Much has been made of how SpaceX’s Starlink has altered the way boaters stay connected to the internet. It used to be that staying connected on your boat meant slow WiFi, pricey data plans, or unreliable service. Starlink offers fast, affordable internet for boaters, and with varying equipment and data plans, ensuring the proper equipment selection and plan is essential. Whether you’re trying to watch Netflix while traveling on the ICW or staying in touch with friends and family on ocean crossings, Starlink has become the go-to solution. Here are the dishes, plans and accessories boaters should use, so you can pick what’s best for you.
Starlink Options
Starlink currently offers three hardware options that are recommended for boaters, which include the Starlink Mini, the Standard, and the Flat High Performance. With varying performance, size, power consumption, and mounting solutions, understanding their differences is key to choosing the right equipment for your vessel. Although less applicable to the sailors, fortunately all three of these flat models are capable of “In Motion” service, which is defined by speeds over 10 mph, and can be used offshore with the appropriate service plan. Note, Starlink’s actuated dishes should not be used on boats. If you do, the motors can fail and it will forfeit the warranty.
The Mini, the newest and most portable option, is slightly larger than a sheet of printer paper. While its baud rate is lower, it delivers speeds of 100-150/10 Mbps (down/up). With a built-in router and DC input (12V-48V), it’s the easiest to install. Ideal for coastal boaters with minimal bandwidth needs or those wanting a flexible, off-boat option. It has the lowest power draw of 20W-40W in use (15W idle), AC/DC power input, and with a cost of $599, it is the most adaptable choice.
The Starlink Standard V4, about the size of a laptop, includes the Gen3 Router and is the most affordable option at $349. It consumes 75W-100W (20W idle) and runs on a 120V AC input. Though larger and more power hungry than the Mini, it delivers roughly double the speed, with specs ranging from 100-220/25 Mbps (down/up) and users reporting over 300 Mbps. This model is ideal for permanent installations on coastal cruisers and nearshore boaters needing faster internet.
For top performance, the Starlink flat High Performance dish is the best choice, offering a 140° field of view (vs. 110° for Mini and Standard) and speeds of 250-350/25 Mbps (down/up). It consumes 110W-150W (45W idle) and suits offshore cruisers needing a reliable connection. Though larger at 20.1 by 22.6 inches, size is rarely an issue. The hardware package is listed at $2,500 and includes the Gen3 Router and a 24-month warranty, as opposed to the 12-month warranty on the Mini and Standard.
Starlink’s data plans
Boaters have different options to consider when deciding which service plan best fits their needs. There have been significant changes to Starlink’s service plans since its initial release, and the below service plans are effective as of February 2025.
The most affordable service plan available to boaters is the ROAM plan. This plan includes both land and coastal coverage—extending to 12 miles offshore—and includes in-motion use. It starts at $50 per month, which includes 50GB, but can be upgraded to $165 per month for unlimited service. Please note that within the fine print of this plan, it only allows for five consecutive days of use past their designated shoreline geofence and for a total of 60 days over the course of one year.
For those looking for internet service beyond 12 miles, or for use over 5 consecutive days on the water, Starlink now requires users to subscribe to the Maritime Mobile Priority plan—which is being renamed Global—for offshore internet service. Starting at $250 per month this plan includes 50GB per month while at sea, and unlimited data within 12 nautical miles from shore and on land. This plan can be upgraded to 1TB for $1000 per month, and 5TB for $5000 per month.
Both services can be paused at any time to avoid unwanted charges when you are away from your boat.
Mounting Solutions
Unlike traditional satellite dishes that lock onto a fixed point in the sky, Starlink connects to a network of constantly moving low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Because of this, an unobstructed view of the sky is crucial for maximum signal strength and reliability.
For optimal performance, mount the dish in a clear, open area, free from obstructions like masts, antennas, or superstructures. Although not recommended by Starlink, some boaters have successfully installed High Performance models under fiberglass structures, experiencing only minimal performance loss.
On powerboats, a fixed mount on a hardtop or a forward deck is often the best option for an unobstructed view of the sky. On sailboats, to mitigate mast and rigging interference, the best mounting option is typically towards the aft end of the boat on a pole or mounted to a stern pulpit. Some boaters also turn to removable mounts with quick-release features, allowing them to store the dish when not in use or for use while not onboard.
Although Starlink offers limited mounting solutions suitable for boat use, there are multiple companies that do, such as Seaview, Scanstrut, Edson Marine, Darkstar Marine Hardware and Seasucker.
Notable Upgrades
While all three models, right out of the box, are a fantastic solution for boaters looking for internet access, there are a few notable upgrades that owners might consider.
Since the Standard and Flat High Performance models require AC power, many boaters and van lifers opt for a 12V or 24V DC conversion for greater efficiency. While this may affect the warranty, the conversion is reversible since no physical modifications are required.
Switching to DC power eliminates the need for an inverter, which operates at only 80 percent efficiency, and reduces space requirements by allowing removal of the Gen3 Router, though an aftermarket router is required.
For those less tech-savvy, aftermarket DC conversion kits are widely available, but it’s important to verify that your dish’s power requirements are being met when selecting a kit. Starlink has also recently released a DC-DC power supply for the Standard that allows for the use of the Gen3 router with DC input.
The Starlink Mini, designed for 12V-48V DC input, only requires a protected connection to the house bank. The Mini can be sensitive to voltages under 12 volts, so be sure to size your wires appropriately. A DC/DC converter is recommended to step up to 24V or 48V to prevent low-voltage issues on 12V systems.
While the Gen3 Router included with Standard and Flat High Performance Starlink models offers solid performance, many boaters prefer third-party routers for better networking features, a smaller footprint, or compatibilitwith existing onboard systems. If you are using AC power, the Gen3 Router has ethernet ports for easy connection to another router. To integrate a third-party option, simply disable the Starlink router via the Starlink App for seamless operation.
Starlink Advantage
For years, boaters relied on WiFi and 4G boosters to improve their internet connectivity while onboard. While these boosters don’t require monthly fees, their price often matches or exceeds the cost of Starlink packages and they typically have significant limitations.
WiFi boosters work by amplifying WiFi signals but are typically limited to marina use where the speed is often limited to the equipment at the marina, and the number of people sharing the bandwidth.
4G Boosters extend cellular coverage up to 12 miles offshore but still require a phone or hotspot to work. Effectiveness and speeds decrease with increased distance from cell towers.
Compared to these options, Starlink offers reliable, high-speed, low-latency internet for both coastal and offshore use. With nearly 7,000 satellites in orbit, global access is extensive, though some areas remain restricted due to government regulations, so check Starlink’s website for details.
Starlink is revolutionizing connectivity for boaters, providing faster and more reliable internet than traditional marine Wi-Fi and cellular boosters. While Starlink isn’t perfect and still has limitations, it is currently the best option for boaters seeking high-speed internet aboard their boat. Whether you’re a weekend cruiser, a long-distance passagemaker, or an offshore fisherman, Starlink offers a game-changing solution for staying connected on the water.
Mike Garretson is the Founder and President of Sea & Land Yacht Works, a
marine service company located in Wakefield, Rhode island.
April 2025
