Stay Connected

Many boaters like the time spent on the water to escape and briefly disconnect from the world. But today’s technology has made it possible to get on the water and still be productive and connected when necessary, allowing some of us even more time afloat.

Starlink and its satellite system are just such technologies, allowing boaters internet access and connectivity from anywhere in the world, even while underway, for a fraction of the cost of other satellite providers.

How it works

Utilizing its ever-increasing array of low-orbit satellites launched via its parent company, SpaceX, Starlink can offer worldwide connectivity through a line of satellite antennas that work while both stationary and underway. Connection can be fast and affordable and have very low latency. Because the satellite system utilizes low-orbit satellites, the signal takes less time to reach and be retransmitted from the satellites than other satellite services.

Starlink claims it can make 70 roundtrips to its satellite for every trip accomplished by the competition’s geostationary satellites, which are much farther from Earth. This translates into smooth streaming and uninterrupted data calls. All that is needed to connect online is a Starlink antenna, a router, an app and an active plan.

Starlink Mini

At the time of writing, Starlink offers six antennas and multiple plans catering to various users, from commercial to residential, mobile, maritime and aviation. The antenna that is well-suited for boaters is the Mini, which is small enough to fit in a backpack and designed for those looking for a portable unit that can still allow for a high-speed and low-latency internet connection.

The Mini has a built-in Wi-Fi router, can work on 12V DC and has a low power draw. This is a good option for someone looking to use it as needed while on the go, at the dock or on the hook, with size and mobility sacrificing a little bit of data speed.

Starlink’s Standard and Standard Actuated antennas are designed primarily for its most extensive client base, residential users (Starlink says actuated antennas are not intended for in-motion use). Its Flat High-Performance antenna is the most popular with boaters.

This is for a reason. Designed for users underway, it has a wide field of view and enhanced GPS capabilities, making it nimble while underway and when pitching and rolling. It can allow improved speed performance, works better in extreme environments, and can connect to more satellites than other models. It comes packaged with the antenna, a wedge mount, a power supply mount and all the cables needed to get started. It was initially packaged with a router but is currently offered without one, so users can choose their existing onboard router or purchase the Starlink version separately.

Plans

Through its technology, Starlink knows precisely where its antenna is and how it is used. It offers residential and roaming plans, and knows well enough when antennas have moved or are on the move. Because of this, if you plan on using your Starlink in more than one fixed location, you are well advised to look at a roaming plan.

The antennas that Starlink approves for in-motion use are the Flat High Performance, Standard and Mini antennas. The plans that enable in-motion use are Mobile Priority, which allows for in-motion use on land and in the ocean; Roam 50GB for in-motion on land and in coastal waters; and Roam Unlimited, which has the same use/coverage but with unlimited data.

Prices and features of each plan can change, so it is worth looking at all the plans and their limitations before locking into one. As of the time of writing, there are no contracts, and the roaming plans can be paused without cost.

As popularity grows and markets change, so do Starlink’s access plans. It claims: “With Starlink, it’s a fair deal both ways. Starlink can adjust terms and pricing as needed, and you can cancel at any time, for any reason.” There are currently areas in the U.S. that are saturated with users, and Starlink is restricting new customers’ access (including some areas recently hit by hurricanes, fires, etc.), but this is only true for residential plans at this time and not roaming. Because of this, it is important to confirm you can access the system in the areas you are in.

No matter where you are on the water, with Starlink, you can now stay connected and have the same internet access as if you were at home, in front of the TV or computer. Now the option is yours to be connected or turn it all off and disconnect — even if it’s just for a little while.