BOATERS BLOG

One of the joys of boating is leaving land behind as you venture into the breathtaking open water. While some boaters enjoy disconnecting and unplugging during their journey, others might miss the luxury of Wi-Fi, especially if they embark on a long voyage. If you have ever wondered if you can get Wi-Fi on your boat, the experts here at NBOA answer your question with a big “yes.” Not only can you get Wi-Fi on your boat, but it can be an essential tool when making lengthy boating excursions. Two types of marine wireless exist for boaters. One acts as a network that the devices on your boat can connect to without providing internet access. The other more familiar one is Wi-Fi, which keeps you and your passengers connected to the world wide web.

You’ll likely have to spend a fair amount of money for a stable connection and complete internet access; however, it also largely depends on the distance you plan to sail from shore. Internet connections are much more challenging to sustain in the middle of the ocean than just offshore when technologies like signal boosters can work adequately. If you generally stay a half mile or closer to shore, signal boosters can be excellent and affordable ways to ensure that you maintain a connection to the internet when out on your boat. One of the most common ways to connect nowadays is using a smartphone to set up a mobile wireless hotspot while on the move. While this is a handy and effective strategy, you will want to ensure that you have enough data in your mobile plan. Another option is a marine Wi-Fi system composed of a 4G router that can connect several users simultaneously. Specific models like WebBoat’s 4G Plus have a function that allows them to automatically connect to marina Wi-Fi upon reaching shore. However, despite these options, quality internet at sea, especially over long periods, is only tenable with satellite Wi-Fi.

If you plan on distancing yourself from shore and your vessel is large enough, many different satellite dishes can be installed from multiple manufacturers. For the most expansive and secure coverage, satellite Wi-Fi is the best option, although installation and maintenance will be more expensive than a simple signal booster. Most satellite dishes for boats include the hardware and a monthly data plan that works like any cell phone or land-based internet plan.  Depending on the size of the ship and how much you’re willing to spend, wireless satellite installation can range from $1,500 to upwards of $50,000 or beyond on the largest vessels.

Whether you’re looking for access to the internet while on a cruise with the family, looking for a serious setup to take your boating experience to the next level, or enhancing your yacht to make long journeys more entertaining and luxurious, there are several options to connect you to the internet. Ultimately knowing what you’re looking for and what you’re willing to pay is the key to making the right decision for you and your crew. For more insights on boating or to protect yourself and your investment with quality marine insurance, connect with the experts here at NBOA.