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PJMcK

(22,886 posts)
Sun Jan 8, 2023, 10:02 AM Jan 2023

I'm buying a Starlink setup for internet on our boat

Since September, my wife and I have been sailing down the east coast from NYC on our way to the Bahamas. Although she’s retired, I’ve continued working “remotely” as almost all of my business has migrated to the internet. And there’s the problem.

It’s been tricky to connect to the internet and I’ve had to tether my computer to my cellphone too often to be a functional alternative. Another sailor demonstrated his Starlink system and I was sold.

It consists of the control unit which connects to our boat’s 12-volt DC system and the receiving antenna. The coverage and bandwidth seem to be superior to even some of the WiFi systems we’ve encountered at different marinas. Incidentally, we don’t have WiFi available when we’re anchored out which is about 60% of the time. Starlink seems like the solution to my problem.

It ain’t cheap. The hardware costs $600 and the monthly subscription is $135. However, for me, these are necessary business expenses if I’m to keep in touch.

The equipment is being delivered today and I’ll post again when I’ve installed it and it’s up and running.

My only misgiving is that Starlink is made by SpaceX, Musk’s company. I’m not happy about putting money in his pocket but if I don’t have good internet, I won’t be making any money! It’s a Devil’s bargain, I guess!

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I'm buying a Starlink setup for internet on our boat (Original Post) PJMcK Jan 2023 OP
do you have to aim the antennae? Blues Heron Jan 2023 #1
Only in a general direction PJMcK Jan 2023 #7
Cool good luck Blues Heron Jan 2023 #9
Interested to hear more about you experience... targetpractice Jan 2023 #2
I'd love to see picks as your adventure continues toward the Bahamas! MLAA Jan 2023 #3
I can't help you, but be sure to read the Technomadia blog if you haven't-- Wingus Dingus Jan 2023 #4
Thanks for the tip! PJMcK Jan 2023 #10
I assume you are getting the mobile plan? getagrip_already Jan 2023 #5
Thanks for the good wishes PJMcK Jan 2023 #8
I live out in the middle of NowhereNorthCarolina. Lots of people around here have Starlink BComplex Jan 2023 #6
yeah, it's more expensive.... getagrip_already Jan 2023 #11

Blues Heron

(6,131 posts)
1. do you have to aim the antennae?
Sun Jan 8, 2023, 10:08 AM
Jan 2023

Ive been watching the Delos sailing channel on youtube, and they have a big dome-style satellite internet setup on their boat - got to be beaucoup bucks more than starlink though . Forget what their speeds are though

PJMcK

(22,886 posts)
7. Only in a general direction
Sun Jan 8, 2023, 12:51 PM
Jan 2023

I haven’t seen the software yet but I think it assists in “aiming” the antenna. It’s a flat panel about 14-inches square and mounted on a four.footed stand.

Once I’ve installed it, I’ll let you know.

Blues Heron

(6,131 posts)
9. Cool good luck
Sun Jan 8, 2023, 06:47 PM
Jan 2023

P.s. just watched a “sailing one life” vid and they had a starlink setup they had just got.

targetpractice

(4,919 posts)
2. Interested to hear more about you experience...
Sun Jan 8, 2023, 10:09 AM
Jan 2023

Starlink seems essential, despite Musk's involvement... Teslas seem optional for the same reason.

I'd like to learn the real-world bandwidth Starlink's provides... Looking forward to your updates.

MLAA

(18,599 posts)
3. I'd love to see picks as your adventure continues toward the Bahamas!
Sun Jan 8, 2023, 10:16 AM
Jan 2023

Perhaps, once you have your starling you could post a picture a day along with a song?

Wingus Dingus

(8,407 posts)
4. I can't help you, but be sure to read the Technomadia blog if you haven't--
Sun Jan 8, 2023, 10:54 AM
Jan 2023

they have a Starlink setup on their yacht and their business is guiding people in their mobile tech setups.

getagrip_already

(17,435 posts)
5. I assume you are getting the mobile plan?
Sun Jan 8, 2023, 10:58 AM
Jan 2023

It will be interesting to see how they.morph that plan over time.

As for giving money to musk, if it makes you feel better, they claim to still be losing money on starlink, so the investors are footing part of your bill.

I've thought of it for my boat, but we don't Cruise to different ports, so it would be for use on extended fishing trips, and they have limits on offshore use.

Anyway, good luck, and happy voyages!

PJMcK

(22,886 posts)
8. Thanks for the good wishes
Sun Jan 8, 2023, 12:55 PM
Jan 2023

We bought the RV version. The maritime version costs $10,000 for the hardware and $5,000 per month! I’m sure it’s for passenger vessels, not little sailboats like ours

BComplex

(9,075 posts)
6. I live out in the middle of NowhereNorthCarolina. Lots of people around here have Starlink
Sun Jan 8, 2023, 11:04 AM
Jan 2023

now. At least, the ones who can afford it.

Where I'm located in the Nowhere section, luckily the landline company can give me 10 megs of speed, which is what I've been living with for the 10 years since they brought that much out here.

getagrip_already

(17,435 posts)
11. yeah, it's more expensive....
Tue Jan 10, 2023, 11:35 AM
Jan 2023

$600 for the antenna, $110 for the service, plus bits and bobs.

My cable internet is about $100/mo. So the service costs are similar, but the hardware is as much as a cheap smartphone. A lot of people can't afford either.

But if your choice is cell phone hotspotting, it is a much better solution, especially if you work from home or do a lot of uploading.

I'm hoping for some competition......

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