2018 R31 CB Starlink Gen 3 Installation

[Nicholas Hunt]

Hi. I looking for any tips on installing on Starlink on our new (to me) boat. I have it temporarily set up to port of the solar panel and was thinking of running the cable in the same conduit as the solar wiring back to the roof of main cabin then drop and run to DC panel in front of main helm station. After staring at it for a few days I'm not sure what the best access points to run the cable....

Thank you!

Nick

 

[Brian John]

I am not following you completely.

Do you want to install the Dish adjacent to the solar panel?

If so the recessed lights can be pulled down and the clamshell for the solar removed.
Fish the cable across the bimini into the main cabin using the recessed lights as access points.
The chase above the refrigerator is where you can get the cable down, remove the fridge and from there you can fish the cable to behind the helm.

In the access behind the fridge BE CAREFUL there are raw sharp edges of fiberglass that will cut you open.

 

[Nicholas Hunt]

I am not following you completely.

Do you want to install the Dish adjacent to the solar panel?

If so the recessed lights can be pulled down and the clamshell for the solar removed.
Fish the cable across the bimini into the main cabin using the recessed lights as access points.
The chase above the refrigerator is where you can get the cable down, remove the fridge and from there you can fish the cable to behind the helm.

In the access behind the fridge BE CAREFUL there are raw sharp edges of fiberglass that will cut you open.

I have the dish in front of the solar panel on the port side. It seems like a good spot. This helps a lot. Thank you!

 

[PuffinH]

I purchased a 2024 Ranger Tug R31 CB and installed a Starlink dish to the starboard side of the solar panel. I ran the wires under the solar panel with zip ties to the port side and entered the roof over the cockpit through a new opening adjacent to where the solar panel wires enter. I then fished the wires forward to above the AC panel. I removed all the carpeted panels off around the AC panel. I took a corehole saw and made an opening so I could fish the wires down to the AC panel. I connected to one of the three breakers that is energized by the inverter and feeds AC outlets. That way, I am able to run Starlink off of the batteries if anchored and don't want to run engine or generator. We usually shut off breaker when we go to sleep to safe on the batteries.

 

[dbsea]

I purchased a 2024 Ranger Tug R31 CB and installed a Starlink dish to the starboard side of the solar panel. I ran the wires under the solar panel with zip ties to the port side and entered the roof over the cockpit through a new opening adjacent to where the solar panel wires enter. I then fished the wires forward to above the AC panel. I removed all the carpeted panels off around the AC panel. I took a corehole saw and made an opening so I could fish the wires down to the AC panel. I connected to one of the three breakers that is energized by the inverter and feeds AC outlets. That way, I am able to run Starlink off of the batteries if anchored and don't want to run engine or generator. We usually shut off breaker when we go to sleep to safe on the batteries.

While I have a Cutwater CB, what I did might help. I used a Gen 3 mount to Gen 2 adapter and repurposed a gen 2 mount I had that attaches to my anchor / running light mast and keeps the SL at the highest possible point on the boat.

 

[PK R31-CB]

I purchased a 2024 Ranger Tug R31 CB and installed a Starlink dish to the starboard side of the solar panel. I ran the wires under the solar panel with zip ties to the port side and entered the roof over the cockpit through a new opening adjacent to where the solar panel wires enter. I then fished the wires forward to above the AC panel. I removed all the carpeted panels off around the AC panel. I took a corehole saw and made an opening so I could fish the wires down to the AC panel. I connected to one of the three breakers that is energized by the inverter and feeds AC outlets. That way, I am able to run Starlink off of the batteries if anchored and don't want to run engine or generator. We usually shut off breaker when we go to sleep to safe on the batteries.

 

[PK R31-CB]

Hello from Maine. Injabe the same boat. What mounting hardware did you use ? Any chance of a picture ? Thank you !!