for use. Please do not modify or change any of the included logos without permission. There are alternate versions, colors and sizes available on request. Please contact us for more clarification.
- [Contact Me](https://seabits.com/contact.md) - I’m always interested in hearing from folks who have questions or comments. Did you know that I provide consulting, installation, and training services? Check out more on my page below: Marine Technology Consulting & TrainingSimplifying Marine Tech: From Troubleshooting to TrainingSeaBitsSteve Mitc…
- [Marine Electronics Forums](https://seabits.com/forums.md) - SeaBits has teamed up with Panbo to provide the Marine Electronics Forums [https://www.panbo.com/marineelectronicsforum/]. Join the Bens from Panbo and Steve from SeaBits in discussing all things marine electronics. Ben Stein & Family, Panbo PublisherBen Ellison, Panbo Senior EditorSteve Mitchell,…
- [Grace - 2000 32 foot Beneteau Sailboat for Sale](https://seabits.com/grace-for-sale.md) - Sold October 2018 Grace [https://seabits.com/grace/] has been part of my family since 2015, and has been lovingly maintained and upgraded. The time has come to move to a larger boat, and Grace needs a new home. Many of the products and systems discussed on SailBits [https://sailbits.com] are instal…
- [s/v Grace](https://seabits.com/grace.md) - Grace was my 2001 Beneteau 311 sailboat from July 2015 through October 2018. I had always wanted to own a Beneteau after years of seeing their beautiful interiors, sleek lines, and fantastic sailing capabilities. She moved on to new owners on October 31st (Halloween!) 2018. My last sailboat Jammy […
- [Hey there, I'm Steve 👋](https://seabits.com/home-subscribe-old.md) - I write about internet connectivity afloat 📡, marine electronics ⚡️, and other boating technology. I love testing new tech, taking on crazy electrical projects, and sharing my experience with others. I travel around the Salish Sea on board my boat Aruna and provide consulting, installation and tra…
- [s/v Jammy](https://seabits.com/jammy.md) - Jammy was a 1979 US Yachts 295 sailboat that graced my life from 2004-2015. She and I had many years of adventures and projects in Seattle, and around Puget Sound. I sold her in 2015 to move up to a larger sailboat, Grace [https://seabits.com/grace/]. When I bought Jammy in 2004, she had basic inst…
- [SeaBits News](https://seabits.com/news.md) - Join my newsletter to stay up-to-date on new reviews, projects, and more. Each newsletter is written by hand, and includes the latest article, smaller project updates and a sneak peek at upcoming stuff! Join 3000+ boat nerds Enter your email Subscribe I value email privacy as much as the next perso…
- [Privacy Policy](https://seabits.com/privacy.md) - Effective date: January 1, 2026 Who We Are SeaBits LLC ("SeaBits," "we," "us") is a marine consulting, systems integration, and publishing business operated by Steve Mitchell. Owner and Data Controller SeaBits LLC 7001 Seaview Ave NW, Suite 160-633 Seattle, WA 98117 admin@seabits.com What This Poli…
- [m/v Rendezvous](https://seabits.com/rendezvous.md) - Rendezvous is a 1988 Ocean Alexander 420 Sundeck motor yacht. She became part of our family in November of 2018. After 25+ years sailing, we decided to move to power (see Sailing Towards Power) [https://seabits.com/sailing-towards-power/] to allow for a bigger platform for more projects [https://se…
- [Services](https://seabits.com/services.md) - I run the following services, mostly to contribute to various communities or data gathering services to allow others to benefit. AIS I currently use an AIS unit on Kaos to grab AIS data off the VHF airwaves. On board, I have an Intel NUC that runs aisdispatcher and sends only summarized data over a…
- [Terms of Service](https://seabits.com/terms.md) - Effective date: January 1st, 2026 About SeaBits LLC SeaBits LLC ("SeaBits," "we," "us") is a marine consulting and systems integration business based in Washington State. We provide remote consulting, on-site electrical and systems installation, and educational content and membership services to bo…
- [OpenROV Trident](https://seabits.com/trident.md) - Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle I was lucky enough to be part of the beta program for the OpenROV Trident [https://www.openrov.com/products/trident/] underwater drone. Mine was named Rhenium [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhenium] by the OpenROV folks. > Note: I no longer recommend or use this…
- [Voyage Planning Tools](https://seabits.com/voyage-planning-tools.md) - There are a number of tools I use for voyage planning, listed and maintained below. Since I cruise mostly in Puget Sound/Salish Sea and places nearby, these are specific to those areas further down the page. General Tools There’s a set of general tools I use for planning voyages that include the fo…
- [Weather](https://seabits.com/weather.md) - I love weather – observing it, being in a big storm, gathering data, and understanding how it changes what I do both on and off the water. To that end, I have some tools and sites I use listed below, and also details on stations I either run or have helped build. Tools / Websites General Weather Fo…
- [Where am I now?](https://seabits.com/where.md) - Aruna has multiple tracking systems aboard. Most of them are on all the time, but some only really show useful information when I am on a trip. The best way to track me is via my Saillogger page here. This automatically updates every few seconds, and unless I've had some terrible failure or am not…

## Posts
- [Starlink Roam Plans Change](https://seabits.com/starlink-roam-plan-changes.md) - Starlink is retiring Global Roam and capping Roam Unlimited at 30 days abroad. Here's what's changing and who it affects most.
- [Starlink has changed a lot since May](https://seabits.com/starlink-has-changed-a-lot-since-may.md) - Starlink pricing changes, a passport requirement for border crossings, and the Standard dish disappearing from new orders, plus more since May.
- [The FCC Router Ban and What It Means for Your Boat](https://seabits.com/the-fcc-router-ban-and-what-it-means-for-your-boat.md) - The FCC just banned new foreign-made consumer Wi-Fi routers. Here's what it means for boaters, which brands are affected, and why Peplink users have nothing to worry about.
- [Why I'm upgrading Aruna's electrical system](https://seabits.com/why-im-upgrading-arunas-electrical-system.md) - Aruna's electrical system has been a compromise since I bought her. This is the story of why, and what I'm planning to do about it.
- [Starlink Performance Gen3 Update](https://seabits.com/starlink-performance-gen3-update.md) - Nine months aboard with the Starlink Performance Gen3 covering DC power, faster speeds, marine connections, and what still needs improvement.
- [Maretron MConnect Review](https://seabits.com/maretron-mconnect-review.md) - Maretron MConnect can display info from your NMEA 2000 network in a web browser, and makes it easy to see the status of things on your boat.
- [Starlink Performance Kit Power Testing](https://seabits.com/starlink-performance-kit-power-testing.md) - Real-world testing of the Starlink Performance Kit on both DC and AC power, cutting and extending the DC power cable, and looking into the specs and limits of the DC power supply
- [Starlink Performance Kit Unboxing](https://seabits.com/starlink-performance-kit-unboxing.md) - The Starlink Performance Kit is a high performance, ultra waterproof version of their product with helpful features designed with boats in mind.
- [Anchor Buddy tips for dinghy trips ashore](https://seabits.com/anchor-buddy-tips-for-dinghy-trips-ashore-2.md) - Going ashore can be challenging in places with large tidal swings and rocky shorelines. An anchor buddy with some modifications can make this process much easier.
- [Mantus M3 Chain Hook Review](https://seabits.com/mantus-m3-chain-hook-review.md) - After testing the Mantus M3 chain hook for a few months, I’m impressed by its solid build and usability.
- [2024 Trip Highlights and Stats](https://seabits.com/2024-trip-highlights-and-stats.md) - 2024 was an epic year - 3000 miles, my favorite anchorage ever in the Central Coast of British Columbia, northern lights, and more.
- [Aruna's internet setup](https://seabits.com/arunas-internet-setup.md) - Staying connected while living aboard full time requires a high quality internet router, Starlink, and cellular connections all configured and optimized for Teams and Zoom.
- [Meet Aruna!](https://seabits.com/meet-aruna.md) - We bought a 50' 2003 Kristen Yachts steel pilot house trawler in late 2023. She is an amazing ship with tons of cool systems and a relaxing interior.
- [2023 Trip Highlights and Stats](https://seabits.com/2023-trips-and-stats.md) - I did over 2800 nautical miles and 370 hours underway this year on Kaos all around the Salish Sea, mostly in Canada.
- [Capsule dishwasher](https://seabits.com/loch-capsule-dishwasher.md) - The Loch Capsule dishwasher is great for a boat - low water and power usage, quick cycle time, and fits full size plates without compromises
- [Seaview light and mount](https://seabits.com/seaview-light-mount.md) - I wanted to provide a better spot to mount my Starlink, GPS and wind instrument, as well as improve the anchor and steaming lights.
- [WiFi as WAN](https://seabits.com/wifi-as-wan.md) - Using a remote WiFi network as a source of internet on your boat is useful, but know the limitations of the devices and features available to you.
- [Victron electrical system after 14 months](https://seabits.com/victron-electrical-system-after-14-months.md) - I've been using Kaos' new Victron LiFePO4 electrical system for 14 months now and have some performance, changes, and updates to share.
- [Supercharged Victron displays & push alerts](https://seabits.com/supercharged-victron-displays-push-alerts.md) - Victron provides amazing visibility into your electrical system, but GuiMods takes it to the next level with tons more data and usability.
- [Starlink flat high performance in-motion dish initial impressions](https://seabits.com/starlink-flat-high-performance.md) - Starlink has released a flat, high-performance dish that can be used in-motion and comes with a wedge mount that may work well on your boat.
- [Kaos LiFePO4 electrical system v1](https://seabits.com/kaos-lifepo4-electrical-system-v1.md) - Kaos gets a new Victron 24 volt LiFePO4 electrical system that increases the reliability, capacity, and visibility.
- [Using Starlink with Peplink](https://seabits.com/using-starlink-with-peplink.md) - Having a Peplink router with a cellular modem paired with Starlink is essential for reliable connectivity aboard the boat.
- [Kaos after 8 months](https://seabits.com/kaos-after-8-months.md) - The first few months of owning a new boat are a flurry of exciting adventures and projects, and Kaos was no exception.
- [Starlink is finally useful aboard](https://seabits.com/starlink-finally-useful-aboard.md) - Starlink is a great option to stay connected while at anchor or at the dock. There are still some challenges, but combined with a cellular router, it makes a powerful solution.
- [Peplink Maritime Antennas](https://seabits.com/peplink-maritime-antennas.md) - Peplink's new Maritime series of antennas prove to be well built, have lots of coverage for various bands, and are a prime contender for any marine setup.
- [Kaos initial internet setup](https://seabits.com/kaos-initial-internet-setup.md) - My first revision internet setup for Kaos including multiple 5G cellular links, domes, marine grade antennas, access points and more.
- [Initial projects on Kaos](https://seabits.com/initial-projects-on-kaos.md) - I've installed new lighting, batteries, and dealt with challenges around the electrical system. I began my electronics conversion, and have replaced my toilets. Even more projects are on the horizon.
- [Meet Kaos!](https://seabits.com/meet-kaos.md) - Kaos is a 1994 Symbol pilothouse yacht that became part of our family in January 2022
- [Hurricane Chinook hydronic heating system](https://seabits.com/hurricane-chinook-hydronic-heating-system.md) - The Hurricane Chinook hydronic heater is a compact, multi-function system with instant hot water and other useful features.
- [Rendezvous is for sale!](https://seabits.com/rendezvous-is-for-sale.md) - Rendezvous, an Ocean Alexander 420 Sundeck motor yacht, is for sale!
- [Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G initial impressions](https://seabits.com/peplink-max-br1-pro-5g-first-impressions.md) - The Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G is a powerful router capable of excellent performance on both 4G and 5G, and is a top pick for internet connectivity on a boat.
- [Using Starlink on a boat and in a marina](https://seabits.com/using-starlink-aboard-and-in-a-marina.md) - Starlink is still a very new technology, and not ready for being used underway or at anchor. However, in a marina it might work OK.
- [New Peplink antenna testing](https://seabits.com/new-peplink-antenna-testing.md) - There have been a lot of new cellular antennas that have come out in the last few months from Peplink. I've been testing some of them for a while, and have some interesting findings.
- [A few days at Oro Bay](https://seabits.com/a-few-days-at-oro-bay.md) - Oro Bay on the south end of Anderson Island in the Salish Sea is a beautiful anchorage with a nearby park, quiet privacy, and wonderful views.
- [Netgear Nighthawk 5G first impressions](https://seabits.com/netgear-nighthawk-5g.md) - The Netgear Nighthawk 5G is an expensive upgrade to the Nighthawk line with moderate 5G support and some other interesting features.
- [New Verizon data plans](https://seabits.com/new-verizon-data-plans.md) - Verizon has added new data only plans to their lineup for both pre-paid and post-paid customers. This is great news for those folks needing VZW coverage.
- [Working remotely from the boat](https://seabits.com/working-remotely-from-the-boat.md) - Working remotely from the boat requires a good system with multiple connections and cellular plans, redundancy, and good WiFi.
- [Chasing M2 underwater ROV review](https://seabits.com/chasing-m2-underwater-rov-review.md) - The Chasing M2 is an expensive ROV with some neat features, but still needs some additional improvements to be worth the rather high price.
- [Power conversion devices for networking and electronics](https://seabits.com/power-conversion-devices-for-networking-and-electronics.md) - Various devices from Victron and Tycon that can help power sensitive electronics and power over ethernet (PoE) devices.
- [Recommended Internet Systems, Satellite and Cellular Plans](https://seabits.com/recommended-systems-plans.md) - Below are some of the current systems / hardware / plans I recommend. These are constantly changing, so check back often.
- [Starlink is not ready for your boat, yet...](https://seabits.com/starlink-is-not-ready-for-your-boat-yet.md) - Many folks are asking about whether Starlink is a viable alternative for internet connectivity on the boat. I'll cover what I know and link to some other useful bits of info.
- [Finding a cellular data plan for your boat](https://seabits.com/finding-a-cellular-data-plan-for-your-boat.md) - One of the biggest challenges with staying connected on the water is finding an appropriate cellular data plan. Before you embark on buying a new router, cabling, or anything else, start here - finding a plan can be challenging, and no amount of hardware will fix that.
- [Remotely accessing boat systems](https://seabits.com/remotely-accessing-boat-systems.md) - Accessing your boat remotely is a common desire. Most people can access their home remotely, so it seems like it should be just as easy for your boat. But there are some limitations with the types of connectivity that most boaters have that make it a bit more challenging.
- [Set up Signal K and Grafana on Raspberry Pi with PICAN-M NMEA 2000 board](https://seabits.com/set-up-signal-k-and-grafana-on-raspberry-pi-with-pican-m-nmea-2000-board.md) - With the advent of streamlined Raspberry Pi + NMEA 2000 hardware, building a dedicated Signal K server has never been easier. This article walks you through the steps.
- [Fresh water system improvements](https://seabits.com/fresh-water-system-improvements.md) - In the last couple of months, I've made some improvements to my fresh water system in a number of areas. It started with the toilet, and progressed into filtering, pumping, and the shower itself.
- [Teltonika RUTX11 LTE router](https://seabits.com/teltonika-rutx11-lte-router.md) - The Teltonika RUTX11 is a single category 6 LTE router with a ton of features, extra services and connectivity, and all for an inexpensive price.
- [T-Mobile 100GB internet data plan](https://seabits.com/t-mobile-100gb-internet-data-plan.md) - T-Mobile is offering a decent hotspot / router plan again for $50/month that includes 100GB of data, roaming, and more!
- [Vesper Cortex after a few months](https://seabits.com/vesper-cortex-first-impressions.md) - The Vesper Cortex is an AIS Class B+ SOTDMA transponder combined with VHF radio and remote monitoring. It shows amazing promise after the first few months of use.
- [Actisense smart universal terminators](https://seabits.com/actisense-smart-terminators.md) - Keep your NMEA 2000 network running smoothly with a universal terminator that has an LED showing bus voltage, and can be used easily at either end of the bus.
- [NMEA 2000 powered Raspberry Pi](https://seabits.com/nmea-2000-powered-raspberry-pi.md) - Easy to install Raspberry Pi computer that gets its power from the NMEA 2000 bus. Great for SignalK, OpenCPN, and OpenPlotter.
- [Poynting OMNI-496 WiFi antenna](https://seabits.com/poynting-omni-496-wifi.md) - The Poynting OMNI-496 is an excellent dual band WiFi antenna built for the marine world.
- [Furuno SCX-20 Satellite Compass](https://seabits.com/furuno-scx-20-satellite-compass.md) - I've been using the Furuno SCX-20 Satellite Compass and am impressed. It has a super accurate GPS, compass, roll/pitch/yaw, and all in a tiny package.
- [Rendezvous Internet Setup for 2020](https://seabits.com/rendezvous-internet-setup-for-2020.md) - This is my Peplink and Poynting based internet system for 2020 aboard Rendezvous using LTE and WiFi sources, and marine grade components
- [Engine and power dashboards](https://seabits.com/engine-and-power-dashboards.md) - I have discussed my weather dashboard before in Real-time weather from the boat, but I have always wanted more visibility into other areas. I have a couple of new dashboards for engine performance and the electrical system.
- [Isolating AC power](https://seabits.com/isolating-ac-power.md) - You may notice that this article is quite short. After a few comments (scroll down) and a number of email discussions on the side, I decided to remove the content of this article and replace it with this info.
- [Problems with T-Mobile voice+data plans and Peplink CAT18](https://seabits.com/problems-with-t-mobile-voicedata-plans-and-peplink-cat18.md) - T-Mobile have apparently blocked the T-Mobile One lines that have both data and voice from using a Peplink CAT18 router with the Telit LM960 modem.
- [Peplink MAX HD1 Dome](https://seabits.com/peplink-max-hd1-dome.md) - I am testing the CAT18 version of the Peplink MAX HD1 Dome and SIM Injector against the MAX Transit with Poynting OMNI-402 antennas, and recorded an overview video as well.
- [More router testing and initial results on the OMNI-496](https://seabits.com/more-router-testing-and-initial-results-on-the-omni-496.md) - I have been testing a lot of different LTE router and antenna combinations this year from Peplink, MikroTik, Teltonika, Poynting and more.
- [GL-X1200 Amarok Dual LTE router](https://seabits.com/gl-x1200-amarok-dual-lte-router.md) - The GL.iNet GL-X1200 Amarok router is a great dual-LTE device with lots of hardware, dual-band WiFi, and OpenWRT-inspired software.
- [New routers & antennas under test](https://seabits.com/new-routers-antennas-under-test.md) - There has been a lot going on lately, and I wanted to provide an update on what I am working on and testing. My primary focus has been on internet connectivity aboard which has become even more important with the current world situation.
- [Virtual Happy Hour & Tech Talk](https://seabits.com/happy-hour.md) - I think we are all missing the social aspect of owning a boat – chatting with other boat owners about projects, harrowing adventures, and everything in between. While we can’t all get together like we normally would, I’m going to try a virtual version, hoping that you will join me!
- [Real-time weather from the boat](https://seabits.com/real-time-weather-from-the-boat.md) - Getting real-time weather data from the boat is now possible using SignalK and some plugins, plus beautiful dashboards in Grafana, with the data stored in Influx
- [Docking and engine room cameras](https://seabits.com/docking-and-engine-room-cameras.md) - Docking my boat is much easier with a camera looking at the dock, and visible from all driving locations. Finding one proved to be easier than I thought.
- [WiFiRanger Converge](https://seabits.com/wifiranger-converge.md) - WiFiRanger has been around a long time providing connectivity solutions for RVs and boats. Their new platform is called Converge, and is a mix of different components that can provide a whole solution for internet aboard.
- [Wakespeed WS-500 regulator review](https://seabits.com/wakespeed-ws-500-regulator-review.md) - The Wakespeed WS-500 regulator is super programmable, has a ton of features, and can be used for dual engine, LiFePO4 banks, and smaller engines very effectively.
- [Upgrading VHF and AIS antennas](https://seabits.com/upgrading-vhf-and-ais-antennas.md) - I have wanted to update my VHF antennas for a while, specifically to get a dedicated AIS antenna for my Class B transponder.
- [Victron GX now sends NMEA 2000](https://seabits.com/victron-new-support-for-nmea-2000.md) - Victron has had a lot of impressive connectivity products, but one area they have had challenges with is in getting all of that data onto NMEA 2000. In their recent v2.40 release, that has changed for the better.
- [Poynting OMNI LTE antennas](https://seabits.com/poynting-omni-antenna-testing.md) - I'm always on the lookout for new LTE antennas that could help improve my signal while on the water. Poynting has a couple of interesting marine antennas...
- [NMEA 2000 network troubleshooting tools](https://seabits.com/nmea-2000-troubleshooting-tools.md) - NMEA 2000 networks are part of any connected boat, and can be problematic by nature of their design. Troubleshooting an N2K network can be done very easily.
- [What's on your boat server?](https://seabits.com/whats-on-your-boat-server.md) - Servers are more common on boats today than ever before. Having some sort of system to run SignalK, a dedicated alerting system, or some other service has become just as integral as having a chart plotter or VHF radio.
- [One year after switching to power](https://seabits.com/one-year-after-switching-from-sail.md) - I switched from sail to power a year ago and haven't looked back. There are pros and cons, but I am glad I made the switch!
- [Furuno FM-4800 VHF Radio](https://seabits.com/furuno-fm-4800.md) - Furuno released the FM-4800 VHF radio in late 2018, and I have been using it since then, and really like it as my primary boat radio.
- [Low Data Mode helps boat WiFi use in iOS 13](https://seabits.com/low-data-mode-helps-boat-wifi-use-in-ios-13.md) - 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](https://seabits.com/weboost-drive-reach-cellular-amplifier-installation-and-testing.md) - 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
- [Victron + Wakespeed + Battle Born power system](https://seabits.com/victron-wakespeed-battle-born-power-system.md) - I upgrade my power system with Battle Born batteries, Balmar alternators, and Wakespeed regulators to give me way more power and longer time at anchor.
- [Best boat Internet systems](https://seabits.com/best-boat-internet-systems.md) - 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](https://seabits.com/rendezvous-internet-setup.md) - 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.
- [Boat piano and storage](https://seabits.com/boat-piano-and-storage.md) - The Yamaha P-125 piano is super light, has an excellent action, a few great piano sounds, and is perfect for my boat. I also built a system to store it in a closet.
- [The anchor project](https://seabits.com/anchor-project.md) - After months and months of troubleshooting problems, changing chain and anchors, I finally have an anchoring system that I feel very confident in.
- [NaviSafe dinghy lights](https://seabits.com/navisafe-dinghy-lights.md) - NaviSafe dinghy lights are easy to add to your dinghy or other small boat. They run a whole season on one set of batteries, and can be configured in many ways.
- [Managing internet usage on your boat](https://seabits.com/limiting-data-on-board-your-boat.md) - Managing your internet data usage on the boat is important both for a quality experience, and because of limited WiFi and cellular networks.
- [Final project push before summer trips](https://seabits.com/final-project-push-before-summer.md) - A sneak peek at some of the projects I am finishing up. Includes a new LiFePO4 battery bank, water pump, lights, and more.
- [Friday Harbor round trip](https://seabits.com/friday-harbor-round-trip.md) - After working on lots of projects this winter on Rendezvous, I was itching to get out on the water and test all of them on a longer journey. I was delighted at the opportunity to accompany a friend and her boat up to Friday Harbor for the season, and the trip was wonderful!
- [Rendezvous initial networks](https://seabits.com/rendezvous-initial-networks.md) - 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...
- [Diesel tank monitoring with Maretron TLM](https://seabits.com/diesel-tank-monitoring-with-maretron-tl.md) - Monitoring my diesel tank level is much easier now that I've installed a Maretron TLM ultrasonic tank sensor.
- [Seaview - more than just mounts](https://seabits.com/seaview-more-than-mounts.md) - As part of the project to update Rendezvous electronics, I planned on replacing the older Furuno open-array radar, which required looking for a new mounting solution on my arch. I started searching for mounts, and came across a lot of solutions.
- [Furuno NavPilot 300 unboxing and initial installation](https://seabits.com/furuno-navpilot-300-unboxing-and-initial-installation.md) - One of the most important pieces of technology on any boat I own is the autopilot and systems that drive it. Rendezvous came with a partially functioning autopilot that I was not able to rely on, so I started searching for a new solution.
- [Poulsbo and Bainbridge snow adventure](https://seabits.com/poulsbo-and-bainbridge-snow-adventure.md) - After having Rendezvous on the dock for the last few weeks, I was itching to get out on the water and enjoy some winter cruising. Crew member Jake was free early on a Friday, so we set off to Poulsbo for the weekend.
- [New LED lighting everywhere](https://seabits.com/new-lighting-everywhere.md) - Updating your boat to LED lighting is an easy way to make it feel more updated, livable and safe. MarineBeam, SuperBrightLEDs and Dr. LED converted me fully to LED.
- [Monitor your engine with the Actisense EMU-1](https://seabits.com/monitor-your-engine-with-the-actisense-emu-1.md) - Your engine is a critical part of your boat. Monitoring it with the Actisense EMU-1 gives you peace of mind and better visibility.
- [Portable low-power espresso on the boat with Nanopresso](https://seabits.com/portable-low-power-espresso-on-the-boat-with-nanopresso.md) - Wacaco Nanopresso is a great way to make espresso on a boat without using tons of power. You can even get an adapter to use Nespresso pods which makes for easy cleanup!
- [Boat exploration, a shock and a fire](https://seabits.com/boat-exploration-a-shock-and-a-fire.md) - The last few weeks have been very busy aboard Rendezvous. I have spent most of the time learning the boat, exploring wiring and systems setup, and working on some projects that were first on my list.
- [A new family member](https://seabits.com/a-new-family-member.md) - I am excited to introduce a new family member - Rendezvous. She is a 1988 Ocean Alexander 420 sundeck motor yacht with lots of neat features and extras. After a whirlwind process of selling Grace, Rendezvous became part of our family in early November
- [Installing and using a Victron LiFePO4 energy system](https://seabits.com/installing-and-using-a-victron-lifepo4-energy-system.md) - With my LiFePO4 power design complete, I was excited to install and use the new system for most of this sailing season. The installation took longer than a traditional battery installation, and had more complexity, but turned out to be a fantastic setup for the longer trips I went on this summer.
- [LunaSea navigation lights](https://seabits.com/lunasea-navigation-lights.md) - Navigation lights on older boats are a great target for an LED upgrade. Recently I found LunaSea festoon LED bulbs and replaced mine.
- [Pender Harbour back to Seattle](https://seabits.com/pender-harbour-back-to-seattle.md) - After visiting Princess Louisa Inlet, it was time to return home to Seattle. The journey from Pender Harbour back turned out to be much more difficult than getting there.
- [Princess Louisa Inlet](https://seabits.com/princess-louisa-inlet.md) - I have always wanted to visit Princess Louisa Inlet, but have never had the right timing, boat, schedule, and everything else align until this year. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget, and I consider it one of the top 5 places I have ever visited - boat or not!
- [Getting to Princess Louisa Inlet from Seattle](https://seabits.com/getting-to-princess-louisa-inlet-from-seattle.md) - This year I finally made it to a place I have always wanted to see - Princess Louisa Inlet. The trip was an epic one - over 450 NM in only 17 days, and all done solo!
- [Sailing towards power...](https://seabits.com/sailing-towards-power.md) - I have decided to move to a power boat after years of sailing. The decision was a hard one, but also an exciting one as it will enable more projects and testing on a bigger platform.
- [MikroTik Groove step-by-step setup guide](https://seabits.com/mikrotik-groove-step-by-step-setup-guide.md) - 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.
- [Correcting the list - LiFePO4 power system design](https://seabits.com/correcting-the-list-lifepo4-power-system-design.md) - Due to weight and features, I decided to convert my sailboat power system to LiFePO4. This article covers the design which settled on Victron components.
- [Conquer seasickness with a ReliefBand](https://seabits.com/conquer-seasickness-with-a-reliefband.md) - Since as long as I can remember, I've gotten motion sick on airplanes, in cars, and on boats. I have tried many different solutions to help reduce how sick I get, and the one that has worked for 15+ years for me reliably and easily is the ReliefBand.
- [Improvements with a new propeller](https://seabits.com/improvements-with-a-new-propeller.md) - Grace came with a factory prop when I purchased her - it was OK, but after 3 years of using that prop, I felt that I could get better speed and potentially other benefits.
- [Major mast work](https://seabits.com/major-mast-work.md) - In the last year I have had a number of issues with items in or on Grace's mast. During a recent trip to Blake Island, the anchor light stopped working, and that was the last straw. It was time to dig deeper into fixing all of the issues.
- [Modular, cheaper boat internet solution via Netgear and MikroTik](https://seabits.com/modular-cheaper-boat-internet-solution-via-netgear-and-mikrotik.md) - 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](https://seabits.com/using-an-intel-nuc-as-a-powerful-boat-server.md) - I use an Intel NUC as a boat linux computer to run Grafana, SignalK, Zabbix and many more tools.
- [A tale of two sails](https://seabits.com/the-tale-of-two-sails.md) - This last week I took Grace out on the water twice after a ton of winter projects. The first time was a beautiful, warm day with wind and real sailing. The second time was the rainiest April day on record in 22 years in Seattle, and turned out quite a bit different.
- [SailBits and Panbo team up for Marine Electronics Forums](https://seabits.com/sailbits-and-panbo-team-up-for-marine-electronics-forums.md) - For the last year or so, I have wanted to build a community focused on marine electronics, networking and technology on boats. I have looked into different options for doing this, but it is a big responsibility to take on. In recent discussions with my industry peers at Panbo [https://www.panbo.com…
- [Raymarine Lighthouse v3.4 - apps, bluetooth, find nearest, and more](https://seabits.com/raymarine-lighthouse-v3-4-apps-bluetooth-find-nearest-and-more.md) - Raymarine continues their updates for Lighthouse with version 3.4 which includes a number of new features, bug fixes, and features that we had in version II. The most exciting addition is apps for Netflix, Spotify and Theyr, and the promise of even more in the future.
- [Best LTE antenna and booster for the boat](https://seabits.com/best-lte-antenna-booster-boat.md) - 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.
- [Nemo gateway - easy NMEA networking for your boat](https://seabits.com/nemo-gateway-easy-nmea-networking-for-your-boat.md) - Connecting marine electronics together is an important goal for modern boaters. The Nemo gateway from Rose Point is an easy way to connect everything together, while also easily providing high quality, frequent data to a number of sources.
- [Lighthouse 3.3 - radar and AIS plus more](https://seabits.com/lighthouse-3-3-radar-and-ais-plus-more.md) - Raymarine continue to come out with updates to Lighthouse v3 that include new features and bring forward items from v2. Version 3.3 was released a few weeks ago, and includes support for older eS and gS series MFDs, Navionics Plotter Sync, and new features around radar and sonar.
- [Portable lithium jump starter for the sailboat](https://seabits.com/portable-lithium-jump-starter-sailboat.md) - I made a decision to have a single battery bank for both my house and starting needs on Grace. I use a NOCO Genius Boost jump starter to ensure I won't end up dead in the water. It gives me around 20 chances to start even if my entire battery bank is dead.
- [Completed navigation panel](https://seabits.com/completed-navigation-panel.md) - I redesigned my nav and electrical panel, and finally got the parts to put it all together. A fun and beautiful project!
- [Fridge Optimizer now supports SignalK](https://seabits.com/fridge-optimizer-now-supports-signalk.md) - The Stainless Lobster Fridge Optimizer still remains one of my favorite additions, mainly because of the massive power savings and visibility. Recently, the folks at Stainless Lobster released new firmware that supports output of stats via the USB port and is compatible with SignalK.
- [Redesigning the nav and electrical panel](https://seabits.com/redesigning-the-nav-and-electrical-panel.md) - My navigation and electrical panel has been in need of an update for a while. In addition, I have never liked the electrical circuit layout, and am out of DC circuits. I have a general design of what I would like, but still have not settled on a final solution for the electrical panel.
- [Raymarine ITC-5 simplifies older ST instruments](https://seabits.com/raymarine-itc-5-simplifies-older-st-instruments.md) - I am always on the look out for ways to make my instruments more reliable. I came across the Raymarine ITC-5. It seemed perfect to help increase the quality of my network while replacing some old pieces.
- [Easy security cameras for the sailboat via Arlo](https://seabits.com/arlo-security-cameras-on-the-sailboat.md) - 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.
- [AMEC WideLink SOTDMA AIS Transponder](https://seabits.com/amec-widelink-sotdma-ais.md) - Seattle and Elliott Bay is a busy marine location, and I am always looking for a better AIS system so that others can see me clearly. AMEC has released the B600 AIS Class B transponder with more than double the transmit power, and fast 5 second updates.
- [NavPod to PowerPod - saving the helm station](https://seabits.com/navpod-powerpod-saving-helm-station.md) - My helm station has always been an area of continued improvement. When I first bought Grace in 2015, she had no chart plotter or other instruments – only older Raymarine ST series depth and wind instruments.
- [Lighthouse 3.2 - Navionics auto routing and Fusion audio support](https://seabits.com/lighthouse-navionics-auto-routing-and-fusion-audio-support.md) - Raymarine continues to release updates to Lighthouse 3 on a fairly aggressive schedule. The latest is version 3.2 which includes support for three things I was very interested in – Navionics dock-to-dock autorouting, Fusion audio support, and upgrading other Raymarine devices.
- [T-Mobile international change will affect boaters](https://seabits.com/t-mobile-international-change-will-affect-boaters.md) - 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.
- [Replacing the head - the crew's favorite upgrade](https://seabits.com/replacing-head-crews-favorite-upgrade.md) - One of the most hated bits of the boat is the head. Every boat I have owned has had a unique set of steps required to make sure things “work out” for everyone involved. I replaced the head with a Raritan SeaEra electric model. The crew absolutely loves it, and considers it the best upgrade.
- [Raymarine Lighthouse 3.1 - autopilot goodness](https://seabits.com/raymarine-lighthouse-3-1-autopilot-goodness.md) - Raymarine released LightHouse 3.1 with a number of new improvements and fixes. I installed it a few days after it was released, and tested it out. I found a number of really nice things that were added, specifically around the auto pilot integration, and some work left to do.
- [FixClip - the last clips you will ever need](https://seabits.com/fixclip-last-clips-will-ever-need.md) - Attaching things to random places on the boat seems like a common occurrence, and sometimes hard to do. I stumbled across Fix Clips and I don’t need anything else.
- [Haul out, chart plotters, and a sail cover](https://seabits.com/haul-out-chart-plotter-sail-cover.md) - Time to haul and paint and complete some other projects. Chart plotter installed along with a new Doyle sail cover.
- [Raymarine Axiom and Lighthouse 3 first impressions](https://seabits.com/raymarine-axiom-lighthouse-3-first-impressions.md) - Raymarine Axiom and Lighthouse 3 review and first impressions. A fantastic upgrade to Raymarine's software, with excellent hardware supporting it. Still some work to do with the software.
- [Grace's updated network for 2017](https://seabits.com/graces-updated-network-2017.md) - 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.
- [Seattle to Friday Harbor and back with Cattle Pass drama](https://seabits.com/seattle-friday-harbor-back-cattle-pass-drama.md) - First long trip of the year included testing out a lot of new gear, as well as a scary 12 knot passage through Cattle Pass. All turned out well, and a visit to the San Juans was just what we needed.
- [Proper VHF ends are easier than you think](https://seabits.com/proper-vhf-ends-easier-than-you-think.md) - After years of using crimp-on VHF terminals, I found an easy and much higher quality way of creating quality radio connections. Master soldering skills not required!
- [USB power solutions are simple to add to your boat](https://seabits.com/usb-power-solutions-simple.md) - Crew members on the sailboat expect to use their USB devices no matter where. Adding USB power throughout the boat is easy to do, and useful for the captain too.
- [Raymarine LightHouse II v19.03](https://seabits.com/raymarine-lighthouse-ii-v19-03.md) - Updates to Lighthouse 2 show that Raymarine is still innovating even while working on Lighthouse 3
- [Blake Island - friends, animals, and hiking](https://seabits.com/blake-island-friends-animals-hiking.md) - Blake Island is the closest marine state park to Seattle and my marina, and we love visiting. Deer, geese, and tons of trails make for a great trip. Ours was a bit wet, but still enjoyable.
- [Surface Pro 4 is a great boat computer](https://seabits.com/surface-pro-4-great-boat-computer.md) - 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?
- [Weather on the boat via weeWX and Ambient](https://seabits.com/weather-boat-via-weewx-ambient.md) - Being a weather nerd for years, having one on the boat has always been a dream. I helped a friend install one on his boat, and had to hack some things together software-wise to make it work.
- [Yacht Devices Voyage Recorder - a black box for your boat](https://seabits.com/yacht-devices-voyage-recorder-black-box-boat.md) - The Yacht Devices Voyage Recorder is a great device to add to your NMEA 2000 network as a "black box" recorder. Almost anything from the network can be recorded and analyzed afterwards for trip records, performance analysis, or more.
- [Be prepared wherever you are](https://seabits.com/be-prepared-wherever-you-are.md) - This is a story of how technology and being prepared helped us survive a very serious situation. It also reinforces how important preparedness is everywhere – at home, on vacations, in the wilderness, and on the water.
- [Drones on sailboats](https://seabits.com/drones-on-sailboats.md) - I’ve been flying drones for about 5 years. There are beautiful vistas and opportunities while sailing, and a drone is fantastic to include in your toolkit. The Mavic Pro is perfect for a sailboat.
- [3D printing for the boat](https://seabits.com/3d-printing-boat.md) - 3D printing is nothing new to boats, but I think the potential for people to create new products and ideas is just beginning. I've printed parts and pieces for various projects, but hope to create some actual products that could help boaters.
- [Grace's redundant Internet setup](https://seabits.com/grace-redundant-internet.md) - 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
- [Top projects from 2016](https://seabits.com/top-projects-2016.md) - 2016 was a year of major projects on Grace, one which will not likely be repeated in terms of the depth and complexity. That is mainly because she was brand new to us in 2015-2016, and had some gaps in major systems we needed while out on the water.
- [Marina WiFi is hard](https://seabits.com/marina-wifi-hard.md) - Recently I had the chance to spend a few weeks working on a local marina WiFi system. The biggest issue was the perception of the boaters throughout the marina, and the need to invest in equipment to improve the signal within their boats.
- [SmartThings keeps the boat warm during winter](https://seabits.com/smartthings-keeps-boat-warm-winter.md) - Using SmartThings to control heaters and monitor temperatures on your boat is a great way to ensure things are safe during the winter.
- [A boat vacuum that sucks](https://seabits.com/boat-vacuum-sucks.md) - Our boat gets dirty - all the time - and a good vacuum is essential to keeping it clean. The Dyson v6 car+boat vacuum performs amazingly well and lasts a lot longer than you would think on battery.
- [Amazon Echo Dot is perfect for the sailboat](https://seabits.com/amazon-echo-dot-perfect-sailboat.md) - Amazon Echo is perfect for the sailboat. The number one use is choosing what music to listen to, which is important for the crew. In addition, quick access to various news and fact sources comes in handy while on the water.
- [Charging away from the dock](https://seabits.com/charging-away-dock.md) - Charging while away from the dock on the sailboat is a critical piece to enjoying your time on the water. In part 3 of my power upgrade project, I replace the alternator and regulator to ensure my new Firefly batteries are topped up.
- [The arteries and veins of your electrical system](https://seabits.com/wires-veins-arteries.md) - The arteries and veins of your electrical system are the wires, and you need to ensure they are taken care of just as much as the batteries and other parts. In part 2 of my power system upgrade, I replace the majority of my main system wiring to ensure a healthy system.
- [Power System Design](https://seabits.com/power-system-design.md) - Grace came with a very basic power system which had some major problems. I chose to update it using MasterVolt as the primary charging, distribution and control system, Balmar for engine power management, and Firefly carbon foam batteries as the heart.
- [Solar simplification](https://seabits.com/solar-simplification.md) - My ongoing solar project at our family cabin in Eastern Washington took a simplification turn this last weekend. Much of what I’ve learned rewiring boats and working on DC systems has helped me fine-tune this installation.
- [Terminal fuse blocks saved my batteries](https://seabits.com/terminal-fuse-block-saved-my-batteries.md) - BlueSea terminal fuse blocks saved my Firefly batteries from damage after a short circuit.
- [Best drink holder ever?](https://seabits.com/best-drink-holder-ever.md) - Drink holders are critical to ensuring your crew (and you) are kept happy while on the water and at the dock or anchor. Finding holders that don't dump your drinks overboard or otherwise suck has been a challenge, until now.
- [Ambient LED cabin lights](https://seabits.com/ambient-led-cabin-lights.md) - Quality ambient light throughout the sailboat is a must. Getting this without high power use bulbs is easy with LEDs if you know where to start. Many manufacturers "white" LEDs look terrible, so choose carefully.
- [Jarrell Cove](https://seabits.com/jarrell-cove.md) - The fifth day of our South Puget Sound trip saw us leaving Olympia and heading to one of my favorite places - Jarrell Cove. It is a fantastic state park and cove with a ton of mooring options, and a nearby marina.
- [iKommunicate unboxing and install](https://seabits.com/ikommunicate-unboxing-install.md) - Digital Yachts iKommunicate is a great device to have on a networked boat to help unify everything, as well as provide a web and app portal to all of your instruments and data.
- [Olympia and Swantown Marina](https://seabits.com/olympia-swantown-marina.md) - The third and fourth days of our South Puget Sound trip saw us arriving at Olympia and Swantown Marina, and relaxing for an extra day.

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