The Pros and Cons of Starlink For Boats
Two Starlink High Performance receivers in use aboard m/y Loon.
Is Starlink For Boats as good as everyone says it is?
I’m assuming you’ve heard about Starlink, a global internet service provider (ISP) and one of Elon’s world-dominating companies. While its gaining traction in the yachting world, its macro impact is seen far beyond, from hiking, RVing and camping, to disaster relief and international government communications. But in a world where offshore communication is still led by expensive satellite dishes and high-latency networks, how is Starlink’s offering cheaper and better? I’m diving into the Pros & Cons so you don’t have to.
In today’s blog we discuss:
Starlink at a glance
How does Starlink work?
Does Starlink replace existing technology?
The Pros and Cons of Starlink
Maritime pricing and important terms
Starlink at a Glance
Starlink – a part of SpaceX – started building its satellite network in 2019. They’ve since sent over 5,000 satellites into Low Earth Orbit (up to 1,200 mi. from Earth) via their Falcon 9 rocket launches. Starlink offers turnkey internet services to all 7 continents in residential, commercial and government formats.
The Starlink High Performance Kit consists of a flat white antenna, all power and connection cables, and a router.
How Does Starlink Work?
Starlink uses is expansive network of satellites to beam data around the world. While its satellites are lighter and smaller than its competition, Starlink is providing the same service as your home internet provider, just via a significantly larger satellite network and to every place on the globe.
Since 2020, Starlink has been sending earth-orbiting satellites into space by way of its reusable Falcon 9 rockets. Due to the cost-efficiency of the Falcon 9, Starlink has been able to populate earth’s orbit with significantly more satellites than its competition in a significantly shorter period of time. When you own the means to put satellites into orbit, it can be quite easy. Starlink has over 5,000 satellites orbiting earth, while Iridium has 66. Just on January 8th, 2025, Starlink sent 21 satellites into low earth orbit.
To install Starlink to your yacht, all you’ll need is a power supply and their mobile app. The Starlink kit includes your Starlink dish, cables, base, and WiFi router. Take note of its power requirements (Starlink draws significant power) to make sure your yacht can provide dependable perpetual power.
After installation, you’ll be ready to stream movies, take video calls, and download at your leisure. Your Starlink dish will call upon its expansive satellite network to send and receive data around the world.
Does Starlink Replace Existing Technology on My Boat?
Simply put, Starlink is an Internet Service Provider. It would replace whatever you use on your yacht to surf the internet, download files, stream movies, and make a call via Whatsapp or Facetime audio/video. I’ve read a few stories of yacht crews tossing $50,000 satellite systems in place for Starlink, and it will keep happening. But even though the Starlink network is strong, its not strong enough to justify as the only service provider for you offshore. Yacht safety is in redundancy, so keep those satellite phones and Iridium hotspots just in case of a Starlink failure.
Pros and Cons of Starlink For Boats
CONS
Starlink is cool, but using it on a mobile stand is not ideal.
High Power Draw. The system idles at 45W, and can max at 150W when streaming video.
Must Install High Performance Kit. Ocean use requires the more expensive hardware ($2,500.00), verses the Standard Kit ($349.00). NOTE: These hardware prices are still much cheaper than competitors.
Restricted Use. Use of the global network is restricted based on government approval in coastal areas, although the inclusive list is sizable.
Needs a Roof. For my day boaters out there without a hard top, your only option is a mobile installation (pictured here), which likely won’t fulfill your aesthetic needs.
Cannot Paint. With satellite domes, you can paint them to match your aesthetic. With Starlink’s panel receiver, it cannot be covered and it must remain white. A hydrophobic film boosts Starlink’s performance in rain and snow, and anything applied to the film will reduce performance.
PROS
Speed. Maritime network speeds quoted at 220MB/s (general network speed quoted at up to 350MB/s). This is fantastic for maritime internet.
Connectivity. I have read Reddit threads galore. The saltiest of yachtsmen are reporting low-latency and consistent connectivity in bad weather, rough seas and high speeds of travel (70+ knts).
Ongoing network expansion. Starlink continues to expand its satellite network at a blistering pace.
Dome not required. You’ll no longer need to cover a spinning dish with an ugly dome. Starlink’s flat antenna needs no protection, and provides a discreet connectivity to the world around you.
Installation Guidance. Just flip on the app, and it will guide you through the plug-and-play installation.
Price & contract. For $250/month you can access 50GB of data from the ocean on a month-to-month contract. By comparison, competition will be in the thousands. Services can be paused at any time and a data overage is paid at $2/GB.
Flush hardtop installation. I’ve seen Starlink receivers integrated flush into a hard top. What a beautiful improvement from the satellite dishes of yesterday. If you install the receiver flush, just don’t impede its antenna’s required range.
Pricing
Starlink offers two products to the maritime industry, Roam and Mobile Priority.
Roam – Unlimited coastal use - $165/month
Roam is intended for inland waterways and marinas. Roam is not permitted for ocean use.
Mobile Priority – up to 50GB for $250/month OR up to 1TB for $1,000/month
Mobile Priority is required for global ocean use, and is segmented into two pricing categories based on data consumption (50GB & 1TB). Mobile Priority requires the more expensive Flat High Performance dish to operate. Inland waterway and marina use is unlimited with Mobile Priority.
Mobile Priority 50GB & 1TB users can opt-in to use data above their monthly threshold at $2/GB. Those who do not opt-in will have their services cut, with only access to their Starlink account permitted. Opting in is a MUST.
In Summary
When I decided to write this blog, I figured I would unearth some “Cons” on Starlink. They were few and far between. The market’s alternate satellite offerings are significantly more expensive (5-15x) and use less impressive, antiquated satellite networks. For those considering Starlink in daily residential applications like home internet, the price is not yet competitive, and you’ll likely stay where you are. But for the maritime world, its as good as it gets.
Whether you’re cruising the intracoastal or crossing the Atlantic, Starlink is the choice.
Looking for more information on Starlink for yachts?
Fill out the form below to get started.
About the Author
Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has structured commercial charter operations, and designed and executed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.
Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
Request a Call | Email Reed
