Starlink for Boats: The Ultimate Guide to Internet at Sea
Community
Mar 4, 2025
Staying connected on the water has never been easier, thanks to Starlink for boats.
Traditional marine internet options—like expensive satellite systems and spotty cellular connections—have left boaters frustrated. But Starlink Roam, SpaceX’s portable satellite internet service, is making high-speed internet on boats more affordable and accessible than ever.
Whether you’re a liveaboard, weekend cruiser, or offshore adventurer, Starlink Roam allows boaters to stay online in coastal and inland waterways with fast, reliable internet at a fraction of the cost of traditional marine satellite services.
How Does Starlink Work on Boats?
Unlike traditional marine satellite internet, which relies on geostationary satellites thousands of miles away, Starlink uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This means:
✅ Fast download speeds (50–250 Mbps)
✅ Lower latency (20–40ms, compared to 600ms+ with older satellite services)
✅ Portable / easy setup with no professional installation required
✅ Coverage in most coastal and inland areas
Boaters simply mount the Starlink Roam dish on their boat, plug it in, and enjoy high-speed internet on the water. What does 'plug it in' mean? Starlink comes with AC power chords, however there are 3rd party conversion kits (this can void a warranty). Most boaters simply use their onboard inverters to power their Starlinks. In our experience, the Starlink draws about 6ah. About what a small fridge requires.
Which Starlink Plan is Best for Boaters?
Many boaters use the Starlink Roam plan (previously called “Starlink RV”) instead of the more expensive Starlink Maritime plan. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
The Starlink Roam plan works in motion on boats, even though it’s not officially marketed for marine use. However, it does not provide service in the middle of the ocean—it’s designed for use in coastal waters, bays, rivers, and lakes.
Insider info: Many SeaPeople users are able to use their Roam plans mid ocean, however there is always a risk of interrupted service if the Starlink platform recognizes your location and takes action. Take it from us, they are getting better and better at making sure users are on the correct plans. Many of us early Starlink boaters and sailors were left in a lurch when our domestic plans were abruptly cut off in the Bahamas a couple years back.
How Much Does Starlink Cost for Boats?
One of the biggest advantages of Starlink Roam for boats is the price. Traditional marine satellite systems like VSAT can cost $10,000+ for hardware and thousands per month for slow, metered data. Starlink is significantly cheaper:
• Starlink Standard Dish (Roam Plan) – $599 one-time hardware cost
• Starlink High-Performance Dish (Roam & Maritime Plan) – $2,500 one-time hardware cost
• Monthly Service (Roam Plan) – Starts at $50/month for 50GB, or $165/month for unlimited data
• Monthly Service (Maritime Plan) – $250/month for unlimited data
Insider Info: Most boaters find the $165 unlimited Roam plan to be the best balance of cost and performance.
How to Install Starlink on Your Boat
Setting up Starlink on a boat is straightforward. The main requirements are:
🔹 Mounting the dish on a stable surface like a T-top, arch, or rail mount
🔹 Ensuring a clear sky view for uninterrupted satellite coverage
🔹 Powering the system (AC power via an inverter from DC when needed)
🔹 There is one chord (provided) from the modem to the dish which needs routing.
Most boaters use Starlink’s standard dish, but those in rougher conditions or looking for better performance in motion may opt for the high-performance dish ($2,500).
Where Does Starlink Work on Boats?
Starlink Roam provides coverage in coastal waters, inland lakes, and rivers where satellite density is high. The unlimited Roam plan works throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and much of Europe.
However, Roam does NOT (officially) work in the middle of the ocean—for that, boaters need Starlink Maritime or alternative marine satellite systems. Some SeaPeople users report mid ocean connectivity with the Roam plans, however there is a risk of service disruption.
Is Starlink Worth It for Boaters?
For most recreational boaters, liveaboards, cruisers, and coastal fisherman, Starlink is a game-changer. It allows:
✔ Live streaming, video calls, and remote work at sea
✔ Access to real-time weather, navigation updates, and charts
✔ Onboard security cameras and smart boat monitoring
✔ Fast downloads and smooth online gaming
✔ Access to apps like SeaPeople for connecting with other boaters and saving money on traditional location trackers for sharing live tracks with friends and family back home.
Alternatives to Starlink for Marine Internet
While Starlink is the best value for high-speed marine internet, some boaters use alternative options like:
🔹 Cellular boosters (5G/4G LTE) – Great near shore, but limited offshore
🔹 Iridium GO! or Certus – Good for emergency comms, but very slow
🔹 VSAT (Inmarsat, KVH, Intellian, etc.) – Reliable, but VERY expensive
In all honesty, there is no alternative to Starlink at the moment. Amazon, OneWeb, as well as Russian and Chinese companies are launching satellites to compete with SpaceX's Starlink, but nobody has a competitive coverage area or pricing at the moment.
Final Thoughts: Is Starlink the Future of Boating Internet?
For boaters who need affordable, fast, and easy-to-install internet on the water, Starlink Roam is the best option available today. Whether you’re cruising the coast, living aboard full-time, or working remotely from your boat, Starlink delivers the speed and coverage you need without breaking the bank.
🚢 Want more tips on marine technology and connectivity? Join the SeaPeople community to connect with other boaters using Starlink and other smart tech on the water!
