I test and evaluate lots of different ways to stay connected while on the water. These articles cover antennas, routers, and plans that you can use to get internet access from your boat.
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.
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.
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.
Having a Peplink router with a cellular modem paired with Starlink is essential for reliable connectivity aboard the boat.
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'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.
My first revision internet setup for Kaos including multiple 5G cellular links, domes, marine grade antennas, access points and more.
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.
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.
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.
The Netgear Nighthawk 5G is an expensive upgrade to the Nighthawk line with moderate 5G support and some other interesting features.
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.
