Boat WiFi options for when the fish aren't biting
Whether it’s a quiet day on the water, your boss is expecting you to reply to an email or the kids are b-o-r-e-d, WiFi is becoming a need rather than a want.
There are three main ways you can connect to WiFi on board:
• Using marina WiFi
• Satellite internet
• Amplifying cellular data
Each way has its own pros and cons, and they wont all work every time. If you are unsure which option suits you, contact Marine Services to find a supplier in your region and they can advise what will be best for your needs.
Marina WiFi
This is the cheapest and easiest way to connect to the internet on board your boat. Most marinas have WiFi available, and you simply connect like you would any other network. You have to be close to get the signal, or else you can invest in a WiFi antenna/ extender. However, even a good quality extender will be prone to interference from weather conditions and if there are other boats between you and the original hotspot.
To set up your on-boat system, buy a long range WiFi receiver. Global marine have some great products that have been developed specifically for use on boats in the marine environment. The entire range is highly sensitive and has strong transmitter output power- a great start. If you are planning for more than one person to use the connection, you’ll need a router connected to the booster.
But what if you’re out at sea for days without returning to a harbour?
Amplifying a 4G data connection
There really is only one option that delivers real results and enables full hi-speed data for multiple users. The range of Celerway modems and routers brought to you by GMTS and Yacht Consultants can deliver 4G connectivity in a number of applications. Products are bundled with Sim cards and offer dual sim capability, unlimited data and external antenna options boasting on extended range of up to approximately 70km offshore.
Whether it’s business to stay on top of, streaming a sports game or entertaining the kids this is the one to go for.
Visit www.yachtconsultants.co.nz to see the full range available or to order.
Once this system is in place, you can happily access the net from most bodies of water in New Zealand as well as most coastal areas.
Satellite data
SpaceX states that Starlink maritime can offer up to 350Mbps with impressive latency when stacked up against fibre or wire connections. This is previously unheard of in marine and satellite solutions have been synonymous with outlandish data and hardware prices. Starlink maritime sells for $10'000 USD with a monthly fee of $5'000 on pay as you go plans, it's no wonder the maritime sector is chomping at the bit to get these.
Satellite communications systems boast a speed of "up to 10Mbps" on what they call high-speed, and a hardware cost of $30'000+ for some models. Not only is the Starlink maritime about to blow the commercial marine industry away, but the RV product has been proven to work on moving vessel too.
This sits at a much more affordable price for the every day boat owner at NZD $1040 for hardware (+ Shipping and handling fee) and a fixed rate of NZD $199 per month (Standard fee $159, roaming/portability fee $40).
For more info on this topic or other marine related articles check out the new website www.marineservices.co.nz
Everything you need to get your boat sorted in the one place!
