starlink for cruising yachts

Starlink for Boats - The Plans, Dishes & What it Costs For Cruisers

Starlink has revolutionised liveaboard cruising by providing high-speed satellite internet to your boat, no matter where in the world you are. It allows cruisers to stay in touch with family, work online (read more on that here ) and gain easy access to the latest weather forecasting. 

In this article we're going to explore what there is to know about Starlink for boats, including how to order it, what plans and dishes are available, and what it costs.

What is Starlink

Installing starlink on a boat.

Starlink plans available

Types of Starlink dishes

Cost for having Starlink on a boat

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation that provides high speed internet access to underserved and remote areas around the world, as well as enhanced internet connectivity in populated areas.

The constellation consists of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) that are launched by SpaceX. These satellites communicate with ground stations and user terminals (commonly referred to as dishy or Starlink dishes) to provide internet access.

Installing a Starlink satellite dish is a simple way to be able to get reliable internet on a boat . To get Starlink you can go to their website, select the plan and dish you want, then place an order. Once the Starlink kit arrives you follow the guide to setup the system and use the app or your online portal to manage the plan and payments.

It's also possible to buy second hand dishes (be wary of scammers!) or get them from a reseller like West Marine, but the account will still run through Starlink.

Which plans does Starlink have available

At the moment Starlink has 3 user categories each of which has access to different plans.

Starlink Residential

Starlink roam, starlink boats.

Let's take a look at each of those, breaking down what type of user they're designed for and which plans there are to choose from.

Starting with Starlink Residential, this type of account is for use at home providing unlimited data to one location. It is the cheapest option available and includes unlimited high-speed data, but because the dish is meant to stay within a certain distance of the registered address it's not appropriate for use on boats.

For people who are on the go or want to use their Starlink in more than one location there's Starlink Roam. Among live aboard cruisers and casual boaters this is one of the most talked about categories as it remains relatively affordable and is adequate if you're mostly cruising up coastlines, rivers or lakes.

An overhaul of this plan was announced in September of 2024, with the previous Mobile Regional and Mobile Global plans being replaced with two new options.

Roam 50GB  - Allowance of 50GB per billing cycle with the option to purchase additional data by the GB

Roam Unlimited - Unlimited data anywhere the roam plan is available

Here is what's included in both of these Roam plans, aside from the data allowance.

Country wide coverage within the country of registration

In motion use up to 100 Mph (160 Km/h)

International travel in available markets up to 2 months per trip

Coastal coverage in territorial waters up to 2 months per trip

Previously with Roam there was an option for people to switch on mobile priority data and pay by the GB, which enabled you to use it during crossings. The new plan it does not mention this option, and specifically states that ocean use is not supported. A conversation with customer service suggests it may still be available in future, so for now it seems like time will tell on this one as the final date for the change over is October 10.

Under the Starlink Boats category there are 2 main plans available which include normal and priority data.

Mobile Priority 50GB Plan  - Unlimited data inland + 50GB per month of priority data

Mobile Priority 1TB Plan  - Unlimited data inland + 1TB per month of priority data

Due to the priority data allowance it's possible to use this plan during crossings, and you can upgrade to it from the Roam plan through your Starlink account.

Something to keep in mind is that for now there's no way to toggle the priority data on and off with this plan, and at this stage the priority data allowance is used up first. Hopefully this changes as it makes it difficult if you're planning a passage towards the end of a billing cycle, when the initial allowance may have been used up.

A breakdown of the Starlink dishes

Over time Starlink has offered various dishes which are superseded when something new comes out. At the moment there are four types of dish listed on their website.

Standard Dish (Model V4)

This dish is best suited for residential and everyday use. Released in December 2023 it uses software assisted manual orientation rather than an actuator. 

Operational Wind Speed: 96 kph+ (60 mph+)

Environment Rating: IP67 Type 4

Power Consumption: 75-100 W on average

Standard Actuated Dish

In use from 2021, the Standard Actuated Dish has now been superseded so it will likely become difficult to find a new one in future. It had a motorized system to self orientate that a number of cruisers reported they'd disabled to improve performance.

Environment Rating: IP54

Power Consumption: 50-75 W on average

High Performance Dish

The HP dish is for land based use by businesses and enterprises. It was designed to operate at high temperatures, have better satellite connection and be more resilient to harsh conditions.

Environment Rating: IP56

Power Consumption: 110-150 W on average

Flat High Performance Dish

The Flat High Performance Dish is for in-motion use and use in challenging locations, such as the marine environment. It has better GPS capabilities and can connect to a greater number of satellites, which helps it maintain connection while the dish is moving.

Operational Wind Speed: 280 kph+ (174 mph+)

Power Consumption: 110-150 W on average

When you go to buy a plan Starlink will tell you which dishes are available and recommended for the plan you want. Not all dishes are available in all countries, but the power supply is 100-240V at 2.5A and 50-60 Hz as standard.

Starlink Mini

Introduced in 2024, the Starlink Mini dish is small in size, designed to be more portable than the larger dishes. There is nothing stopping you using it on a boat, especially if your only cruising coastal or inland waters.

The cost to have Starlink on a boat

How much it costs to have Starlink on a boat varies depending on which plan you have, the dish you want and where your service address is located. To give you an idea, here's some comparisons that were accurate at the time of publishing.

Starlink recently launched a referral program so if you use this link to sign up for a Residential or Roam plan, you get 1 month free and so do we!

This is what the Starlink hardware cost in four different countries, as of the plan updates released in September 2024. From the update it appears it's no longer possible to order the Flat High Performance dish on a Roam plan.

Once the hardware is paid for, you then need to pay a monthly subscription to maintain internet connection. This is how much it currently costs to have Starlink Roam and Starlink Boat in various countries around the world, after the September 2024 plan changes were applied.

You can switch between plans in your Starlink account and plans can be paused for billing cycles if you need to.

The cost for Starlink Mini

The plans available for the Starlink Mini are limited and vary between countries. Accounts registered to the United States can purchase the hardware for $599 USD, and have a choice between Roam Unlimited and Roam 50GB.

FAQ for having Starlink on a boat

Here's the answers to a few questions you might still have about having Starlink satellite internet on a boat.

Will Starlink work on boats?

Yes, provided it's installed correctly and you have a valid plan for the area you're cruising in.

Why is Starlink Boats so expensive?

The included priority data is part of the reason Starlink Boats is so much more expensive that Starlink Residential and Starlink Roam. Up to the September 2024 update most liveaboard yacht cruisers and boaters were fine with Roam, but changes to ocean support on the Roam plans may push them towards Boats.

How fast is Starlink for boats?

Download speeds range between 25 and 220 Mbps, with most users getting somewhere around 100 Mbps. If you take a look on YouTube you'll see various sailing channels hosting video chats, live streams and uploading episodes from the middle of the ocean.

Can I have internet in my sail boat in the middle of the ocean?

Previously if you had Mobile Priority Data toggled on then it was possible to get internet offshore. Now it seems you may need to have the Starlink Boat plan and have priority data remaining or buy additional data if you've used it all. No doubt this will become clearer as the change over date of October 10, 2024, draws nearer.

Can I change my Starlink address to a different country?

Yes you can, but to change your Starlink's registered country you need to set up a new account with a new address, and transfer the dish over.

Here's a step by step run through of how to transfer a Starlink between accounts.

Login to your Starlink account

Go to "Your Starlinks" and press "Manage" next to the dish you're transferring

Write down the Starlink identifier, as you will need it later

Click "Cancel Service"

Go to "Device", choose the Starlink and press "Transfer" before confirming the conditions

If you want, you can enter the new email address it will be registered to, to make the setup easier

From there you go through the activation process in the new account.

Something to be aware of is you can run into problems in some places if the billing address on the account doesn't match the billing address on your card, for example dishes with service addresses in the United States.

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• Starlink for Boats

Affordable Internet For Boats

Starlink for boats reviewed in 2024.

West Marine

One of our sailing nomads reviewed Starlink Internet for Boats based on his experience using the Standard kit while sailing around North America and the Caribbean.

This guide covers pricing, Starlink’s coverage and offers a review of the overall value of Starlink for boats.

Where to buy:

Where to buy starlink for boats:.

Today, it’s safe to say that the boating community has fully embraced Starlink internet communications. As of 2024, Starlink subscribers are more than 2 million and growing.

Starlink is the first in a new generation of off-grid satellite internet service providers. Operated by SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket company, it offers reliable Wi-Fi while in harbor and while sailing, depending on the subscription.

The first Starlink customers were home users looking for better options than what was available. In creating their new service, Starlink realized that many others—RVers, campers, boaters, and aviators — were also looking for fast internet that worked anywhere.

This review breaks down the different prices. Take note of what “Mobile Regional” vs. “Mobile Global” service means and whether “Mobile Priority” subscriptions need to be considered.  Starlink also likes to keep the boating community in check about coverage and subscriptions.

For example, Starlink coverage (as seen on their map) changes from time to time. We’ll update this guide if we experience any changes.

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

• Ideal for: Recreational boaters, nomads off-grid
• Monthly Prices: From $120 - $5,000
• Initial Purchase of Hardware: From $599 - $2,500
• Download Speed: 40-220+ Mbs
• Upload Speed: 8-25+ Mbs

Starlink for Boats: Reliable Internet at Sea

Compared to other marine internet solutions, Starlink is nothing short of revolutionary . Products in the same price category (less than $250 per month), such as the Garmin InReach or Iridium Go! and Go Exec, are limited in capability and don’t truly give you internet at sea.

Generally, these devices can only handle texting, email, and some very limited text-weather downloads at excruciatingly slow speeds. Their advantage, however, is that they are designed to work at sea and can double as a life-saving communication device.

On the other end of the spectrum, traditional satellite providers that offer internet while sailing offshore have astronomically high equipment and plan costs , well outside the budgets of most cruisers. These plans are generally $5,000 or more monthly and are geared toward charter yachts, superyachts and commercial ships.

Starlink’s Key Features and Functionality

High-speed satellite internet is not new, but providers like Hughes Net, Iridium, and KVH are nothing like Starlink.

Starlink speed was originally promised to be 100 Mbps for downloads. They’ve changed their pricing structure to include Priority Data and Standard Data, Standard Data being the best-effort service.

Starlink satellite technology works completely differently than any other satellite provider.

The reason for that is the array of satellites sent into orbit by Space X. It gives Starlink an advantage over other providers.

From the start, Starlink was designed to deliver “ high-speed, low-latency internet .” Latency is the classic problem with typical satellite internet—even if the connection is fast, the lag between the request and results is too much.

A typical satellite service will have a few satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Your dish must be pointed directly at a satellite to work, and that satellite is far away—about 22,000 miles. Even at the speed of light, the time for information to travel there and back again is long.

Starlink works on a network of thousands of fast-moving, low-Earth orbit satellites. The phased-array antenna in the dish remains stationary, receiving the signals as different satellites pass overhead. Since the satellites are much closer (only about 340 miles), lag time (called latency) is low.

The results are a data connection about what you’d expect from an LTE or 5G cellular connection .

When Starlink began operating, it was limited in geographic area because of the number of satellites in service. The company launches more satellites all the time, and now it offers truly global coverage . The map of satellite coverage says it all.

Check out the Starlink map to see the difference between inland and ocean. Blue hexagons are inland, while black ones are ocean zones.

Priority Data is required to operate the dish while in motion, and the only approved dish for this is the Flat High Performance. However, Starlink defines “in-motion” as speeds over ten mph (16 kph) . Therefore, most sailboats and many powerboats aren’t “in motion” when swinging at anchor or traveling at hull speeds and can use Standard Data and even the Standard dish most of the time.

Here are the US subscription models for boaters as of February 2024. Standard and Priority plans are not included since these are for use at a fixed location (i.e., a “land home”). Check Starlink Service Plans for current offerings. Pricing varies depending on your home country.  

Mobile — Regional ($150 per month) or Global ($200 per month). It is marketed towards “RV, campers, and nomads,” which also describes many boaters. It provides unlimited inland data fast enough for home use, including video calls. For offshore use, you can purchase Priority Data for $2 per GB—even if you have the Standard dish.

Mobile Priority — Plans are priced based on how many GB of Priority data you use, starting at $250 per month for 50 GB of Priority data. If you have a Flat High-Performance dish and want to use it offshore or at speeds above ten mph, this is the plan you would choose.

Starlink Installation and Setup

For boaters, there are two ways to install a Starlink dish. You may keep your unit portable or mount it permanently on your vessel. Your choice will depend greatly on which dish you purchase and if you want to use it off your boat. Many boaters also keep RVs, which can also benefit from Starlink’s global coverage.

With so many use cases and different dish models, your Starlink installation will be a custom-tailored solution. Some boaters simply use the Standard Dish with its supplied stand and bungee it to their deck or sit it in their cockpit. When not in use, it can easily be tossed below. That’s a good option if you’re a delivery skipper or charterer who switches boats often.

If you want to mount the dish on your boat, Starlink sells several pole-mount adapters for various uses. Combined with a simple stainless fishing rod holder, you can make a pretty robust boat rail mount. It can also be mounted to existing arches or radio towers.

The dish needs the clearest view of the sky with the least obstructions , which means mounting it above large structures. Masts and rigging on sailboats usually won’t affect it too much, but every obstacle causes some amount of outage. A one-second outage might not be noticeable when streaming video, but it might be troublesome during a video chat. The better your installation location, the better the service will work overall.

Several after-market modifications can be made to the dish to make it mount flat or improve its functionality. There are even some companies that will convert the dish to run on 12-volt DC power. Of course, making these changes will void your warranty.

There are currently three different dishes available.  

Standard Actuated Dish — This rectangular dish mounts on a pole and is designed to self-align for the best connection. The self-alignment function isn’t great for boats, but it does work. This dish is not designed to be used while “in motion.” The Standard dish retails for $599 in the US. 100º field of view; uses 50 to 75 watts. This older dish was phased out in the US in February 2024.

Standard Dish (New) — Not yet available in all regions, the new dish lacks the self-aligning motors. It’s flat and designed to be even more portable, about the size of a laptop. 110º field of view; uses 75 to 100 watts.

Flat High Performance — The high performance has a larger, square footprint and a larger view of the sky, which means a better connection. It’s the only dish approved for use in motion (more than ten mph). The Flat High Performance dish sells for $2,500 in the US.  140º field of view; uses 110 to 150 watts.

The company has made the Starlink installation process as easy as possible . Each dish has a long cable, a router, and a power supply. Find the spot with the clearest view of the sky, set up the dish, plug it into the router, plug the router into a power outlet, and voila, you should be online within a few minutes.

The biggest problem for sailors looking to upgrade to Starlink is its power consumption . None of the dishes come ready for 12-volt power— all are 110/220-volt AC powered . Starlink recommends a pure sine wave inverter of at least 500 watts to run a Starlink.

Of course, boaters being boaters, many folks have hacked their systems. The internal hardware runs on 48-volt DC power, so with some basic ethernet wiring skills and a DC-DC converter, it can be made to run off of 12 volts. Kits can even be purchased online to make the conversion easier.

Many boaters also bypass the Starlink-supplied router to use one that runs on 12-volt power or has cellular connections as a backup.

Starlink for Boats Pricing and Subscription Models

Starlink has tinkered with its subscription models from day one, resulting in a lot of confusion as time passes. Starlink Maritime pricing was first introduced for superyachts and ships. It now also includes Starlink for boats, with more favorable pricing for small recreational vessels. At one point, there was an RV option, but this was changed to Roam and is now called Mobile. While separate pages on the Starlink website exist for Starlink Maritime, Starlink for boats, RVs, and Roam, they all now point to Mobile pricing .

Starlink has also added a Standard Data and Priority Data rate plan structure . Priority Data plans get the best service available , regardless of location, including on the ocean . Standard, or “best-effort” service, may be slowed down during network congestion and only works in “inland” service areas .

A Real-World Example of Pricing and Experience

($599 for Hardware and $150/month)

So, what does Starlink cost for most sailors and boaters? There are the facts, but how is it used in the real world? On Dulcinea ‘s trip down the ICW and to the Bahamas this year, I noticed that many serious cruisers had a Starlink dish, if not most.

The system performs as advertised. From my experience, Standard Data service routinely delivers between 30 and 150 Mbps, sometimes more. Upload speeds are slower, usually between 5 and 15 Mbps, while latency is usually between 30 and 80 milliseconds. Service is comparable to using a 5G cellular data connection. We routinely do video conference calls without problems, even while motoring or swinging on anchor.

Like me, most small recreational vessels use the Standard dish and Mobile-Regional service . The dish sells for $599, and the US service plan is $150 monthly. The North American “region” covers you in the US, Canada, Bahamas, and most of the Caribbean, for that matter.

For $2 per GB, you can activate Opt-In Mobile Priority Data in the Starlink app and get online offshore, too. This is the perfect choice if most of your boating is near land or if you only plan to use Starlink at a dock or in a calm anchorage.

Larger motor yachts , faster boats, and those making frequent offshore passages should opt for the Flat High Performance dish with the Mobile Priority plan. This dish has better performance overall, but it comes at a price—higher power consumption.

My Standard Gen 2 Starlink uses between 40 and 60 watts. While this doesn’t seem like a lot, it totals up over the day, and I find myself rationing Starlink use. The Flat High-Performance dish uses twice as much power. This isn’t an issue for generator-running power vessels or boats with larger solar arrays like many catamarans , but it’s worth noting for off-the-grid users like myself.

Is Starlink a Must-Have Game-Changer?

Despite its amazing capabilities, Starlink is not perfect for every boat. The dish is large and power-hungry, making it troublesome on small boats. Many boaters who stay closer to home can likely find cheaper plans from cellular internet service.  It is also not an appropriate emergency communications device since—especially the Standard dish—can’t be counted on to connect in a timely manner when offshore and has such demanding power requirements.

But Starlink is an excellent choice for those sailors who work from their boat or just want fast, unlimited internet wherever they go. It frees them from getting new SIM cards in each country and means that data limits are a thing of the past. It also means connecting where you never could, from the most remote anchorage to hundreds of miles offshore.

If you’re a boater looking for better internet connectivity at sea, it’s hard to beat what Starlink offers. Check out the Starlink website  for boat rates and equipment options available in your area.

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Gallery of starlink for boats review.

Starlink routinely delivers 100 Mbps or better—truly high-speed internet at sea.

Starlink comes ready to work right out of the box. Sit it outside and you’re online.

The Starlink App includes an augmented reality tool to help you find the ideal installation location.

Temporary mount made with a fishing rod holder. The Starlink Pipe Mount works best for most boater applications.

Dock life with Starlink. No longer be a slave to poor marina Wi-Fi.

Heavy thunderstorms can sometimes cause temporary outages, shown here as an intense summer thunderstorm rolls over the Chesapeake.

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Starlink for Boats Ultimate Guide: Seamless Connectivity on the High Seas

Having a reliable internet connection onboard boats and yachts has always been a challenge, but thanks to SpaceX's Starlink Maritime, access to high-speed connectivity while at sea is now a reality for sailors and maritime professionals. Starlink Maritime is a satellite internet plan designed specifically for boats, ships, and other water transportation, providing fast internet speeds in coastal areas of the USA and Europe.

This ultimate guide to Starlink for boats will explore the technology behind Starlink's satellite communication system and its benefits for the maritime industry. The plan is intended for large vessels, with an expensive upfront fee and a hefty monthly recurring fee, making it suitable for superyachts, cruise ships, and tankers. We will delve into the installation process, hardware requirements, and considerations for selecting the best Starlink package for your maritime needs.

In addition to discussing the performance of Starlink's internet service on boats, this guide will also touch upon potential challenges and limitations that users may face while at sea. From signal strength to compatibility with existing shipboard systems, it is essential to be well-informed about the ins and outs of Starlink Maritime before making the investment in this cutting-edge technology.

Starlink: A Brief Overview

Starlink is a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX, with the goal of providing reliable high-speed internet access to all corners of the Earth. Launched in 2018, the project involved deploying a constellation of thousands of small satellites orbiting at low Earth orbits (LEOs). This unique network infrastructure enables significantly reduced latency and faster communication compared to traditional satellite services that rely on higher geostationary orbits.

In its initial stages, Starlink primarily offered internet access to rural and underserved areas where traditional broadband services were limited or nonexistent. However, the scope of the project has since expanded to cover various industries and applications, including maritime services. Recognizing the need for connectivity in ocean-going vessels such as ships, yachts, and cruise liners, SpaceX launched Starlink Maritime to cater to these specific requirements.

Starlink Maritime brings high-speed satellite internet to the seas, enabling vessels to maintain connectivity even when sailing far away from the shore. This service offers broadband speeds comparable to those provided in coastal areas of the USA and Europe, allowing users to access the internet for browsing, streaming, and communication under normal conditions. With download speeds of up to  350 Mbps  and upload speeds between  5 to 20 Mbps , Starlink promises to provide a viable solution for internet connectivity at sea.

However, it is essential to note that Starlink Maritime has a high upfront cost and a significant monthly fee to maintain the service, particularly targeted at large vessels, such as oil rigs, and luxury yachts. This investment helps ensure that customers receive access to a reliable satellite network, professional grade hardware that can withstand challenging environments, and dedicated maritime support from SpaceX.

Boat Connectivity Challenges

Boat owners face various connectivity challenges when attempting to access the internet while at sea. One primary concern is obtaining a stable and reliable connection, as traditional options like cellular networks can be limited or unavailable due to distance from cell towers or signal interference.

Another issue arises from the constant movement of boats on water. Even at anchor or in a marina, a boat's position can shift, causing the signal to weaken or disconnect. This movement poses difficulties for satellite systems that require a clear line of sight and precise positioning to maintain connectivity.

In addition to these physical challenges, there is the complexity of integrating multiple communication systems on a boat, such as cellular, satellite, and Wi-Fi networks. Seamless integration of these systems is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted coverage and transitioning between connections.

Cost is also a concern for many boat owners. Internet service providers typically charge a premium for maritime connectivity solutions, with subscription fees and hardware expenses adding up over time. Moreover, available options may have restrictive data caps, slow speeds, or limited coverage areas, which can hinder optimal connectivity onboard.

Despite these challenges, solutions like  Starlink  are emerging as potential options for boat owners looking to improve connectivity while at sea. With its expanding network of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink aims to provide global maritime coverage with speeds up to 220 Mbps, providing a more reliable alternative to traditional connectivity options.

Why Consider Starlink for Boats

As remote connectivity becomes more crucial for boaters, Starlink offers several benefits to consider when looking for an onboard internet solution. In this section, we will discuss the high-speed internet and global coverage aspects of Starlink for boats.

High-Speed Internet

One of the most significant advantages of Starlink for boats is the provision of high-speed, low-latency internet access. Thanks to its growing network of low-Earth orbiting (LEO) satellites, Starlink can provide broadband internet services that are both fast and reliable source . This means that whether you're sailing for pleasure or conducting business on the water, you can maintain seamless connectivity for activities such as video conferencing, streaming, and downloading large files.

Furthermore, Starlink's internet speeds surpass those offered by traditional satellite internet providers, ensuring a smoother online experience comparable to land-based broadband services.

Global Coverage

Another advantage of Starlink for boats is its potential for global coverage. With its extensive network of LEO satellites, Starlink aims to provide uninterrupted internet connectivity to even the most remote locations source . This proves particularly beneficial for boaters who venture far offshore or into areas where other communication services may be limited or non-existent.

By leveraging the advantages of Starlink's global coverage, boaters can remain connected wherever their journey takes them – ensuring they can stay informed, entertained, and in touch with friends and family back home.

Starlink Hardware and Installation

Starlink dish.

The Starlink Dish, also known as Dishy, is the main component for receiving satellite signals. It has a motorized system to automatically adjust and maintain the best possible alignment with the Starlink satellites. It's crucial to place the dish in a location with an unobstructed view of the sky for optimal performance. When setting up Dishy, use the  Starlink app  to check for obstructions and follow the on-screen instructions.

Mounting Options

There are various mounting options available to suit different boat types, such as pole mounts, rail mounts, and non-penetrating roof mounts. Be mindful that the mounting location should be unobstructed and provide a stable platform for the dish. Selecting the right mount is essential to  securely and effectively install Dishy  on your boat.

Power Supply

Powering Dishy on a boat requires an appropriate power supply. One available solution is to use a Power Over Ethernet (POE) adaptor, which simplifies the setup, saves space, and reduces power consumption. It allows Dishy to be powered directly from the boat's DC 12v house bank instead of the standard 110v AC power supply ( source ).

Receiver and Router

Starlink's receiver and router are used to connect devices to the satellite internet. The receiver is integrated into Dishy, while the router connects to the Ethernet cable that links Dishy to your devices. For wired connections, such as connecting a Wi-Fi router or mesh system, use the  Starlink Ethernet  cable provided in the kit. Installing the router in a central location aboard the boat can help ensure optimal network performance and signal distribution.

Subscription and Pricing

Understanding the subscription and pricing options for Starlink Maritime is crucial for boat owners who want to make an informed decision about this internet service. This section discusses the monthly plans and additional costs associated with using Starlink on boats.

Monthly Plans

Starlink Maritime offers a standard subscription plan with a monthly service fee of  $1,000 . This plan provides high-speed internet access on the water for boat owners. Subscribers can pause and resume the service as needed without having to pay the full monthly fee continuously. This flexibility allows boaters to customize their internet access based on their time spent at sea.

Additional Costs

In addition to the monthly service fee, there are some initial hardware costs associated with Starlink Maritime. The required hardware includes a specialized satellite dish called "Dishy McFlatface" and accompanying equipment. The total cost of this hardware is  $2,500 which is a one-time investment for boat owners seeking fast, reliable internet access.

It is essential to note that these hardware costs are separate from the monthly subscription fee. However, they are necessary for proper installation and operation of the Starlink Maritime system. Once the hardware is in place, subscribers can enjoy internet speeds up to  350Mbps/40Mbps (down/up)  on their boats.

When considering Starlink Maritime for your boat, be sure to factor in both the monthly subscription fee and the initial hardware investment. This will ensure that you have a clear understanding of the costs involved in setting up and maintaining your Starlink connection.

Safety and Maintenance

Weather resistance.

Starlink for boats is designed to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring reliable internet connectivity even in harsh environments. The Maritime version of Starlink offers download speeds of up to 350 Mbps offshore, and the hardware can endure extreme conditions, such as those experienced during rocket landings.

However, it is still essential for boat owners to protect their Starlink equipment from excessive exposure to moisture and other environmental factors by following recommended installation guidelines and regularly checking for signs of wear and tear.

Preventive Measures

To maintain the safety and longevity of the Starlink system on a boat, users should take a proactive approach in carrying out preventive measures. Some essential steps include:

• Conducting routine visual inspections of the equipment to identify any signs of damage or corrosion.
• Cleaning the satellite dish and other exposed components as needed to remove dirt, salt, or other debris.
• Regularly checking for software updates and applying them promptly to maintain optimal performance and security.

By adhering to these preventive measures, boat owners can ensure their Starlink system remains reliable, efficient, and safe throughout its lifespan.

Limitations and Challenges

Connection stability.

One of the primary challenges for Starlink users on boats is the connection stability. While the satellite internet service provides fast speeds and low latency, it may not be as stable as traditional maritime internet services. Factors such as weather, movement of the vessel, and the current coverage of Starlink satellites can affect the reliability of the connection.

In some cases, users may experience slower upload speeds than advertised, with speeds ranging between 5 to 10 Mbps instead of the promised 10 to 20 Mbps. This can limit the effectiveness of video conferencing and other bandwidth-consuming activities while onboard a boat .

Legal Regulations

Another challenge for boaters looking to use Starlink is navigating the legal regulations surrounding satellite internet services. As Starlink continues to expand its coverage, users may face restrictions and limitations depending on the territories and countries they visit. It is essential for boaters to stay informed about the rules and guidelines in place to avoid potential legal complications when using Starlink in different locations.

While the coverage and stability of Starlink for maritime use are expected to improve over the next few years, it is important to remember that this technology is still in its early stages. Boat owners should consider combining Starlink with a cellular router for a more robust and reliable connectivity solution while they are at anchor or dock .

Alternative Solutions

In addition to Starlink for boats, there are other satellite communication solutions available for maritime connectivity. These alternatives include Marine VSAT systems, FleetBroadband, and Iridium Certus.

Marine VSAT systems

Marine VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) systems have been used for years as a reliable method of maintaining communications at sea. These systems use geostationary satellites to provide a stable internet connection for boats and ships. Many manufacturers offer different kinds of Marine VSAT systems, ensuring that there is a suitable option for vessels of all sizes.

There are various service providers available offering connectivity and packages to meet specific requirements, such as data limits and speeds. While Marine VSAT systems can have higher setup costs and inconsistent coverage in some regions, they remain a popular choice for many users seeking connections over long distances or in remote areas.

FleetBroadband

FleetBroadband is a global marine communication service provided by Inmarsat, a leading satellite operator. This system offers reliable and high-quality voice and data communication services for ships and boats of all sizes. FleetBroadband delivers speeds of up to 432 kbps and supports simultaneous phone calls, SMS, and internet access.

The service utilizes the Inmarsat-4 satellite network, providing reliable coverage in all ocean regions except the extreme polar regions. FleetBroadband works with a range of specialized antennas and hardware, and installation can vary based on vessel requirements. While not as fast as some other options, FleetBroadband provides consistent services for maritime users.

Iridium Certus

Iridium Certus is a flexible satellite broadband service that provides global coverage, including polar areas, through the Iridium NEXT low earth orbit satellite network. It offers a variety of solutions tailored to different vessel types and communication needs, with scalable speeds of up to 704 kbps.

One of the main advantages of Iridium Certus is its truly global coverage, making it an ideal choice for boats and ships traveling in remote areas or undertaking expeditions. The service also supports multiple communication functions, including voice, email, and internet access. Iridium Certus can be more expensive than other options, but its worldwide coverage and versatility make it a valuable option for many maritime users.

As the world becomes more interconnected, reliable internet access has become essential for many aspects of life, including sailing and boating activities. Starlink, developed by SpaceX, is bringing high-speed satellite internet to oceans across the globe through its  Starlink Maritime  service.

For boat owners, Starlink offers a reliable and stable internet connection that can alleviate connectivity issues while on the water. However, it is important to understand its  limitations  and consider factors such as costs and equipment before committing to the service.

Starlink has the potential to revolutionize boating experiences, offering smooth video conferencing, the ability to efficiently run online businesses, and enhanced GPS navigation capabilities. Installing a Starlink dish on your boat might represent a significant investment, but it can greatly improve your quality of life onboard.

In conclusion, with proper research and consideration of individual needs, the Starlink Maritime service can be a game-changer for boating enthusiasts and professionals alike. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully and follow the best installation practices to ensure an optimal connection and user experience.

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Starlink on a boat — the game-changer is here.

• September 24, 2023
• Posted by: Lucy Wilcox Claiborne
• Category: Working From Your Boat

LAST UPDATED AUGUST 30, 2024

Affiliate disclaimer: The links in this article may include affiliate links. If you use these links, we may get some compensation from the companies represented. This does not affect our opinions about the products and services they provide.

We have been using Starlink on our boat since June 2022. Having reliable, fast, unlimited internet gives us more freedom to cruise while we work remote jobs. For example, we just got back from spending the summer cruising Maine. We had always been hesitant to visit the state because we had heard that reliable cell signals were hard to come by. Starlink saved the day and broadened our cruising horizons. It is, at the risk of sounding trite, a game-changer .

Let’s look at Starlink’s benefits, limitations, and our experience using Starlink on a boat while at a dock, at anchor, while underway, and while offshore. 

What Is Starlink?

Starlink is a new satellite internet service that has only been on the market for a few years. It uses a new technology that is much faster and much less expensive than previous satellite internet connections.

Starlink was originally intended to provide high-speed internet to rural homes, but it’s also great for boaters. Starlink now sells plans for home, boat, and even aircraft use. The Starlink kit comes with everything you need to get online, and the antenna is named Dishy.

Super Fast Internet Speed

Starlink is fast! Marina Wi-Fi often barely functions and delivers miserably slow speeds (like 2 Mbps); Starlink dishes up speeds approaching cable. We always get over 20 Mbps, usually get over 40 Mbps, and often see speeds above 100 Mbps. It’s fast enough to videoconference, download movies, upload photos, or do everything at once.

Unlimited Data

One of the biggest hassles of using cell data to work is the pesky limitations on high-speed data. A plan might say “unlimited data,” but it means 15 GB of high-speed data (I can run through that in a day of video calls). After that you get unlimited slow data, which will remind you of dial-up. There are no data caps with Starlink, so we can use up the GBs without tracking them. 

However, there are “Priority” Starlink plans that have limits. More on that in a minute.

Good Coverage That Is Expanding

We have traveled from the Bahamas to Maine and always had coverage. Take a look at the current Starlink coverage map to see if the coverage meets your cruising plans. While we were in Maine, we often had little or no cell service on one or both of our phones. Starlink made our summer in Maine possible. In the Bahamas , we no longer worry about how far away we’re anchoring from a cell tower. 

Travel to New Countries Without Getting a New SIM or Paying High Data Rates

Cruisers used to go through a lot of hassle to figure out getting new SIMs for their phones and figuring out data cards in other countries. Now, you might still want to get a local cell number, but Starlink is available in many destinations, so the pressure is off. Plus, the dish just works where ever it is, so you’ll be connected from the moment you arrive.

In 2024, Starlink set a letter to some international users indicating they would no longer be able to use Starlink in nations that had not yet approved the service. This includes some Caribbean islands marked on the map as “Coming Soon” or “Waitlist.” It’s always best to check with cruisers in the area you’re headed to see what their experience is on the ground. 

Things to Consider Before You Get Starlink for Your Boat

Despite all the benefits, there are some pesky limitations to Starlink on a boat. 

Starlink uses a lot of power! If you are off-the-grid, this may be the biggest consideration in whether or not you make the leap. Starlink uses 40 watts (about 3 amps at 12 volts) continuously. Our little freezer uses 40 watts, but only 30 to 50 percent of the time when it is cycled on. So Dishy would use at least 960 watt-hours per day if you left it on all the time.

In addition, Dishy runs on household 110-volt AC power, which isn’t ideal on a 12-volt boat. That means you’ll need to run your inverter to use the internet with Starlink. Many cruisers have hacked into the antenna and converted it to run on 12-volt DC power, which might save a little power. There are also now aftermarket solutions that allow you to do the same without cutting cables. 

To mitigate the power use, cruisers can add power capacity, hack Starlink into 12 volts, use Starlink intermittently, or do a combination of these approaches. The bottom line is that just buying Starlink and plugging it in might not be the end of your installation journey!

Some cruisers hack the system to make Starlink run on 12 volts. It’s not as easy as it sounds since the dish runs internally on 48-volt DC. Making the conversion, be it DIY or with a kit, saves you from running your inverter. How much power you’d actually save depends on the efficiency of your inverter. Some cruisers with ship-wide but inefficient inverts opt to simply buy a smaller inverter (say, a 200-watt pure-sine-wave inverter) to use with Dishy.

We need the inverter during work hours to run our laptops and monitors, so it is not worthwhile for us to switch to 12 volt. To me, it’s like focusing on the 4% interest rate on my CC. Sure, it adds up, but the main problem is the $ 1,000-a-day cashmere sweater purchases. 

If you’re wondering precisely how much power does Starlink use, be sure to check the  specs listed on the Starlink website . Here’s what they say about the current generation of dishes (2024): Old actuated standard dish: 50–75 watts, New Flat standard dish: 75–100 watts, Flat high-performance dish: 115–150 watts, Mini dish: 25–40 watts. These number don’t include the extra power your inverter will use as well.

Note: Wondering how many apps that is? Watts = Volts X Amps , so it depends on your battery voltage. For example, 50 watts at 12.5 volts would equal 4 amps. 

Limiting Use

We usually just have Starlink on during working hours and even turn it off during lunch. We download TV shows and anything else we want for the evening and then turn it off as soon as the workday is done. If I want to check the weather after work, I use my phone’s data plan. 

Obstructions

Starlink needs a clear view of the sky and can’t see through objects such as tall buildings, trees, and sailboat masts. We have never had an issue with obstructions, even though Dishy is pretty close to our wind generator. However, if you were at a dock with tall buildings, trees, or other towering condo style boats in Dishy’s line of sight, it could be an issue.

The Starlink app allows you to scan the area you want to put Dishy with your phone’s camera. It then analyses it for obstructions. But all you really need to know is that Dishy needs a clear view of the sky, and anything abeam or above its field of view is going to affect your signal. There have also been reports that radars affect your signal, so you’ll want to avoid mounting Dishy too close to your radar. The best policy is to get your Starlink kit and then start experimenting with where you want to put it. Then, work out a hardy marine mount that secures it in place (unless you plan to use it on its stand at anchor).

Starlink Equipment Quality

The marine environment is tough on equipment. Starlink doesn’t have a marine-grade antenna, so it may not last as long as you would like. We’ve had ours for over two years—full-time on a boat—and haven’t had any issues. The new dishes have a higher waterproof rating and should fare even better.

When it starts up, our standard Mobile dish uses internal motors to align itself for the best view of the sky. The motors are only used once, right when the dish starts up. This is a change that occurred in late 2022, so you might see references to the Starlink dish continually reorienting itself as the boat swings at anchor, causing many outages. This doesn’t happen anymore, and there is no reason to disable the motors. 

In 2024, Starlink added a setting in the app to set our old actuated dish to “Flat.” This is absolutely the best of all worlds…there is no need to disable the motors now. With the dish flat, connectivity is excellent even at sea or while swinging on anchor.

Rain Causes Outages

I am writing this during Tropical Storm Ophelia. The boat is swinging all over the place in 35 knots of wind, and it’s bucketing down, but Dishy is acting like it’s the postal service and is bravely pressing on to give me all the Gigabytes. However, we have had five rain and storm-related outages over the past year. These have ranged from 2 minutes to 20 minutes and happen only in the worst conditions. Dishy seems to struggle to connect to its satellites in extremely intense rain (I.e., we are catching 80 gallons of water in 30 minutes.) These conditions are the type of conditions where the power would be going off in your office building, so hopefully, your boss will forgive you if you drop off a call. Or, you may be able to hotspot from your phone like we do.

Not Pocket Portable – Yet!

Before using Dishy for work, I relied on a local SIM in a hotspot. This was great because I could easily take the hotspot on road trips. You can transport Dishy. However, it does take more space and set-up. You probably wouldn’t take it on a short road trip, for example.

The new Mini dish is better for travel, but it’s still the size of a large laptop. 

Is Starlink a Must-Have For Your Boat? 

The main reason we use Starlink is for work. For my job, I need a reliable connection that can handle video conferencing—usually Microsoft Teams, which is more demanding of a good connection than Zoom or Google Meet. We use our Starlink everywhere: at marinas, at anchor, and even offshore.

Using Starlink at a Marina 

We don’t bother even getting the Wi-Fi codes at marinas—their service is usually terrible, but even when it works, it is always subpar to Starlink or even phone data. We have never stayed at a marina with internet reliable enough to work from. 

With Starlink, we have gotten lucky and haven’t had any obstructions to worry about at marinas. However, if your marina is right next to tall buildings, obstructions might be an issue.

Starlink for Videoconferencing

Starlink’s speed is amazing and works well for videoconferencing. We usually get 20-100 Mbps download and 4-10 Mbps upload. 

When we first started using Starlink in 2022, the connection would become unreliable while we swung at anchor or moved the boat. We joked about putting out a stern anchor, but mostly, I just put up with the occasional “Lucy, are you there? You froze!” incidents. Now that more satellites are in orbit, these problems have disappeared.

You’ll find many articles and how-to guides telling you to use a separate router with Starlink, like a Peplink/Pepwave router that allows you to bond multiple internet connections for hot failover. This allows you to connect to your router, and your router determines the most reliable connection to use: Starlink, cellular SIM cards, or marina WiFi. We bought and used a Peplink router, and it is an amazing piece of hardware if you need a bulletproof connection for work. My only complaint with the Peplink router is that it you need to be an IT qhiz to set it up. Sea Bits has a great write-up on  using Starlink and Peplink.

However, Starlink has solved this with a software update and having more satellites in orbit. We haven’t had any issues with losing the connection while swinging at anchor or even while sailing long distances. We haven’t used our Pepwave router in over a year—it’s too complicated and unnecessary for our situation. 

One tip to ensuring you get the best quality, however, is to watch which way Dishy is pointing. If you booted up this morning and it pointed north, then the current swung the boat so that it’s now Dishy is pointed south, you’ll have more outages and a poorer connection. Unplug Dishy and plug it back in, and in five minutes or so, Dishy will be realigned. Better yet, activate the new Flat mode and never worry about it again!

Which Starlink Plan for Boaters and How Much Does Starlink Cost?

There’s an upfront equipment cost and a monthly plan cost. Starlink is priced differently by country; prices below are for the US as of 2024.

The standard dish costs $499, but is on sale for $299. You can order the dish from Starlink, or from West Marine. The Mobile-Regional plan we use costs $150 per month. 

There are other products and services available from Starlink, however. Here’s a look at the Starlink plans and dishes compared.

• Home and Roam dish (aka Standard dish) — flat, rectangular,  not for in-motion use * — $499 but often on sale
• Mobile Priority and Maritime dish (aka Flat High Performance dish) — square, flat mounted, built for in-motion use on vehicles , faster speeds, fewer outages, higher power use — $2,500
• Mini dish — smaller and rectangular, may be slower with more frequent outages, runs on 12 volt — $599 (Note this dish is brand new, so we haven’t seen any reports of how well it works on a boat.)

Starlink Plans

• Roam-Regional $150*
• Mobile Priority 50 GB $250
• Mobile Priority 1 TB $1,000
• Mobile Priority 5 TB $5,000
• Priority 1 TB $250
• Priority 2 TB $500
• Priority 6 TB $1,500
• Mobile Priority $2/GB*

Mobile Priority data can be used anywhere in the world, including offshore. It has priority over other Starlink users, so your speeds should be unaffected if you’re in an area with many other users watching their Netflix.

Roam-Regional is designed to be used in land areas within your continent. The lines and boundaries between continents are a little weird, but that would cover pretty much all of North America, including The Bahamas. 

The budget option for boaters — Roam-Regional plan. This is what we do. This plan isn’t supposed to be used “in motion.” However, Starlink has so far defined “in-motion” as traveling at more than 10 mph. So, a sailboat cruising or at anchor does not count as being in motion. Plus, you can use it offshore (more below). 

Starlink discontinued the Roam – Global plan in 2024. This means that if you’re crossing an ocean to a new continent, you’ll need a Priority plan to get service for the whole trip. 

Sailing Offshore With Starlink 

In the past, Starlink had a coverage hexagon map that showed what the company called ‘land’ vs. ‘ocean.’ In the screenshot below, you can see that even some inland large bodies of water had ‘ocean’ hexagons. 

The hexagon map has been replaced with one that aligns with the geographic shoreline, but the truth is that Starlink still works on the hexagon map. So, most of the time if you are within about 10 miles of shore, you’re going to have service.

If you are traveling offshore and you want to use Starlink, you can toggle on Mobile Priority data. Turn this on and you will get ocean access, in-motion connectivity, and priority service, but you pay per gigabite. So, remember to toggle it off when you get back to land!

The current cost for priority data is $2/GB in the U.S. When we sailed from Maine to the Cape Cod Canal, we were 50 miles offshore, and I made five Microsoft Teams video calls without any connectivity issues. I worked 16 hours on Priority data, and we kept it on continuously and downloaded podcasts, scrolled Instagram, and lived large online. Our Noforeignland tracker stayed live and kept our track updated for family and friends following along. Previously, we would have spent $ on our Garmin InReach tracker and gotten hourly text weather alerts. No way would I ever have been able to videoconference and keep up with my workload! We used 18 GB (mostly on videoconferencing in Teams) and spent $36. 

You could spend a lot more to have a Priority data plan, but it makes no sense at all for us. The Roam-Regional plan, while occasionally purchasing Mobile Priority data is perfect for our needs.

There are a few bugs with the Mobile Priority toggle button that you should know about. First, it’s not where you might think to look: It’s located in the “Data Usage” section of the app and website, and not in the “Manage Subscription.” Second, the toggle has been known to disappear if you’re looking for it on the first day of your billing cycle (crazy, right?). Finally, you need internet to make the change, so you can’t toggle it on if you’re already offshore and cut-off. So, it’s really important that you activate Mobile Priority data before you leave the coast!

Starlink on a Boat — Subject to Change, But Perfect for Now

Starlink made us feel like we were just part of a massive experiment for the first year we had it. Most cruising boats were using the RV package (now called Roam), even though a much more expensive “Maritime” dish and package is available. There were random rumors that any in-motion use would be cut off or that they would start geofencing it so that you couldn’t use an RV dish offshore at all, ever.

None of that happened. Ultimately, Starlink provides us with an incredible service at an amazing price. It is expensive, but we were paying $100 monthly for unlimited cell phone data in the US. If you’re working full time, the ability to not be tied to cell phone towers makes all the difference in the world.

Software updates and more changes are inevitable. The software updates so far have improved Dishy’s reliability at anchor. However, future software updates may change service areas, and costs are always subject to increase. Starlink is not a perfect service, but we think it’s one of the most amazing improvements to boat life to happen in our lifetimes. It is nothing short of a game-changer.

Thinking about trying Starlink? If you’ve never had it before, use this Starlink referal link to purchase a dish and receive a free month of service. 

Starlink on a Boat FAQs

Does starlink replace ssb, iridium go, or inreach.

Yes and no; Starlink has some benefits over older offshore communication tech, but it also has some downsides. Many cruisers no longer operate SSB radios. But portable satellite messengers like InReach, OnSpot, and Go! are still valuable as they provide battery-powered, portable, and search-and-rescue connected messaging services. If you wind up in your liferaft, chances are you won’t have the power or ability to take your Dishy with you and plug Starlink in.

Can I use my Starlink RV or Roam Dishy offshore?

Yes. By toggling on Mobile Priority Data, you will pay per gigabit to operate the dish in motion and at sea.

Will Starlink work through fiberglass?

Starlink can work through some materials such as fiberglass or canvas, but even these thin materials will adversely affect it’s performance. It’s always preferable to mount your Starlink dish outside, away from obstructions with a clear view of the sky.

Is the Starlink receiver waterproof?

The Starlink dishes are all built to spend their life outdoors in the rain, snow, wind, and everything else. They are not completely waterproof and should not be submerged. The newer dishes, both Flat Standard and Mini, have a rating of IP67.

Does Starlink work on a rocking boat?

Yes, Starlink satellite internet works like a cell phone antenna to track fast-moving satellites in orbit. So, movements of the receiver do not matter as long as the dish remains generally upright. Starlink receivers works anywhere they have a clear view of the sky, so it works very well on moving boats.  

Can you get satellite internet on a boat?

Yes, there are several satellite internet providers for boaters. Starlink is the newest option, which offers the highest speeds and best prices. Most marine satellite internet providers cost much more and deliver substantially slower service. 

What’s the best way to get internet on a boat?

Most boaters get internet on their cruising boat in one of three ways. Near shore and at marinas, some boaters rely on marina WiFi. Nearly everyone uses their cell phones, and some people use cellular SIM cards to get their laptops and tablets online, too. Finally, satellite internet from Starlink is a good option for getting internet service anywhere, even outside of areas with cellular coverage. Read more about getting internet on a boat in our article.

How do I realign my Dishy?

If you started at anchor facing one way but swung 180 degrees, you may want to reset your Dishy so it realigns. It seems to hate being stuck pointed west, particularly. The quickest way to do this is to simply unplug Dishy from the wall outlet and plug it back in. If you use the app, it can take several minutes. You can solve this problem by setting the dish to Flat mode in the app. 

Author:Lucy Wilcox Claiborne

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Welcome Aboard, Starlink

• By Behan Gifford
• Updated: April 20, 2024

Looking for an explainer on using Starlink while sailing your boat around the world? How to combine it with offshore communications tools for safety at sea?

Here are all the details of our experience with our own Starlink installation, modifications, service plan options and other essential offshore comms, as well as a look at how Starlink is used in the wider cruising community today.

The first thing to know is that terms can be loaded. SpaceX has changed terminology for Starlink hardware and plans a number of times in the past few years. I’m using terms that are current in 2024.

Second, I’m not an expert at Starlink. I’m a cruiser on a Stevens 47, Totem , who is, like so many of us, astonished at the way our lives are changing around this new technology access. The work that my husband, Jamie, and I do relies upon this connectivity, and our safety tools are increasingly leveraging it as well. I welcome constructive feedback and comments from legit technology experts.

As I write this, Totem is swinging at anchor in turquoise water off Isla San Francisco in Mexico. We’re only able to linger in this Sea of Cortez idyll because of Starlink. We are miles from cell service.

The first time we came here, in 2009-10, we only needed connectivity for weather updates. We got them through our single-sideband radio and via Iridium GO! But today, streaming video calls for our coaching service demands high bandwidth. The Starlink on our stern arch allows us to linger instead of hustling to La Paz. It will be weather (unlikely) or provisions (eventually) or crew flying in (hard dates on those) that will bring us back instead.

Antenna selection

We purchased Starlink in November 2022. We chose a residential Gen 2 dish ($599 at the time; we paid about half in Mexico). This was the rectangle that succeeded the round Dishy McFlatface in 2021. The antenna was used at our apartment in Mexico for a year while completing Totem ’s refit, and it is now on a sturdy stern arch mount next to the solar panels. It draws 2 to 3 amps per hour.

This same Gen 2 dish seems to be the most widely distributed among cruisers. In February 2024, it was replaced by a similar Gen 3 dish. The newer dish uses conventional connections on the cable from the antenna, has LAN ports directly on the dish, doesn’t have internal motors, and is supposed to have up to twice the data throughput (300-plus megabits per second). However, it can use 50 percent more power. Gen 3 also has a slightly larger footprint and a different base.

The other option is the Flat High Performance dish ($2,500), a larger rectangle and the only antenna officially approved for in-motion use. Yes, cruisers are using the Gen 2 and Gen 3 dishes in motion, technically out of terms of service, but apparently slow sailboats aren’t ringing the alarm bells at SpaceX. High-performance dishes have a wider view of the sky for better satellite acquisition (so, presumably, more stable connectivity) and use considerably more power, at least double that of our Gen 2 dish.

SpaceX has said that a Starlink Mini dish will be released in late 2024. This antenna is supposed to be much smaller, about the size of a tablet; be set up for DC electricity; and consume significantly less power. Make it half the price and it’ll be a cruiser winner.

Don’t have Starlink yet? Use our link to order , and we’ll each get a free month of service.

Installation on board

Choosing a location wasn’t too hard. There are two factors: Where is the clearest view of the sky? And, where is the dish most out of the way?

The obvious location on Totem was off the arch on our transom. While we were in Puerto Peñasco, the Cabrales Boatyard welder worked with my husband, Jamie, to create a mount on the port side of the arch.

A key customization we made was a stainless tube to frame the perimeter of Totem ’s dish. The idea is that if a reefing line or the main sheet flails that way, it will not catch on the antenna and damage it, or send it flying.

The Gen 3 announcement came in time for us to shape the frame’s dimensions to accommodate it, in case we decide to upgrade.

Service plans and costs

Three plans are overwhelmingly used in the cruising community. Mobile-Regional, US accounts $150, for service when changing locations within a single continent; Mobile–Global, US accounts: $200, for consistent service when traveling between continents; and Mobile Priority, which is an add-on to keep service active when you’re away from official coverage areas ( see Starlink’s coverage map ). US accounts: $2/GB.

We ordered the dish in Mexico and shipped it to our apartment near the Cabrales Boatyard, which set us up with a Mexican service address for our account. Once we sailed south, we switched from the residential plan to a Mobile–Regional plan. When transiting the Sea of Cortez, we toggle on Mobile Priority data. We’ll do the same on the way to Hawaii.

Costs for each of these plans scale and vary by country. Pricing is based on the service address where our dish was originally sent; we pay about half the US rate for our Mobile-Regional plan. It’s not all cheaper, though: Mobile Priority data costs more on our Mexican account, and a Mobile-Global plan would run approximately $70 more than US customers pay monthly.

There are websites dedicated to tracking the range in service plan costs by country. Our data consumption when offshore, so far, has averaged around 6 GB per day on Totem. At nearly $3 per GB on our Mexican plan, it adds up, but it’s a bargain compared to the alternatives for high-bandwidth internet offshore.

Crossing an ocean with Starlink

There are the official terms, and then there are the real-life practices.

Officially, when moving between continent-based regions, Starlink expects an account to be on a Mobile–Global service plan. Offshore and outside of service areas, Mobile Priority data must be toggled on. For example, a cruiser starting in Sicily (European region) who sails to the Caribbean (North America), then stops in Colombia (South America) on the way to the Panama Canal, and transits from there to French Polynesia (Oceania) in the spring would be in at least four (or five, if they were in Africa) regions.

In practice, cruisers have used Mobile-Regional plans without service interruption while transiting regions, such as sailing from Gibraltar to St Lucia, or from Panama to the Marquesas. Mobile Priority does need to be switched on.

Officially, if you’re using Mobile-Regional in a new country for more than two months, you’re supposed to change your service address to the new country, or return to the country where your service address is located.

In practice, there is no enforcement of this country requirement unless regions are changed as well. Many cruisers find ways to optimize their service plans based on location without repercussions. For example, cruisers sailing from the Americas to French Polynesia generally choose among three options after arriving: They continue with Mobile-Regional with Mobile Priority data on, or they switch to Mobile-Global, or they sell the hardware to themselves and associate it with a new account in the region. This hack requires reassigning the hardware to the new account, and then closing the old account.

No matter how they set up Starlink, some cruisers limit the power draw and data cost by turning it on once or twice a day offshore.

Modifications to consider

Three modifications help our Starlink work better on board Totem .

First, we converted the AC powered dish to 12-volt DC. Why? To reduce power consumed overall.

Here, we needed two aftermarket components: a 150W GigE Passive PoE Injector ($65) and 12-to48-volt DC Step Up Converter ($39). Connect the cable from the dish to the PoE, which is connected to the step-up converter. Gen 3 dishes have a standard RJ45 connection at the end of the cable; Gen 2 users will need to convert it. That’s the next step. Remember to add a fuse block.

Second, we replaced the Starlink router. Why? To add power efficiency and access more features.

The ethernet cord coming out of the Gen 2 dish has a proprietary connection. That’s annoying when you want to use a different router. We converted ours through this rectangular Dishy cable adapter to RJ45 ($30), then used Totem ’s existing MikroTik router ($75). We’re running PredictWind Data Hub ($299) in this mix. Make those connections (network cable on one side of the PoE box, power on the other), and then it works once the 12-volt power is on.

Third, we disabled internal motors. Why? Motors increase electricity use and reduce connection stability on a moving boat, including when swinging at anchor.

SpaceX cottoned onto this, I guess, since Gen 3 dishes don’t have motors. We’d encourage Gen 2 owners to disable theirs: it might feel scary to drill a hole in your antenna, but the performance is more stable, and you’ll save power.

The trickiest bit took a couple of tries to make the dish go flat. Jamie marked the spot, then drilled a hole with a 5/8-inch bit. After sucking out plastic debris, he used a pair of longish, stiff tweezers to pull out the wire connections to disable the motors.

How-to steps for this process are easy to find online. We initially covered the hole with some electrical tape, and later used silicone sealant on it for a longer-term solution.

Integrating to Iridium Exec

Like a growing number of cruisers, Jamie and I rely on connectivity for income. We also aspire to spend time in remote locations again soon. But counting on Starlink working 100 percent of the time is too risky.

Iridium Exec is the obvious piece of gear for reliable remote connectivity. The Exec and Starlink are integrated through our PredictWind Data Hub, with Starlink as our primary internet source and with Iridium on standby.

Embarking on offshore passages without reliable backup communication feels dubious at best. For folks who have lower data needs: If texts are enough, an InReach is another option for that backup. It can’t download weather GRIBs, so isn’t a great option if you go farther for longer and end up relying upon it.

Change is the constant

It seems that as soon as cruisers get used to one set of norms with Starlink, things change. Terms of service continue to be inconsistently enforced, which means anyone using Starlink outside of those terms are carrying some risk.

This week, Starlink emailed a reminder to some users that Mobile plans are intended for temporary travel and transit, not permanent use in a country different from the service address on the account. This email reminded users that terms of service are contingent upon regulatory approvals by the country in which the dish is used, and stated that connections could be cut off on April 30.

This notice appears to be aimed at a single country in Africa that does not have regulatory approval, with the helpful directions, “Should you wish to advocate for Starlink to be approved…” Recipients included plenty of South Pacific cruisers (French Polynesia is not yet “available” on the Starlink map ) who were shaking in their sea boots. We get it. We depend on Starlink now, too.

More on Starlink aboard

For more resources on using Starlink on board, check our post about Starlink for Cruisers from November 2022. The resources we detailed are still the go-to references.

Coming up from the Sailing Totem crew

We’re giving two American Sailing Association seminars in the next few weeks. On April 25, we’re presenting proactive steps for safety on board. May 7, on the cusp of our intended passage to Hawaii, we’ll discuss passage preparation. For $10 off (more than 25%) use TOTEM10 in the checkout. Register here for safety at sea . The registration for passage planning is here .

On April 28, Totem Talks will answer the important question: Do cruisers poop in the ocean? A no-holds-barred conversation about heads, holding tanks and dealing with our, um, output. Get the poop here. If you’re in our coaching community, you could also join this weekend’s OpenCPN workshop. Want to know more? You can learn about working with us , or get in touch .

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Are you planning a sailing trip off shore and wondering how to stay connected with the world? Look no further than Starlink . With its reliable weather downloads, tracking capabilities, and constant internet connection, Starlink is revolutionising the way sailors stay connected while out at sea.

Having Starlink on board allows sailors to have a high-speed internet connection, ensuring they can stay connected with their loved ones and access important information. Whether it’s providing daily updates to the yacht owner, sending photos and videos of the journey, or even answering calls, Starlink makes it all possible.

Starlink’s reliability and performance have made it a popular choice among sailors, especially in locations like New Zealand. The vast oceanic expanse and remote destinations can make it challenging to maintain a stable internet connection. However, Starlink’s advanced satellite technology ensures a seamless and uninterrupted connection, even in the most remote areas.

With Starlink, sailors can enjoy the benefits of a constant internet connection for various purposes. Weather downloads and tracking become effortless, allowing sailors to stay updated on changing weather conditions and plan their journey accordingly. This not only enhances safety but also improves the overall sailing experience.

Yacht owners and charter companies also greatly benefit from the inclusion of Starlink on their vessels. The ability to receive daily updates and real-time information about the yacht’s location and condition provides peace of mind. It allows owners to stay connected with their investment and ensures that any potential issues are promptly addressed.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Iridium GO! exec vs Starlink Roam: Which Sat comms system does it best

• Rupert Holmes
• May 25, 2023

There are exciting developments from big new brands in the satcom scene, but what might suit your sailing? Rupert Holmes reports

Until recently, developments in satellite communications were painfully slow, but the pace of change started to quicken a few years ago and is today accelerating rapidly. There’s now a wider choice and vastly improved data speeds, driven by new generation satellites and a growing number of market players, including big brands such as Apple, Amazon and of course Elon Musk/SpaceX’s rapidly expanding Starlink service.

At the same time there’s still space in the market for low cost existing devices that provide mostly text-based comms and a data connection to allow weather GRIBs and GMDSS weather forecasts to be downloaded. The original Iridium GO!, which launched almost a decade ago, quickly became the most popular device for long distance passagemaking, partly as the result of an unlimited data plan, even though downloads are at a snail’s pace.

Iridium GO! exec

The new Iridium GO! exec, launched this spring, will be sold alongside the original device. It’s borne of a similar ethos, but with data speeds 40x higher and the addition of a microphone, loudspeaker and touchscreen. This allows voice calls to be made and received without pairing the unit to a smartphone – potentially useful if you have to take it to the liferaft. Like the original it can also be used as a wifi hub to connect phones, tablets or laptops to the Iridium network.

Iridium GO! exec has much faster data speeds and can still be paired to phones and other mobile devices

At its core is the Iridium Certus 100 hardware, which gives download speeds of 88kbps and uploads of 22kbps. The download speed is only 50% faster than old school dial-up internet, so it’s still a narrowband product.

Nevertheless it’s a marked improvement that allows satellite weather images showing the exact location of fronts or storm cells to be downloaded, or for medium-resolution photos to be sent to social media.

Unless a satellite system is only used for a one-off ocean passage, airtime and data prices have a much bigger bearing on long term costs than hardware costs. What made the original Iridium GO! unit a no-brainer for many was the offer of an unlimited data plan for US$140 per month (since increased to $160-175).

The Iridium GO! exec also adds a touchscreen, microphone and speaker, allowing voice calls without needing to pair to a phone

Of course, you can’t eat much data at only 2.4kpbs, but the knowledge you’ll never run out at sea, or get saddled with an unexpectedly big bill, is hugely reassuring.

Sadly, but perhaps not surprisingly, this offer isn’t carried forward to the new device. Still, monthly and annual plans are at a lower price than most sat comms, with a 50Mb monthly package that would suffice for basic weather forecasting and text only comms, including email plus occasional voice calls, priced at US$160 per month – less than half the current price of equivalent Iridium Certus plans.

Musk’s latest alternative: Starlink Roam

The Iridium GO! exec’s data prices and bandwidth are still a long way from those offered by Elon Musk’s Starlink service, which provides full broadband data speeds of up to 50-250Mbps (thanks to using thousands of low orbiting, low latency satellites). At the time of writing, for UK customers the hardware with a standard antenna costs only £460 plus £75 per month for airtime, with the new Roam service priced at £95 monthly. However, the Flat High Performance antenna is the only one approved for in-motion use and costs £2,400.

Starlink appears to be a no-brainer for many and in the two and a half years since launch has been fitted to a growing number of yachts and fishing vessels. A geofence 12 miles from the coast originally precluded use offshore, but following its removal users could get broadband internet on ocean passages.

Both Satlink’s standard and flat high performance antennae need a clear view of the sky

Historically most have used the RV (Recreational Vehicle) plan afloat, which was renamed Roam in early March this year. At the same time there’s a clear warning to users that it’s only intended for use on land.

It’s important to recognise that many of the evangelists for using Starlink afloat have been successfully using it outside the terms of service, which are constantly evolving. To date this doesn’t seem to have created problems, but that could change with minimal notice at any time in the future. There is a dedicated Maritime version of Starlink, but it’s aimed at commercial vessels with a monthly subscription for UK-based users costing almost £5,000. At the time of writing however, Starlink just announced an additional Maritime plan at £997 per month for 1Tb of data. That is still a very expensive annual bill, but may be very attractive for those running a business who need to be able to stay in contact.

While Starlink has been a game changer for many, it comes with a risk that geofencing could be implemented again at any time to deny vessels at sea access to the Roam service. On the positive side it seems less likely, at least in the short term, that harbours and anchorages will be routinely excluded from coverage, due to the risk of nearby users on shore also being cut off.

An important benefit of both Iridium and Inmarsat systems is that they are stable and dependable platforms that are compliant with GMDSS. While Starlink suits some cruising yachts well and may continue to be ideal for use in remote anchorages with no 4G data connection, it does not yet appear to be suitable for yachts to rely on for safety related purposes mid-ocean.

Amazon is the latest player to enter the market for satcoms with Project Kuiper

Amazon weighs in

In March, Amazon (boss Jeff Bezos, left), announced further information about Project Kuiper outlining details of three antennae, including a small mobile device weighing 450g that will give 100Mbps speeds – ie 1,000 times faster than Iridium’s Certus 100. A larger 11in square standard antenna will deliver up to 400Mbps and will cost $400 to produce.

Mass production of Amazon’s low-earth orbit satellites will be in full swing later this year, with the system scheduled to accept its first customers in 2024.

The CAT S75 is one of the few smartphones that currently feature a satellite text messaging function

Sat comms for smartphones

Given the small size of some black box satellite messaging devices it seemed only a matter of time before similar functionality was built into some smartphones.

That’s already a reality, albeit in a very limited sense, for iPhone 14 users in the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK, via the Globalstar constellation. It’s intended as a fallback emergency system to alert emergency services and is only available when there’s no cellular or wifi coverage available from any carrier.

Two new ruggedised Android smart phones, the CAT S75 and Motorola Defy 2, include the Bullitt Satellite Connect service that offers 30 two-way satellite text messages for a subscription cost of US$5 per month, operating via geostationary satellites.

Samsung’s latest Galaxy S23 smartphone was widely tipped to ship with a satellite messaging function but, to the surprise of many industry insiders, that didn’t happen. Nevertheless, later this year a wider range of Android phones will have two-way satellite text functionality using the Qualcomm Snapdragon Satellite service that was announced in January and uses the Iridium constellation.

If you enjoyed this….

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• Sep 12, 2022

How to install Starlink on a Sailboat

Updated: Sep 11, 2023

Photo credit: Steve Audette - S/V Angelfish

Disclaimer : This post is not a paid endorsement nor are we affiliated with Starlink .

There is a new wave of internet technology expanding the horizons of travel possibilities for nomadic, liveaboard sailors around the globe. That technology is a low latency, high speed satellite internet service brought to you by Starlink . If you enjoyed my post on reliable high-speed internet for liveaboard cruisers , this post is going to be of keen interest, especially if you are currently a digital nomad (or aspiring to be). Starlink quickly replaced our mobile hotspot data plans as our primary internet service.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a low-latency satellite internet service offered by SpaceX (Elon Musk) and it’s a total game changer. Unlike traditional satellite service that is high latency and limited to a geostationary orbit, Starlink satellites form a constellation that orbits the earth at a much lower altitude, thereby providing a network of low latency, high speed broadband internet to more people and places around the globe than ever before. With as little as 20ms of latency in most areas, and an average of 100-150mbps down/ 10-15mbps up, Starlink makes taking video calls, online gaming, 4k movie streaming, and other high data usage activities possible in even the most remote locations. In May of 2022, Starlink introduced a “Portability” feature as well as an "RV Plan" now called "Roam," giving customers the option to take their Starlink service with them on the road or the sea. Regional services are currently limited to the boundaries of the country where the service is registered or you can select a Global Roam service for $200 US per month.

What makes Starlink a good internet solution for sailors and RVers?

It boils down to a few things:

Unlimited High Speed Internet - Starlink has no data limits and, even if your speeds are throttled due to high usage/ congestion in a particular geo “cell,” the throttled connection is still much faster than a 4G hotspot and almost certainly faster than the internet connection at a typical marina. On our boat, I can be on Zoom video call for work, while my kids are gaming their Nintendo Switch, and Amber is streaming an eBook. This is no problem for Starlink. Speeds vary, even minute to minute, based on the usage in your area and many other factors.

Just how fast is fast? Pretty fast…

Affordability - the monthly residential service is just $125 per month in the US. That is cheaper than many hotspot data plans and WAY cheaper than legacy, high latency satellite providers!

Coverage - since the service is satellite based, it works almost anywhere your dish can get an unobstructed view of the Northern sky, giving you more freedom. And since SpaceX is constantly launching more satellites, Starlink coverage and speeds are continuing to improve.

The shortcomings of Starlink

Like all good things (and believe me, it is a very good thing), Starlink is not a silver bullet solution and it likely never will be. There are a few shortcomings to be aware of:

Gen2 Dishy is not currently optimized for use on boats while in motion - while Starlink has been approved by the FCC for in-motion use, when the motors try to position the dish to optimize for acquiring satellite targets, it can result in frequent but short disruptions, especially on a boat that is anchored and swinging 180 deg with wind and current or changing directions and pitching while underway. You also cannot disable the motors via the Starklink app, although we hope this enhancement may be released in the future. This shortcoming and frustration has led some boaters to “hack” their dish (voiding their warranty) by physically disabling the motors by drilling a hole in the back of the dish an unplugging it, then installing the dish in a fixed, flat mount configuration. This improves the service because the phased array technology in the dish is still fully capable of acquiring and following satellite targets without the motors, thereby maintaining a more stable connection since a horizontal/flat dish is always in the same orientation relative to the sky

Heavy rain will disrupt your connection - while the connection is fine in light rain, really heavy rain will cause your service to be interrupted. This is one of the shortcomings of satellite-based internet, regardless of the provider.

Geo-fencing - dont count on having a connection once you venture beyond about 3-10 miles offshore. We don’t see this as a major detractor, since we’re not attempting to work while underway, although the ability to refresh weather via PredictWind or the ability to stream movies for the kids on a long passage would be really nice. This is possible with the new priority data toggle, but data is metered and the cost can pile up quickly.

Power consumption - the factory Starlink Dish and Router/POE run on AC power supply and these devices are power hungry, especially during the initial boot or when motors are actively repositioning the dish. Using the Dish/Router in the factory configuration means you either have to run an inverter, a gen-set, or be connected to shore power. If you have a lithium house bank and/or a large solar array, this may not be a concern. Alternatively, you can hack your way around this and “delete” the Starlink router/POE and power Dishy via DC power using a step up 12v to 48v buck converter. More on this later in this post.

Starlink Router/POE Footprint - the factory supplied router is a big, heavy, freestanding tabletop device. Not exactly ideal for in motion use or small spaces. It’s also not very powerful, in terms of broadcasting a WiFi signal. Generally speaking, it’s just not a great piece of kit. And, if you already have a router for your other onboard devices, then this is another router you will need to find space for as well as a way to power. We decided to make the Starlink Router obsolete and are much happier for it.

Mounting “Dishy”

Yes, that is the official Starlink nickname for their satellite dish hardware. Finding the right spot for Dishy on a boat requires a bit of trial and error, especially on a sailboat, for obvious reasons. Ideally, Dishy needs an unobstructed view of the sky. Fortunately, the Starlink app has a “Visibility” feature to “Check for obstructions.” This is highly recommended before attempting to mount the dish. The X shaped base stand that comes with the Starlink kit is basically useless on a boat, not to mention it is huge, however Starlink has a number of alternative mounting hardware options and there are tons of creative mounting solutions you can find online.

Start by finding a location as far from fixed obstructions like mast(s), boom, arch, etc. as possible. At boot up, Dishy will try to point toward the Northern sky and, once it acquires satellites, it will basically hold this position unless it detects obstructions or a loss of connectivity, so keep this in mind before mounting. Also make sure the Dish can pivot and rotate in any direction without hitting anything.

Before permanently mounting the dish, we highly recommend a trial run with a temporary install using either a rail mounted 1-1/2in clamp-on fishing rod holder which happens to be a perfect fit for Gen2 Dishy’s tube base, or use a drum set multi-clamp for a 1-1/2in rack bar , which is suitable for a permanent install. Just be sure to verify the size of the rail you plan to mount to so that the clamp size of either choice before ordering.

Good locations may include above dinghy davits, the top of an arch, and other locations typically as far aft as possible. Avoid mounting Dishy in a location that will make it protrude outboard; this is just asking for the Dish to get damaged. Also, avoid mounting in a location where lines or boom(s) might swing. And, finally, avoid mounting in a location that will cast shade on your solar array. Even a small amount of shade on rigid monocrystaline solar panels can have a big impact on output.

Hacking Starlink

Note : some hacks may void your Starlink hardware warranty; proceed down this path at your own risk.

Starlink hacks, in the context of this post, are not for nefarious purposes. It’s just people finding creative solutions to problems they have encountered trying to use Starlink and adapting the hardware/software in ways it hasn’t been explicitly designed for (yet). There are tons of Reddit threads and Facebook groups like: “Starlink Hacks” and “Starlink on Boats” with great ideas ranging from how to mount Dishy, how to power dishy with DC instead of AC, or even how to use the Starlink API to geek out on Dishy and access stats and write custom developer commands via gRPC ( see link to GitHub page ). And believe, Starlink is benefitting by crowd sourcing ideas from their customers, accelerating innovation and influencing the future direction of the Starlink product.

The “hacks” we have implemented on our boat include:

Starlink Router/ POE Delete - this is a great write up about eliminating the SL router and powering Dishy via your boat’s DC 12v house bank, instead of 110v AC. The benefits are a simplified network, valuable space savings, and reduced power consumption, which is important when your house battery bank is primarily powered by solar.

Custom patch cable and RJ45 coupler - by adding a shielded coupler, we can easily revert back to the factory router and 110v power supply in a matter of seconds.

Custom rail mount for Dishy - this drum set mount allowing us to mount the dish to our 1 inch stainless solar arch frame.

These hacks are not our original ideas; others blazed the trail ahead of us.

The Bottom Line

Starlink is a game changer for staying connected in daily life and being digital connected for homeschooling and working aboard. While we haven't traveled outside the US with our Starlink (yet), it has been super reliable and truly indispensable, so far. We can't recommend it highly enough and hope to continue enjoying this service as it continues to evolve and improve.

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Comentários

Starlink on your yacht, so hot

Having conquered orbit, SpaceX’s next venue seems to be the high seas, through a special yacht-focused sub-brand of its satellite internet service called Starlink Maritime .

The idea of satellite internet on the water isn’t a new one, but the actual service generally isn’t great: you can expect to pay hundreds or thousands per month for DSL-era speeds, topping out at a few megabits.

Starlink Maritime is taking on the speed problem at least, saying it can provide customers with up to 350 Mbps. But with a monthly price of $5,000 and a one-time hardware fee of $10,000 for the dual terminals you’ll need, it’s not exactly more accessible. Though consumers do have the option to pause and unpause the plan and only be billed for the months they use.

The terminals are “performance dishes” about twice the size of a home dish, Starlink’s Joseph Scarantino noted on Twitter.

“Two Perf Dishes quadruples performance — so that helps reduce latency, ping drops, or loss of signal at sea because of the wider FOV provided by the two Dishes,” he wrote. (The user’s profile has since been made private.)

Of course, the device still needs to be installed where there’s a clear view of the sky. Consumers can download the Starlink phone application to make sure their device is placed in the ideal location.

SpaceX claims Starlink Maritime “allows you to connect from some of the most remote waters in the world,” but currently their coverage area is limited to coastal waters in North America (primarily the U.S.), Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Chile. Not a problem if all you do is cruise the Mediterranean, but trans-ocean ships will lose connectivity pretty quickly after leaving port.

Starlink claims they will expand their coverage to more waters — primarily across the Northern Hemisphere — by this year’s fourth quarter, and the Southern Hemisphere by the first quarter of 2023.

Current maritime internet providers allow coverage across most ocean waters, depending on the coverage plan — but again, the speed is not great. High-speed service even just in local waters, even with that price tag, will probably attract plenty of high-end customers and commercial services like cruise ships.

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Starlink Maritime Plan Explained: Everything You Need To Know (2024)

Product manager by day, Starlink enthusiast by night.

The overarching promise of Starlink has always been to bring high-speed internet connectivity anywhere on this planet. Our oceans are no exception to that promise.

In this article, I’ll explain what Starlink Maritime is, which equipment is being used, how much it costs (also in comparison to other plans), and how it can be accessed by regular folks.

What Is Starlink Maritime?

Starlink Maritime is an internet service that enables you to receive high-speed internet while at sea, which was launched back in July 2022.

Starlink Maritime allows you to connect from some of the most remote waters in the world → https://t.co/Qa48wiYN5f pic.twitter.com/Vd3Bli6id2 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 7, 2022

The service, also called Mobile Priority, is largely aimed at operators of vessels, oil rigs, and cruises, promising them download speeds of up to 220 Mbps .

However, the mileage may ultimately vary, and Starlink states that speeds can range from 40 Mbps to the promised 220 Mbps for downloads and 8 Mbps to 25 Mbps for uploads. Latency is similar at 20ms to 40ms.

Since February 14th, 2023, Starlink Maritime offers worldwide coverage , with usage in territorial waters being contingent on government approval.

Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Starlink authorization for in-motion services in the United States on a non-interference protected basis.

This means that Starlink has to accept interference from other services in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band and must not cause harmful interference to any authorized service in the band. As a result, connections while at sea may be interrupted.

Maritime also falls under Starlink’s Fair Use Policy , which was implemented in April 2023.

As such, subscribers will receive prioritized bandwidth during times of high network congestion.

Lastly, Starlink is not intended or registered for use as a Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) service at this time.

Interested customers can order Starlink Maritime here .

Starlink Maritime Hardware

Starlink for Maritime comes with at least one Flat High Performance Starlink dish to ensure redundancy and obstruction mitigation.

You can check out the detailed specifications of the Flat High Performance dish here . Both the Starlink dish and power supply are water jet and dust resistant while boasting a rating of IP56.

Meanwhile, the router should only be used indoors. It is dust and splash resistant with a rating of IP56 as well.

For best performance, Starlink dishes should be installed on the top deck area with an unobstructed view of the sky, such as on either side of the ship’s mast, to ensure an active connection even if part of the vessel is blocking the view of the satellites.

With that being said, the standard rectangular dish cannot be used while at sea as it technically isn’t allowed to be used while in motion.

Additionally, Maritime subscribers will also receive a Wedge Mount , which should help fixating the dishy.

Interestingly, Starlink Maritime customers need to install the hardware themselves since SpaceX does not provide installation services .

How Much Does Starlink Maritime Cost?

On April 18th, 2023, SpaceX announced price adjustments for its Maritime service, making it available to boats of all sizes as well as different types of customers.

Starlink now offers three different Maritime/Mobile Priority plans, which are shaped up as follows:

• $250 per month for 50 GB of priority access at sea
• $1,000 per month for 1 TB
• $5,000 per month for 5 TB

If you reach the cap, then service will be provided on a “Standard” data basis, which is the same prioritization Residential subscribers enjoy.

After you consumed the allotted Priority Data, you can still enjoy unlimited data on inland coverage (e.g., lakes, rivers) anywhere Starlink is licensed to operate.

And if deprioritized performance isn’t enough, then you can purchase additional priority data for $2 per GB .

Unfortunately, those subscribed to the 50 GB plan will not be able to access the internet (apart from being able to log into their Starlink account and purchase additional data) once they exceed their threshold.

They will continue to receive Standard data while at shore or on land, though.

Additionally, a one-time hardware fee of $2,500 is applied as well. Starlink dropped the price down from $10,000 to $5,000 back in January 2023 and then from $5,000 to $2,500 in March.

The $2,500 hardware fee are charged for one antenna, though. If subscribers need two, then the price essentially doubles for the hardware.

However, this isn’t necessarily that steep of a price to pay. Even Starlink’s cheapest competitor in the space is still more expensive. For example, Inmarsat VSAT costs up to $29,995 per month , with hardware costs that are even larger.

On top of that, they offer substantially slower speeds and worse latency. One Reddit user highlighted those stark differences, showing a competitor with less than 1 Mbps download while Starlink reached over 100 Mbps.   

Also, keep in mind that Maritime (at least the 1 Tb and 5 TB plans, respectively) is aimed at large business customers and not your everyday joe.

These companies certainly don’t have a problem paying thousands of dollars every month, especially because they’re actually saving money.

Luckily, not all hope is lost if you’re a normie like me, which I’ll highlight in the last chapter.

Starlink Maritime vs. Business vs. Aviation

Starlink offers a total of seven internet plans of which three are aimed at business customers. Apart from Maritime, Starlink also sells Business and Aviation plans.

Here’s a tabular overview of how these services differ from each other:

As you can see, the plans aren’t really different from each other in terms of performance.

The only thing that varies is pricing, which is logical given that Starlink helps its Aviation customers to install the hardware.

Starlink Maritime Customers

Starlink has already been able to sign up a few heavy hitters to its Maritime plan. The most notable one was also one of the earliest, namely the cruise operator Royal Caribbean.

Here’s the firm’s very cool setup onboard setup where a total of six dishes are mounted on the side of the cruise ship.

Its newest Celebrity Edge Series ships would be equipped with Starlink starting September 2022 . Royal Caribbean isn’t the only one that made the switch, though.

American Cruise Lines became a customer in January 2023 while EDT Shipmanagement, a supplier of support vessels and services to the oil and gas industry, said it would trial the service.

A month later, Starlink also signed up Windstar Cruises. And in March, Hong Kong-based ship manager Anglo-Eastern said it plans to conduct 200 installations in 2023 alone.

Starlink also partners with resellers or integrators, such as Marlink , to extend the distribution and thus reach of its high-speed satellite internet service.

What If I’m Not a Business?

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. As I’ve written before, Starlink Maritime is aimed at on-sea usage and thus prohibits accessing it on land.

Conversely, Starlink’s other internet plans, such as Residential , RV (now Roam), or Business, are all meant to be accessed while on soil.

Interestingly, users in various groups, such as this one on Facebook , have reported that this isn’t necessarily the case.

In fact, they almost exclusively seem to be using Starlink’s Roam option , which is technically meant for people that travel in vans, RVs, and so forth.

Unfortunately, it appears that Starlink has reigned in on the party. In early May 2023, SpaceX sent out the following email to users:

Boaters are thus forced to switch to the new Mobile Priority plan, which costs $250 per month for 50GB while at sea (and unlimited data on land).

You can then purchase an additional gigabyte of Mobile Priority data for $2. Consequently, folks subscribed to Roam will now need to switch their plan.

Lastly, Starlink also recommends that users switch to the Flat High Performance dishy, which costs another $2,500, to allow for in-motion usage.

Is the Starlink Business Plan Right for You? Unpacking Benefits and Costs

Starlink Aviation Plan: Here’s Everything You Need To Know (2024)

28 thoughts on “Starlink Maritime Plan Explained: Everything You Need To Know (2024)”

Hello Starlink team,

Being a project manager for a few vessels in US GOM it is nice to see that the cost and speed is improving.

One question has the upload speed increased? and if so what is the upload speed expected in US GOM?

Hello Andy, we are not affiliated with Starlink in any official capacity – only a blog that’s excited about the technology.

With that being said, it’s hard to tell what upload speeds are like at any given moment in time and location.

You can order Starlink and test it out for free for a total of 30 days (after which you have to bear the cost of the hardware). Plus, after those 30 days, you can still cancel whenever you want (Starlink does not have minimum contract lengths).

Hope that helps!

I currently have the Starlink standard dish with the mobility – regional plan. I’ve had the dish mounted on my sailboat since last November and it’s worked fine while underway while sailing in Mexico. Given Starlink is only “recommending” not “requiring” an upgrade to the high performance dish with the mobility priority plan I’m wondering if my current standard dish will work with this new plan?

so far people have been claiming that Starlink purposely ignores its recommendation to not alienate its user base.

However, I’d get in contact with support to receive a written confirmation that you can indeed use the standard dishy while at sea.

I think for now you should be good but it’s hard to tell whether Starlink will eventually crack down on the matter.

Hope that helps.

Regards, Viktor

My starlink at sea is getting slower and phone and text is worse in the last week I have noticed the marine dish is supposed to be better service

Hi Tony, which plan are you on?

Hello Viktor,

Thank you for the very useful information about Starlink Maritime. We are shipping company in Bulgaria operating bulk carriers worldwide . We would like to test Starlink on board of one of our vessels. Two Flat High Performance antennas will be sufficient. From where can we purchase Starlink Kits? Who will activate and provide the Mobile Priority service plan? Please advise which companies are Starlink authorised resellers – for the equipment and for the service as well. I would like to contact them.

Thanks in advance

Best regards

Hello Aneta,

Starlink Maritime can be ordered here: https://www.starlink.com/maritime

Unfortunately, it seems that Maritime is currently not available in Bulgaria (when ordering directly from Starlink). Here’s what Starlink’s order page is reading:

“Currently, our Maritime product is limited to consumer use in your market and does not cater to business use, including business taxes and treatment. Premium features like Public IP and the dashboard will be available at a future date.”

However, try and enter your exact address in the link I provided above – I used Sofia as an example, which may be the reason as to why I received that message.

Alternatively, you could try contacting Tototheo Maritime ( https://www.tototheo.com/ ) – they are based in Greece and have installed quite a few Starlink kits.

Thank you for the prompt reply. Shipping to the shipping is not so simple. Usually office address, shipping address and billing address are completely different. Apart from Tototheo, who else is authorised to resell Starlink equipment and airtime to maritime end users? Where can I see the list of authorised Starlink resellers for maritime? I do not find it at https://www.starlink.com/maritime . Also I cannot find an e-mail address to contact and ask. Thanks

Hi Aneta – If your requirement is open – contact One Net Ltd [email protected] They are authorised and can ship to most ports in the world.

Thanks for chiming in Sundeep!

If I am on a maritime service plan the minimum costs are 250$ per month and I get 50 Gb on open ocean and unlimited on land. How is the situation when I leave the vessel in a marina e.g. for the winter. Can I then change to a cheaper service plan while I am stationary on board? Thanks in advance Birgit

Hi Birgit, yes, that should be possible. However, you only can change from a Mobile plan to a Fixed (Standard, Priority) plan as long as capacity is available. If capacity is not available, you will not see the option available. With that said, you could switch to Roam.

No it is impossible for the moment to switch to a standard plan with the maritime antenna. This antenna must contract a business plan that Starlink does not allow to change to a Roam or Standart plan! I hope that finally Starlink will eventually understand the need for boats that winter the possibility of using the antenna with a Standard plan. The other solution is to have another Starlink Standart!

Hi Achim, not sure if you’re referring to my article. However, I did not mention that you can use the Residential (Standard) plan while at sea as it requires a fixed address/location.

Starlink likely won’t change this anytime soon. Maritime is more expensive since you’re “taking away” more bandwidth as signals are passed from multiple satellites to the nearest ground station and back.

hello Viktor, Let’s say i’m subscribed to the 1TB plan, while i am on inland coverage the data usage is unlimited or it will subtract from the 1TB, while there is data available?

Hello Rodrigo,

from Starlink’s FAQ:

After a user’s Mobile Priority data is exhausted each month, the behavior of the Service will depend on the area of operation:

For inland coverage (including lakes and rivers), users of the Mobile Priority Service Plans will receive unlimited Mobile data, which will result in slower speeds and degradation of bandwidth intensive applications during times of network congestion.

While in the open water, once Mobile Priority data is exhausted, users will be unable to connect to the internet except to access their Starlink Account on http://www.starlink.com , where additional Mobile Priority data can be purchased, so that a user may reconnect to the internet.

Consequently, both at-sea and on-land usage counts towards the 1TB limit. Once you exceed it, you won’t be able to access the internet while at sea (except for topping up additional data) or be on the same network prioritization level as Roam users when on land (including lakes and rivers).

This FAQ doesn’t seem to match the description in the article, which says “If you reach the cap, then service will be provided on a “Standard” data basis, which is the same prioritization Residential subscribers enjoy.” Has something changed?

Hello Viktor, the Starlink site does not offer a phone number to contact if you have questions so I hope you do not mind if I use your knowledge. We are traveling from the US (Ft. Lauderdale) to the Bahamas for 2 months in January 2024. We are looking at the 50 MB Maritime Plan with the $ 2,500 hardware cost. 1) will it work in the Bahamas? 2) will this be powerful enough to watch television? 3) will we be able to connect our Verizon phones to the Starlink network so we can use apps such as What’s App? Starlink makes sense compared to Verizon charging $ 10.00 per day x 4 people.

Hi Lawrie, yes, it will work as Starlink was recently made available in the Bahamas (see here: https://starlinkinsider.com/starlink-launches-in-the-bahamas/ )? And regarding question 2: yes, it will work until you finish the 50 GB. Then, you can only use the Starlink app to top up additional GB when at sea (limitations don’t apply near shore).

We have purchased the $2500 antenna, subscribed to the $250 per month plan and will install on our boat next week which is at our dock in south florida, Palm Beach County. Wondering if you know, besides streaming, will the local over the air network TV stations be available to view through starlink or will we need to have an independent TV antenna to view them for things like football games or other sports and local news?

Here’s an article that should answer some of those questions: https://starlinkinsider.com/how-to-get-local-channels-with-starlink/

Viktor, Hello, Can I purchase a unit from another source? Are the maritime Starlinks transferable if purchase from a private party? And still use our item when or if we can connect to Starlink?

Hi Steve, yes. Please refer to our guide on how to transfer service (applicable to both buyers and sellers): https://starlinkinsider.com/starlink-transfer-ownership/

We have a nice experience using Starlink Maritime, using the 5TB-data plan

We have some vessels, in the middle of the ocean using SL-M successfully in the last 6 months. Distances from the shore, ranging from 50KM to 300KM and the latency is most of the time between 30ms and 50ms and ocasionaly 65ms

We were also able to create vpn tunnels to make some traffic be used in corporate enviroment, redirect non-internet traffic to remote corporate networks

We had to “cap” to 20Mbps (using our systems), instead of the 150-200Mbps, to keep users and system from using the whole 5 TB in a week, as we have more than 50-100 devices in some places

It´s a huge leap from high orbit satellites, which bandowidth is low (2-5Mbps), high-latency (500-700ms) and VERY (VERY) Expensive

The drawback, is the lack of support, so we must keep plain old satellite contracts as emergency access, because SL can stop from its side, at any time, no guarantee of nothing, so, for business is risky to relay only in SL-M

We´re still in doubt about how they count the 5-TB limit, it´s not clear to us, if it´s only download or if the upload is also added to the measurements

Thanks for the additional info Martin!

Hello Victor. I’m an 80 year old man, preparing my sailboat for an around the world sailing trip. My family is worried about me and would like to keep in close touch with me. Additionally, I want to be able to access my online accounts so that I can pay my bills. Does the Maritime package have a plan that is suitable for my needs?

Hi Dave, yes, there is a plan for private boaters like you. Here it is: https://www.starlink.com/boats

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All things Starlink, SpaceX, and tech.

As an independent source of information, our aim is to assist users of the SpaceX Starlink satellite internet service. We are not connected with either SpaceX or Starlink in any official capacity. Our focus is on providing useful tips and tutorials for those interested in learning about Starlink.

© 2024 Starlink Insider

Last Updated on 7 months by Viktor

BoatNews.com

Starlink: New rates and restrictions for offshore connectivity

SpaceX recently overhauled its Starlink offer, modifying the packages and conditions of use for marine navigation. While this solution remains effective, access to it for yachtsmen has become more costly and restrictive.

SpaceX has modified its offers, notably renaming its "Regional Mobile" package to "Unlimited Roaming", with a price increase to ?72/month in France. Starlink's packages are no longer limited to a single region, and can now be used on the move, with downstream speeds of up to 170 Mbps. This change enables use on land as well as on inland waterways and coastal areas. A welcome flexibility, especially for regular users in marinas.

However, this improvement is not without its constraints. Boaters now lose access to priority data when on the move. This option is now reserved for the much more expensive "Mobile Priority" plan, starting at ?287/month, and requiring the Mobile High Performance antenna, currently priced at ?2,867 incl. VAT. This additional cost is an obstacle for smaller units wishing to remain connected on the high seas.

The new conditions of service also impose time and geographical restrictions. Boaters can use Starlink while roaming for a maximum of two consecutive months outside their subscription region, with the obligation to return to their home country to keep the service active. In addition, any attempt to use Starlink in a country not covered by the official card carries the risk of service disconnection, a particularly restrictive measure for sailors on international voyages.

The real blow concerns use on the high seas. From now on, standard packages no longer allow connection beyond coastal areas, up to 12 nautical miles from the coast, without using the Mobile Priority package, which is much more expensive and requires specific equipment. The Mobile High Performance antenna is not only expensive, it also consumes a lot of energy, with consumption ranging from 110 to 150W, making it less accessible for smaller units.

With Starlink dominating the global offshore connectivity market, boaters have few viable alternatives. This lack of competition allows SpaceX to make pricing and technical adjustments without constraint, leaving users with expensive or obsolete solutions to stay connected. The use of Iridium GO! or GOexec solutions thus remains recommended for the reception of essential data such as weather files on the high seas.

Starlink On A Sailboat 2024: Is It Possible To Use Starlink At Sea?

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for – Starlink on a sailboat. While Starlink promises super-fast internet from anywhere in the world, it is yet to be confirmed whether it will be able to ‘roam’ on moving homes like sailboats and RVs.

The attraction of Starlink on a sailboat is that it should mean cruisers like us can work from literally anywhere in the world, have access to weather forecasts, and communicate with family and friends from the middle of an ocean.

Having unlimited, fast internet through Starlink on a sailboat would be an absolute game-changer. But is it up to the task yet? We’re finding out!

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn from other affiliate programs. This means we may receive a small commission on products purchased through our links at no extra cost to you.

What is Starlink?

• Can you move around with Starlink?
• Why use Starlink on a sailboat?
• How does Starlink compare with satellite phones?
• Does Starlink actually work on a sailboat?
• Our findings

In case this is the first time you’re hearing about it, Starlink is a project from controversial billionaire Elon Musk that aims to bring blazing-fast, unlimited, wireless internet to every last corner of the Earth.

Starlink uses a “constellation” of satellites orbiting around the planet to beam superfast internet down to essentially any location on Earth, provided it has a clear view of the sky – from the peak of Everest to the Pacific’s  Point Nemo .

Eventually, there will be around 40,000 such satellites aloft, but at the time of writing there are about 1,500 in orbit, with more being launched almost every week.

Can Digital Nomads Move Around with Starlink?

The goal of the Starlink project is to blanket the entire Earth with ultra-fast internet. So, the short answer is “yes” – you absolutely can move around with Starlink and continue to enjoy blazing-fast, 150 – 200mbps internet wherever you go.

The longer answer is that at the time of writing (May 2022), you can get a strong Starlink signal anywhere in the USA, Europe, and New Zealand; right across the southern half of Australia, and in a handful of locations in the Caribbean, South and Central America (notably all of Chile and Brazil).

The rest of the world is coming in 2023, apart from Russia, China, Cuba, Syria, Iran, and Afghanistan. Starlink has yet to announce whether it plans to cover those areas in the future.

You can see this all represented on a map here. Starlink already neatly “hands-off” your signal from one satellite to the next as they pass overhead in a steady procession, so there’s very little difference whether you’re moving, or the satellites are.

When Starlink first launched, the official line was that you actually  couldn’t  travel around with your dish – in fact, they threatened that if you did, it was “at your own risk that it might never reconnect” when you got home. But people did it anyway and reported that it works just fine.

The company’s response was to introduce an official roaming service for an additional $25 per month (meaning you pay $124 total per month instead of $99). Some users still report successfully roaming without even paying the fee, but that’s the official position as of now.

How fast can you move with Starlink and maintain a good signal? Well, the satellites themselves are moving overhead at about 7.5 kilometres (4.6 miles) per  second.  At that speed, they circumnavigate the globe once every 90 minutes or so.

If your sailboat can compete with that, you have to come and give us some lessons! The bottom line is you’re not going to be moving fast enough to lose sight of the constellation even if you’re in an aircraft.

If you’re wondering whether Starlink is any good for digital nomads, then the answer is yes! You will be able to travel with your internet with no extra roaming charges to almost anywhere in the world by 2023!

Why use Starlink on a Sailboat?

There are a thousand reasons to have a good internet connection on a sailboat, not least that knowledge is power and a good data connection gives you access to weather reports, marine traffic information, a line of communication with loved ones back ashore, communication with other vessels, the ability to Google the answer to any technical problems that crop up at sea, and of course, entertainment!

Even the best-in-class “traditional” satellite internet systems are slower than 1mbps and usually cap you well below 1GB of data per month. For context, one hour of HD video is about 1.5GB.

The fact that Starlink is unlimited and can hit speeds of 150 – 200mpbs (maxing out at 500mbps) is a game-changer. It’s faster than your home broadband or fibre connection, but you can use it almost anywhere in the world. Who doesn’t want that?

Sailing can be expensive. In fact, just staying alive is expensive, full stop. That means a lot of people now work remotely from their sailboats to fund their dreams – whether it’s  creating YouTube videos  or working a regular job from their floating home.

One of the few benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic was proving that 90% of jobs can be done from anywhere with an internet connection, and as a result, more people are working remotely than ever before – your authors included!

We’ve always relied on 4G (mobile data) hotspots, which do work very well – but require a little forward planning to ensure we’re somewhere with good shelter, holding,  and  phone reception every time we hunker down for a few days to work.

Starlink changes all that – we could be adrift in the mid-Atlantic, happily holding conference calls with our colleagues back at home. If you’re a “digital nomad”, or want to become one, it’s clear what a game-changer this could be.

There are obvious safety aspects, too. EPIRBs and PLBs already use satellites to communicate distress signals from any corner of the globe, but they don’t provide a great deal of context – simply, “mayday, we need to be rescued, and here’s our location”.

But is the boat on fire, or has it just lost its rudder? How much food do you have? How many souls aboard? Are you abandoning into the life raft or staying with the big boat?

Provided the Starlink dish survives whatever disaster befalls the boat (and that is quite a big if!) you could quite literally have a Zoom call with the rescue service professionals to debrief the situation and receive instructions in return – not to mention the huge morale boost that would accompany knowing help was at hand.

You could Google the answers to technical faults while mid-Pacific, or discuss routes and problems with your sailing peers and brainstorm the solution together.

Much of this is  sort of  possible in short text message format with existing solutions like the Garmin InReach, but as we’ve discussed elsewhere in this article, those systems are positively prehistoric in their speed and capability compared to Starlink.

On InReach, for example, you get 160 characters per message (20 – 25 words), 10 messages a month on the basic plan, and  receiving  a message counts against that total just the same as sending one. It’s not even really comparable.

And then there’s entertainment! It’s never been more popular to sail around the world with your family in tow, but what do you do to keep the kids occupied on a three-week offshore passage?

Sailing purists will say you watch the sun and the waves and settle into the rhythm of the boat like our ancestors did for thousands of years before us.

But if you’re a parent and you try to tell me you’ve never thrown your bambinos an iPad for a few minutes of peace, I’m not sure I believe you.

Sure, you can carry around a hard drive full of movies or a small library of books, but those come with their own problems – such as a poor affinity for the damp, salty atmosphere of a boat.

And some  extremely  seasoned sailors will also argue that boredom kills – that it’s when boredom sets in that crew stop paying attention and accidents happen.

If you prefer to unplug when you set sail, nobody will force you to use your Starlink service for anything but comms and weather reporting. We’ll certainly value being able to back up all our photos and videos without needing to decamp to a restaurant ashore for eight hours while they all upload!

How does Starlink Compare to Satellite Phones?

Starlink uses a couple of pieces of proprietary hardware – a dish to receive the signals from the satellites, and then a router to break out that signal into a format where it can be used by your laptop, phone and other devices.

Satellite internet isn’t a new concept (many sailors will be familiar with things like  Iridium Go  or  Garmin Inreach ) – but up until now it’s been hideously expensive and typically limited to a few hundred megabytes per month.

That’s enough for email and weather reports mid-Pacific, but realistically not even enough to email or browse social media, let alone stream Netflix or hold video calls. Starlink changes all that by giving you something that promises to rival your domestic internet connection, even in the most remote and distant latitudes.

To put this into context with some numbers – let’s start with the extremely popular Iridium Go.

At the time of writing, Iridium Go costs $715 upfront, and then about $2 a minute to connect ($650 for a 300-minute pre-paid card).

It maxes out at 2.5kbps, which means it would take roughly 11 minutes to load the homepage of Facebook. Downloading a 1-hour episode of your favourite TV programme would take just shy of a week – 6.94 entire days.

That’s 9993.6 minutes, so you’d also pay $21,652.80 for the privilege.

Clearly, this is not what it’s for – it’s for getting emergency comms, GRIB files, weather routing, and so on. At the luxury end of the spectrum, many superyachts boast systems like the Sea Tel SAILOR 9000 – $34,995 up front, for the dizzying speed of 768kps – enabling you to download that 1-hour episode in just 33 minutes.

Unfortunately, it’s also $249 per month to subscribe and $22 per megabyte, so your 1-hour Netflix binge will still set you back in the region of $33,000. Again, we hope, nobody is actually doing this. But we can imagine wealthy clients hosting the odd video call from their boats or sneakily browsing social media at sea.

So how does that compare to Starlink?

At the time of writing, Starlink costs $599 up front and $99 per month thereafter. That nets you unlimited internet at maybe 150mbps – fast enough to download your 1-hour episode in ten seconds or less.

That makes it no less than 60,000 times faster than the Iridium Go, and about 195 times faster than even the ultra-deluxe Sea Tel SAILOR 9000. It’s also about 4 times faster than the average US domestic internet connection – and crucially, it’ll never cost you more than $99 a month regardless of your Netflix binging habits.

Quite a difference. If we took Starlink’s max-rated speed of 500mbps instead, you could more than  triple  those already astounding figures.

Why doesn’t every cruising sailboat have Starlink, then? Partly because it’s very new. Adam is a huge nerd, so he’s been on the waiting list for about four years – which is how we’ve been able to order a unit so early.

Is it Possible to Use Starlink on a Sailboat?

There are a few ways to answer this question. The basic answer is: apparently, yes you can.

At the time of writing (May 2022), Starlink hasn’t been available for long at all, and there are probably less than a dozen cruising sailboats fitted with Starlink dishes in the whole world. However, initial reports are very good, with early adopters saying the system works extremely well afloat and even underway.

The medium-length answer is: we’re about to find out! We just ordered a Starlink dish to install on our cruising sailboat, test extensively (in Europe, at first), and then write up our findings right here on the blog.

We’ll provide speed tests, latency reports, uptime logs, an experience report on installing and configuring the system, and then update the article regularly as we live with the system and our experience grows.

Maybe it’ll be a disaster! But we don’t think so, which is why we’ve taken the plunge and ordered the $599 dish with $99 per month subscription. We’ll keep you posted – consider subscribing to our newsletter to be the first to know when it’s released.

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Cruising sailboats typically have an excellent view of the sky, but they’re not known for their stability. Starlink themselves have suggested that moving platforms such as boats and RVs will need an additional piece of equipment called a “gimbal” – a motorised mount that can automatically pivot the dish around until it’s pointing at a satellite.

But they haven’t officially confirmed that the gimbal exists, or even that it’s in development – let alone when we can get our hands on it.

Some liveaboard sailors have ordered dishes anyway, nominally to use while moored in their home marinas (essentially, just a much more powerful alternative to the marina’s own courtesy WiFi).

Then those same sailors have wondered… why not just give it a go it out on the water? What’s the worst that can happen? And it turns out, nothing bad at all. Reports are that the dish still works just fine without the gimbal mount.

Seemingly those sailors are seeing slightly slower speeds than the advertised 150-200mbps – but not by much. We’ve seen figures around 80-100mbps quoted, which is still 2 – 3 times what we expect to get from our 4G hotspots. And crucially, it’s unlimited.

Our hotspots get us around 100GB per month, which is quite a lot – until you want to stream Netflix or YouTube, or back up your 4K video files to the cloud.

We fill a 128GB SD card with video at least once a month, so we’re often camped out in bars and restaurants trying to sync that with our cloud storage. It’s a pain, and buying enough drinks and snacks to keep the restauranteurs happy quickly adds up.

If we could just get the same speed as our hotspots but unlimited, we’d be very happy – and the word seems to be we can expect much more than that.

But like we said above: the bottom line is, we’re about to find out. Maybe it won’t work for us at all without the gimbal, or maybe it’ll work great on flat days and not when the wind and waves begin to build.

Once we get it, we’ll be sure to document our findings – both in this guide about how to get the internet at sea, and most likely in a stand-alone review of Starlink on a sailboat. Watch this space – and the skies!

Our Findings

Our overall experience with Starlink so far has been excellent. We typically get at least 250mbps down, 30mbps up , anywhere we choose to drop the hook.

Latency is usually out at 90-100ms which is no use for latency-critical applications like gaming, but not an issue for video calls or anything else. We work remotely from the boat and it’s more than sufficient for two people to stream video, push large files around, hold simultaneous calls, and so on. 

You might want to know if it works offshore. The answer is “officially no”, but in our experience, yes.

We’ve used it ~150 miles offshore and pulled a solid 250mpbs while in motion, heeled over. That was in the Med, which may not count as “offshore” in Starlink’s books (there are no international waters here, for example).

But I’ve also seen a lot of anecdotal evidence from people crossing the Atlantic that their dish has worked up to 900 miles offshore. That said, I wouldn’t rely on it offshore for mission-critical comms – not because it’s unreliable, quite the opposite, but simply because Starlink  says  it doesn’t work, and they could patch it at any time. 

Starlink has both a constellation of LEO satellites and a number of terrestrial base stations scattered around the world.

The residential and RV versions will, in theory, only work when they’re within a reasonable distance of a base station. Away from base stations, the satellites can communicate with each other via a laser link, and in theory, we don’t have access to that laser link as residential or RV customers.

If you want the laser-link (and guaranteed offshore access) you have to buy the eye-watering expensive “yacht” version, which is $5,000 a month, and clearly aimed at superyachts, cruise liners, and so on, rather than sailors.

But many sailors report accessing the internet way beyond the reach of a base station, so it’s not a clear picture. Again, my takeaway would be “don’t bet on it”.

Naturally, there are some disadvantages.

The first is it’s not cheap – the initial outlay for the dish is about $600, and then we’re paying something like $80 a month (70 Euros).

We were paying nearly twice that up until a few months ago when Starlink reduced prices for lots of countries. Because ours is registered in Greece (a comparatively poor country to the UK or US) we got a large reduction – I think it was EUR 120 a month before the reduction.

It’s easy for us to justify the cost because it enables remote work, but it’s definitely something to bear in mind. If you’re stateside, I think you pay more for the same service. 

The next consideration is power consumption.

We have the original Starlink dish, recognisable by its large, round shape. It draws about 100W under heavy use, down to 60W when we’re not doing much.

If you’re on 12V that’s something like ten amps after losses – a lot, when you’re running it 24 hours a day, and making all your own power.

The second generation – rectangular and smaller – draws 45-75W depending on load, so the dish you receive makes a huge difference to off-grid viability. 

⚡ We recently upgraded to lithium marine batteries and they have been a game changer. We highly recommend BattleBorn batteries – You can find out more here .

Another thing to be aware of is the range of different subscriptions you can choose between. We’re on the residential subscription, but there is an “RV” version specifically tailored to vehicle applications.

We decided against it because (1) it’s more expensive and (2) it has lower service priority than residential.

The main advantage is that you can pause and resume the RV subscription if you don’t use the boat year-round (you continue paying for residential whether you use it or not). We live on the boat, so it wasn’t a major factor for us.

Supposedly Starlink will one day patch the residential dish so it doesn’t work when it’s more than X distance from the home address, but we’ve taken it to four countries thus far without a problem. 

Regarding aviation , Starlink has announced an  aviation-specific version , but I’d hazard a guess it’s aimed at commercial airlines rather than private pilots. Starlink-enabled flights have already taken place –  the first was a few days ago . 

A final thing to be aware of is that the speed you get out of Starlink is inversely proportional to the number of users in your area.

I see a lot of people in American cities complaining that it’s slower than their old copper connection. I’m not really sure why you would buy Starlink in a city, when you have access to fiber. Rural American customers seem to have comparable speeds to us.

Starlink recently started limiting the amount of data US customers can use during peak hours to try to mitigate that (1TB per month during peak hours, unlimited the rest). 

Conclusion: Starlink For Boats

Hopefully that has answered your Starlink questions and helped you decide whether to opt for it or not. Personally, it has changed our lives on board and we already feel we have enormously benefitted from it.

Time will tell whether it becomes truly life-saving for sailors, but we’re pretty sure it’s something you won’t be leaving port without in years to come!

For up-to-date news of our sailing adventures follow us on social media where we post our most up-to-date photos and videos.

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Hi Emily, Adam (and Tiny Cat!),

I’ve been keeping an eye on your adventures for some time, mostly through your writing but also a bit of video too 🙂 We recently bought a boat, with the plan to live aboard (with our one-time street dog) and working from the boat from next spring, which we’re both crazy excited for! The boat is going in the water next month (first time with us as owners!), but will need a bit of work before she’s ready to liveaboard full-time.

I’ve been looking at the options for internet a bit and wanted to try hotspotting rather than jumping straight into something pricier like Starlink straight away (How did you get on with it by the way?). You mentioned you typically had hotspots of around 100GB per month- could I ask were these using local sim cards? Do you maybe have any tips for providers or sim cards in certain countries in the Med? We’ll be starting in Greece, and from there who knows! Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you for the great content, and hopefully for your reply, and fair winds in any case! Richard, Maxi (and Minca)

Thank you for the great content, and hopefully for your reply, and fair winds in any case! Richard

I hope your boat didn’t sink! I’ve been looking for an update on your Starlink at Sea trials, as your results will impact my decision to move forward. Or not.

Have an update for us?

Thanks for sharing. I absolutely loved your ideas.

Comments are closed.

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Smoothing the cruising – a buyers guide to ‘shock-absorbing’ boat gear and more!

• Jake Kavanagh
• September 12, 2024

Former Motor Boat Monthly editor Jake Kavanagh explains the innovative gear available to help boaters cruise more comfortably and avoid the accumulative effects of shocks and impacts when using small vessels at high speed or in rough seas

If you can’t run to buying a set of hydrofoils, as seen on this striking boat from the UAE-based manufacturer Enata, there are plenty of more affordable alternatives

The ability to soften that slamming motion of a fast boat at sea has been greatly helped with more advanced and compact designs of shock-absorbing seating, self-adjusting trim tabs and internal/external stabilisers.

Costs are tumbling as equipment is being adapted from the burgeoning robotics, aerospace, and drone sectors, allowing boat owners to leave much of the ride control to fast-acting computers.

Even when mitigated, the constant movement of a boat in a seaway still requires the crew to brace themselves as their body accelerates and decelerates with each wave.

This bracing is very tiring, which is why the offshore industry is increasingly using foiling vessels to transfer crew to rigs and windfarms. The teams arrive fresh and alert, rather than tired and maybe a little seasick .

The more the boat can be made to glide through (or above) the waves rather than bounce across them, the more enjoyable high-speed boating will be.

Here is some of the equipment to help make the ride smoother, and which is relatively easy to retro fit.

Suspension ‘shock-absorbing’ seating

Suspension seating for leisure craft falls comes in two main types; ‘pedestal only,’ or a fully-fitted seat.

Suspension seating can start with a simple shock-loaded platform, as demonstrated with this Scandinavian 4S unit. You would simply bolt your favourite helm seat on top and secure the platform firmly to the cockpit sole

At the other end of the scale is the fully assembled and ergonomic seat, complete with full adjustment. This one is from US maker Shoxs, model 5005, and is intended for high-speed RIBs. Note the handlebars for passengers

Pedestal only

The ‘pedestal only’ concept allows an owner to attach an existing seat to a new platform, one contains a spring or gas filled shock absorber. There is a wide range of types and designs, some pre-set, some adjustable, and some able to swivel and lock.

The travel is usually between 6-8 inches, the amount of range needed to soften each landing without providing excessive movement for the passenger. Footrests can be added which can be adjusted to the passenger’s height.

Prices for a basic sprung pedestal can start at around £100, with fitting relatively straight forward. Sometimes this is just a straight swap of the base unit into existing holes in the deck and seat base.

Fully fitted seats

The second category is the fully fitted seat. Ergonomically padded upholstery is set into a frame that has springs or pistons installed to offer a far greater degree of comfort.

The designs include ‘Bucket’ ‘Jockey’ – a saddle arrangement for rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) – and ‘Trooper,’ but with variations on each theme. Originally the preserve of the professionals, for whom a rough sea was part of the job, this type of seating is now more widely available.

Costs have also come down due to more efficient manufacturing methods, more compact designs of mechanism, and a growing market, especially amongst US-based sports fishermen.

Some more enterprising PBO readers may be tempted to adapt the suspension seats from the likes of tractors, bulldozers and other off-road vehicles, and whilst this can prove successful in the short term, the non-marine materials involved can corrode quickly in salty air .

Buying a proper marine version tends to give a better return on investment, whilst also greatly increasing the enjoyment of high-speed or rough water boating.

Interceptors

Interceptors stab a small blade into the water and are very effective for trim control with no real loss of performance. They are supplied as a complete bolt-on unit, and only require thru-hull holes for a data cable and a power supply. This is Zipwake’s E Series

Interceptors are guillotine-like blades that stab down into the wake at the transom and prove remarkably effective at levelling the boat by reducing pitch, roll and yaw.

They can be provided as a boat-specific kit to fit the design of most transoms, but the real advantage is that they can self-adjust incredibly quickly. This smooths out the ride with speed and precision, at a rate way beyond the abilities of a human pilot.

This responsiveness, often involving dozens of adjustments per second, is due to the latest inertial sensor technology and powerful electric actuators.

Basically, in ‘auto’ mode the ‘brain’ will analyse data from a series of real-time sensors and then work the blades in rapid sequence to keep the boat running at its optimal angle .

Several companies are offering these units, but the leaders are Zipwake, Humphree and Seakeeper, the latter with its own take on the concept.

Gyro stabilisers

Gyro stabilisers have become increasingly compact. This unit from US-based Seakeeper and is designed for a boat of between 21-25ft.

Once again, the compact nature of the modern electric motor has allowed for marine gyro stabilisers to become remarkably efficient.

A large metal flywheel is spun – sometimes in a vacuum – at up to 15,000 rpm, and then reacts to any movement with immediate effect.

The gyro wants to stay upright, so as the boat moves beneath it, the gyro applies a powerful force in the opposite direction.

The result is to virtually eliminate rolling, converting it to more comfortable bobbing motion instead.

Gyros can be mounted almost anywhere on board, preferably along the centreline, and only require a standard 12VDC supply.

Larger models are often liquid cooled, whilst smaller ones are air cooled. The bad news is the price, starting at around £20,000.

Adaptive fins

The new and highly articulated All-In-One system from DMS fulfils many functions. The fins can be deployed as trim tabs for high-speed cruising…

…or stabiliser fins for mid-speed cruising…

…or ‘flapping fins’ for roll reduction at anchor

Stabiliser fins are also now more common on smaller powerboats, with self-contained motors and carefully designed blades.

Leaders in supplying the smaller cruisers are the Italian OEM CMC Marine, and the Swedish manufacturer Sleipner.

A very exciting development, due to be launched at the METS trade show in November this year, is the All-In-One from the Dutch specialist DMS.

This allows a set of fins to act as both trim tabs, high-speed stabilisers, or ‘zero-speed’ flapping foils to reduce rolling when at anchor.

Fins are still usually only found on boats upwards of 45ft but are also very effective at anchor.

As a guide to what is available, we have alphabetically listed some of the main manufacturers and the type of product they can provide.

Some have some great videos on their websites to show exactly how the forces are mitigated, greatly improving your enjoyment, and endurance, at sea.

SUSPENSION SEATING

Shockwave’s SW-S2-1200 midback helm seat with deckslide

Based in the US, Bentley’s manufacture the Mariner range of suspension seats, with single shock absorb ers for crew of up to 250lbs, and double shocks for those above. Other products include a swivel base that locks every 90 degrees. Bentleysmfg.com

SCANDINAVIAN SUSPENSION SEAT SYSTEMS (4S).

Manufacturer of a wide range of base units, in a choice of sizes and finishes, to which the boatowner can attach their own marine seats. This company also produces complete saddle seats for RIBs. Seatsuspension.systems

Based in Canada and founded in 1965, Shockwave supplies both the commercial and recreational sectors with high performance seating, including high-back seats and swivel bases. Products such as the Accuride provides immediate confirmation that the shock absorbers are set correctly to the passenger’s body weight. Shockwaveseats.com

SHOXS/KINETIX

US-based manufacturer of the Shoxs and Kinetic brands, and a major supplier to military, professional and recreational sectors. Products range from simple pedestals to bucket, jockey and troop suspension seating. Shoxs.com

SMOOTH MOVE SEATS

Aimed mainly at the sports angler, this Minnesota-based manufacturer provides two different suspension kits, the air and ultra-smooth. The company says both kits are extremely simple to mount, install and adjust and carry a three-year warranty. Smoothmoveseats.com

ULLMAN DYNAMICS

Founded in 1984 in Sweden by Johan Ullman MD after serving aboard a destroyer and noticing that 80% of the crew of torpedo boats suffered with back problems. The company now makes suspension jockey, bucket and bolster seats along with a series of cockpit accessories. Ullmandynamics.com

INTERCEPTORS

Zipwake’s E and S series of interceptor are part of a fully integrated system which acts as a ‘trim autopilot’ to smooth out the cruise

BENNETT MARINE

Founded in the US in the 50s, Bennett Marine is named after its founder Charles Bennett and is a manufacturer of remote-controlled trim tabs. www.bennetttrimtabs.com

A team of specialist hydrodynamic marine engineers founded Humphree in Sweden in 2002. The company produces stabilizer fins, interceptor trim blades and active stabilization electronics. www.humphree.com

Humphree’s Lightning design features a built-in 25W underwater light and full remote monitoring via a dedicated touch screen. It can also be controlled via an HTML5 link to an Multi-Function Display (MFD)

VOLVO PENTA

Volvo Penta produces the QL interceptor-style blade system in two versions – QL300 and QL 450 for high performance boats. The systems have an automatic levelling function. www.volvopenta.com

Based in Sweden and established in 2011, Zipwake was developed to connect own brand interceptor blades to gyro sensors for fully automatic trim control. The product is plug and play and aimed at the new build and retrofit market. www.zipwake.com

GYRO STABILSERS

The Italian OEM Quick has recently added to its range of compact MC2X of compact stabilisers, which now has 9 models

Based in Italy, Gyromarine is a single product company founded by a group of businessmen with experience in large engineering projects involving gyroscopes. Their advanced ‘driven’ system is aimed squarely at the superyacht market. www.gyromarine.com

A large marine manufacturing company, Quick S.p.A. was founded in Italy in the early 1980s, and produces a wide range of nautical hardware, with further manufacturing in the US. The MC2 X range of gyro stabilisers is available in 9 models. www.quicknauticalequipment.com

Based in California, USA, Sea Keeper manufactures a comprehensive range of gyro stabilisers from a 12V model for small craft (24ft) to versions for vessels of up to 85 feet/100 tons. Sea Keeper also provides models for the commercial market. www.seakeeper.com

Founded in 2014, Smartgyro is based in La Spezia (SP), Italy. The company is designing and developing a full range of highly advanced gyro stabilizers for recreational and commercial marine applications. www.smartgyro.com

FIN STABILSERS

Founded in Pisa, Italy in 2005, CMC manufactures a range of bow thrusters and fin stabilisers, with the Stabilis Electra system heralded as the world’s first electrically actuated fin. www.cmcmarine.com

DMS (Dynamic Marine Systems)

Established in Holland in 2013, DMS introduced the Anti-roll retractable stabilizer for yachts above 30m. This was followed by the MagnusMaster rotary system, and later by the All-In-One foiling system. www.dmsholland.com

Sleipner Motor AS was founded in Norway in 1908 to manufacture engines and propellers. Sleipner’s Sidepower brand now manufacturers thrusters, stabilisers and all the associated electronics in house. www.side-power.com

The Norwegian manufacturer Sleipner has recently upgraded its popular Vectis range of electric fin stabilisers with a new blade design. This has proved more effective at anchor and prevents the boat ‘paddling’ forwards

Vetus was established in the Netherlands in 1964 and has a wide portfolio of equipment with the aim of providing completely compatible systems. A range of stainless-steel fin stabilisers is available in 7 models. www.vetus.com

Boaters warned to mitigate against ‘shocks and impact’ in small vessels

Accumulative effects of shocks and impacts to boaters using small vessels at high speed or in rough water have been…

Cruising in powerboats long distance: a quick guide

When cruising in powerboats, especially small open boats, safety is paramount. Jake Kavanagh shares his advice for relaxed high-speed adventures…

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Starlink : Nouveaux tarifs et restrictions pour la connectivité en mer

SpaceX a récemment bouleversé son offre Starlink, modifiant les forfaits et les conditions d'utilisation pour la navigation maritime. Si cette solution reste performante, son accès pour les plaisanciers est devenu plus coûteux et contraignant.

SpaceX a modifié ses offres, renommant notamment son forfait "Mobile Régional" en "Itinérance Illimitée", avec une augmentation de prix à 72 €/mois en France. Désormais, les forfaits de Starlink ne se limitent plus à une seule région et peuvent être utilisés en mouvement, avec des débits descendants pouvant atteindre 170 Mbps. Ce changement permet une utilisation aussi bien sur terre que sur les voies navigables intérieures et dans les zones côtières. Une flexibilité bienvenue, notamment pour les utilisateurs réguliers dans les marinas.

Cependant, cette amélioration n'est pas sans contraintes. Les plaisanciers perdent désormais l'accès aux données prioritaires lors de leurs déplacements. Cette option est désormais réservée au plan "Mobile Priority", beaucoup plus onéreux, débutant à 287 €/mois, et nécessitant l'antenne Mobile Haute Performance, vendue actuellement 2.867 € TTC. Ce coût supplémentaire représente un frein pour les petites unités souhaitant rester connectées en haute mer.

Les nouvelles conditions de service imposent également des restrictions temporelles et géographiques. Les plaisanciers peuvent utiliser Starlink en itinérance pendant un maximum de deux mois consécutifs en dehors de leur région d'abonnement, avec l'obligation de retourner dans leur pays d'origine pour maintenir le service actif. De plus, toute tentative d'utilisation de Starlink dans un pays non couvert par la carte officielle entraîne un risque de coupure du service, une mesure particulièrement restrictive pour les navigateurs en voyage international.

Le véritable coup dur concerne l'utilisation en pleine mer. Désormais, les forfaits standard ne permettent plus de se connecter au-delà des zones côtières, jusqu'à 12 milles nautiques de la côte, sans passer par le forfait Mobile Priority, beaucoup plus cher et exigeant du matériel spécifique. L'antenne Mobile Haute Performance est non seulement coûteuse, mais elle est aussi énergivore, avec une consommation variant de 110 à 150W, rendant son utilisation moins accessible pour les petites unités.

Avec Starlink dominant le marché mondial de la connectivité en mer, les plaisanciers ont peu d'alternatives viables. Cette absence de concurrence permet à SpaceX de procéder à des ajustements tarifaires et techniques sans contrainte, laissant les utilisateurs avec des solutions coûteuses ou obsolètes pour rester connectés. L'usage des solutions Iridium GO! ou GOexec reste ainsi recommandé pour la réception des données essentielles telles que les fichiers météo en haute mer.

'Below Deck Sailing Yacht' Star Finally Reveals if Storylines Are Fake

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht star Gary King is going on the record to clarify that the show is definitely not scripted . The news comes in the middle of rumors surrounding producer plants and fake storylines in the Below Deck franchise . However, after his years of experience as a crew member, the reality star can confirm that the drama is as real as it gets.

King recently took to Instagram and answered some fan questions on his story. One of the questions read: “Do the Below Deck producers tell guests to act crazy or are the guests just crazy?” As a response, King denied the rumors and claimed that all guests on the show were actually just crazy.

Another follower asked the reality star whether the producers influenced the drama on the show. Gary replied with a joke saying: “Yeah, they asked us to crash the boat” before clarifying that he was just kidding and that Below Deck Saling Yacht is a completely unscripted show. The yachting industry veteran clarified that the producers let things play out as they are without telling anyone what to do.

'Below Deck' Has Been Accused of Faking Storylines Previously

According to Below Deck executive producers Mark Cronin and Courtland Cox , fans have a huge misconception about the franchise. Cox believes that the viewers don’t understand how real Below Deck is. She added that as producers, his and Cronin’s job is to stay in the background and let things happen. The producer also claimed that the things that actually happen on the show are too wild for anyone to come up with.

Linda P. Jones , who was a guest on Below Deck Season 6, also went on the record to talk about her experience on the show. She took to her personal website and explained that Below Deck is 100 percent real . Jones also spilled the beans on her one-on-one time with Captain Lee and expressed how fascinating it was to hear his stories and ask him questions. She was also all praises for crew members Kate Chastain and Josiah Carter for their professionalism and the five star service they provided to all the guests.

The former guest talked about her time on the yacht and explained how nerve-wracking it is as guests. Jones confessed that while she avoided going down the slide because she didn’t want to be on camera with her makeup smeared and hair wet. She also shared that none of the guests faced any service problems except one night when they didn’t have any bath towels in their rooms. However, she noted that the moment never made it to the show.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 is expected to premiere in Fall 2024. All previous seasons of the show are available to stream on Peacock in the U.S.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

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In a reality TV series, a crew aboard a luxury sailing yacht navigates the challenges of providing five-star service to affluent guests while managing personal dynamics and the unpredictable nature of the sea. Each episode reveals a blend of high-seas adventure and behind-the-scenes drama among the crew members.

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Captain glenn shephard reveals hopeful below deck sailing yacht season 5 update after gary king puts show in jeopardy.

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 has been shelved for nearly a year, but Captain Glenn Shephard is offering viewers an exciting update on the show’s future after First Officer Gary King put things in jeopardy. Throughout the run of Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Captain Glenn has had to deal with the ebbs and flows of his crew in their professional lives, as well as in their personal lives. Throughout Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4 , Captain Glenn took notice of Gary’s sometimes disrespectful behavior, but after a scandal created backlash against Gary, it could impact the show’s future .

Captain Glenn Shephard shared news about Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5.

While Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 has been filmed for almost an entire year, the season has yet to be released for reasons Bravo hasn’t announced. It seems like Gary’s sexual misconduct allegations, which came out after the release of the last season of the series, are to blame for Sailing Yacht 's lack of new content , but Captain Glenn has shared news about the season. “I think it’s coming soon, but I don’t know exactly when,” Captain Glenn shared with The Standard . “All I can say is, 'It’s coming soon.' We just have to be patient.”

They announced it at BravoCon in November. But then it didn’t air in spring or summer. I think it’s coming soon, but I don’t know exactly when. The network decides that. I get endless questions on social media about it, but all I can say is, 'It’s coming soon.' We just have to be patient.

What Captain Glenn’s Update Means for Sailing Yacht Season 5

The season seems to be coming soon.

Although Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 has been reported to be returning already, there’s been no confirmation or timeline about when it’s coming back to Bravo, which has led to many questions about its whereabouts. While some have been certain that Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 is coming soon, others have wondered about the validity of the confirmation of the show’s return . Captain Glenn seems to be certain that the series will be coming back, though he doesn’t know when it will hit Bravo. With the Captain’s confirmation, viewers should feel confident they’ll see Sailing Yacht again.

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Captain Glenn’s confirmation about the show does come with a caveat, as he’s not totally sure when Below Deck Sailing Yacht will return to the network. Though he appears to know that the next season is coming, the fact that it’s been derailed so heavily has thrown a curveball into the mix. The allegations against Gary came from a Below Deck franchise makeup artist , which made things even more complicated for the team behind the series when reassessing what’s happening with the show. While Gary has denied the allegations, things have been tricky to navigate for the Below Deck spin-off .

Our Take On Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 Delay

Below deck sailing yacht shouldn’t return.

Although Below Deck Sailing Yacht has been a staple for the last several years in the Below Deck franchise, the series returning could be a bad look for Bravo . Many have been excited for Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 to return, but with Gary’s poor behavior putting a stain on the series, it seems clear that bringing him back to viewers’ screens on Bravo could be a negative for the network. While Gary has been inclined to deny the allegations , seeing his consistently poor behavior on Below Deck Sailing Yacht again could push viewers to look into his past.

Source: The Standard

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht is a spin-off of the Below Deck reality television series. Premiering on Bravo, the show follows the life of a Yacht crew as they attempt to navigate a busy Charter season in which many customers make use of a 177-foot sailing yacht. Over the first three seasons, the yacht has been to Greece, Croatia, and Spain.

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Sailing yachts like Mike Lynch's are 'unsinkable bodies', CEO of boat manufacturing firm says

Bayesian superyacht which sank off Italy is an "unsinkable" vessel, Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, said.

By Ashna Hurynag, news correspondent and Eleonora Chiarella, producer

Sunday 25 August 2024 08:48, UK

Vessels like Mike Lynch's stricken superyacht are "unsinkable", according to the chief executive of the firm which makes and sells them.

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, told Sky News there are no flaws with the design and construction of the Bayesian superyacht which capsized in a storm off the coast of Porticello, Sicily, on Monday.

Five bodies were found by divers on Wednesday - taking the number of confirmed dead to six.

The Italian Sea Group also owns the firm that built British tech tycoon Mr Lynch's Bayesian, and Mr Costantino said the vessels "are the safest in the most absolute sense".

"Being the manufacturer of Perini [boats], I know very well how the boats have always been designed and built," he said.

"And as Perini is a sailing ship... sailing ships are renowned to be the safest ever."

He said their structure and keel made them "unsinkable bodies".

Read more on this story: Why search of superyacht wreck has been so difficult Hero mum 'slept with baby on deck when storm sank yacht'

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Mr Costantino said news of the sinking "put me in a state of sadness on one side and of disbelief on the other".

"This incident sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact," he said.

It is understood Italian prosecutors investigating the incident are continuing to hold interviews with the survivors.

On Tuesday they questioned the captain for more than two hours to help reconstruct what happened and provide useful technical details.

Four British inspectors are also in Porticello and have begun a preliminary assessment of events.

It is understood they will look at all relevant aspects of the incident, including the design, stability, and operation of the vessel. They will also examine the effects of the weather conditions experienced.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Twenty-two people were on board the vessel, 15 of whom were rescued - including Briton Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter Sofia.

Divers will resume efforts on Thursday morning to bring ashore a body they found earlier. One more person remains missing.

Related Topics

• Superyacht sinking