Sailing is one of the most therapeutic activities there is. You escape the daily stresses of your life, go off the grid, and enjoy the sound of waves splashing against your boat. If you were to sail just for the weekend, you could have all the time by yourself. However, if you switch to an off-the-grid lifestyle, you will likely need a stable internet connection more often than not.
Get The Internet At Sea When Sailing
But we go off the grid to avoid everything, including the internet, right? Even though many people think having an internet connection on a sailboat is impractical and a waste of money, it’s still useful, from finding the nearest supermarket on Google Maps to contacting your loved ones during emergencies.
One of the most challenging aspects of spending your life at sea is the availability of an internet connection. If we turn back the time, even seafarers had the worst time finding a way to communicate with their loved ones while at sea. But thanks to technology, you no longer have to miss your wireless provider as there are more and more options for us to stay connected to the internet whenever we sail.
In this article, we’ve compiled some ways to get an internet connection at sea while sailing. Let’s dive into them!
1. Satellite Internet Hotspots
Satellite internet is the most accessible and probably one of your best options for boating internet. It’s not the fastest, let’s get that straight, but it’s widely available across the United States, typically wherever you go. However, you have to endure the spotty signals while you’re sailing.
With most satellite internet plans, you’ll have to spend your data wisely, or you’ll have to work with throttled speeds unless you’re willing to pay for extra data. Remember that some satellite internet plans are expensive, so choose your internet provider wisely.
2. Travel Routers
Travel routers have become necessary for many travelers, especially those who spend most of their year outside their homes. Most of these routers cost around $20 to $100, but we recommend you consider those in the $30 to $70 range. Specific routers are made for marine use, but they can be costly. That’s why it’s not one of the most preferred options for getting internet at sea.
3. Wi-Fi from the Marina
Wi-Fi service at the marina or other nearby hotspots might be low-cost, but it’s only sometimes reliable and convenient. You can connect your phone or laptop straight to it, although it usually takes work to acquire a strong connection, especially below deck. You should purchase a Wi-Fi extender when you choose this option.
Wi-Fi extenders for boats usually work the same as those for land use. However, the disadvantage of relying on the local marina’s Wi-Fi is that you won’t need to go farther to the internet if you go too far. It’s only a viable option if your route follows the shoreline. But, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to, it’s best to make this work.
4. BGAN Systems
Broadband global area network systems are an excellent yet pricey option for getting internet onboard. It looks like a notebook or a laptop that provides an internet connection while sailing. But to be connected wirelessly, they must have a good view of the sun and a GPS. These systems cost around $2,000 to $50,000.
5. Cellular Amplifiers
Cell phone signal amplifiers and antennas can enhance cellular connectivity up to 20+ miles offshore by linking with land-based cell towers. Speeds reach around 5 Mbps but there may be data caps imposed. Equipment and service costs around $500.
6. SUPER Wi-Fi
Long-range wi-fi antennas on boats can sometimes access public or private wi-fi signals from shoreside hotspots up to 10 miles away. Speeds vary greatly based on distance/obstacles. Equipment costs $100-$300.
7. VHF Radio
E-mail Sailor’s VHF radio e-mail services like SeaMail and Winlink Express provide basic email communication over radio frequencies for those extremely offshore. The maximum range is 100 miles and there are some usage fees.
8. Iridium Go
Satellite communicator devices like the Iridium Go! create an onboard wi-fi hotspot accessing the Iridium satellite network. Maximum data speeds only reach 128kbps but offer pole-to-pole global coverage. Service fees apply.
Why Is It Hard to Get Internet at Sea When Sailing
When building signal towers, we can put them in just about any place on land, but there is no place at sea where we can put them, making it difficult to maintain internet connections. Because few devices can support long-range connections, most wireless internet alternatives are limited in range.
Also, having a powerful signal tower is only useful if the connected devices have the range to send a signal back. The reception range of common personal devices is as little as a few dozen feet. In general, smaller devices tend to be weaker. Moreover, most connections from major providers will likely get spotty if you’re close to the shore. It will completely disappear as you go further away from it.
If you’re heading far out to sea, satellite internet is your best option. As mentioned above, satellite connection isn’t the fastest, and you’ll need some connectivity to the satellite to use it. But it’s still a decent internet connection that’s better than no internet.
Disadvantages of Relying on the Local Marina’s wi-fi
Here are some potential disadvantages of relying solely on a marina’s wi-fi network for internet connectivity while living aboard a boat:
- Limited range – Most marina wi-fi signals only extend a few hundred feet from the antenna origin point. Connectivity can be very spotty on the outer slips or different docks.
- Slow speeds – Marina wi-fi is usually a shared public network supporting all guests in the harbor. With many users online, bandwidth per device is constrained, resulting in slower speeds.
- Frequent disconnections – Weak signals combined with network congestion can cause regular loss of connectivity and service interruptions. This may disrupt workflows, downloads, or streaming ability.
- Security risks – Public marina networks are easy targets for hackers as many systems have no passwords or encryptions. Sensitive data transmitted could be intercepted and compromised.
- No offshore access – Once a boat leaves the slip for any time, marina wi-fi capabilities are completely recovered once returning to port. For cruisers, this spells total connectivity loss.
While free public marina wi-fi provides a backup internet option close to shore, relying on it as a sole solution is problematic. For consistent and secure offshore access, pairing it with a cellular amplifier system, satellite equipment, or radio email network is recommended. Utilizing multiple communication technologies helps ensure digital access and usability while living aboard.
Conclusion
With the right equipment and setup, getting reliable internet access offshore is achievable for boaters. While connectivity out on the water does come with some inherent challenges, the latest satellite networks, cellular amplifiers, wi-fi antennas, and radio email services make stable connections a reality.
For cruisers looking to maintain digital access for weather monitoring, navigation, communication, or entertainment during extended trips away from land, investing in multipurpose systems like an Iridium Go! or Fleming VHF radio is recommended. Even smaller gear like wi-fi boosters or range-extending mobile routers can suffice for some coastal and inland waterway sailing.
Refrain from relying solely on limited marina wi-fi networks once you leave port. Pairing onshore signals with offshore hardware tailored for marine use is key for eliminating connectivity gaps. With the right gear and some pre-sail planning, enjoying life on a boat and staying conveniently connected is achievable. The available technology options help sailors who have to choose between an off-the-grid lifestyle and modern internet access.
