Adding Starlink Internet

[Gypsy]

Just finished installing Starlink internet (permanent installation) on my boat. So far, it is working very well. Here is what I did:
1) Bought the Starlink Roam Dishy.
2) Cut the unit apart, which voids your warranty. That is the tricky part. You have to cut all around the perimeter of the dish, 3/4" above the face of the unit. You have to be very careful not to cut into the circuit board which is 1/4" below the cut you are making. You save the piece with the circuit board and throw away the rest of the unit which includes the control motors, and mounting pole.
3) Buy a new case for the circuit board assembly. You get the case from Star-Mount. The case measures about 13" x 22" x 1" thick. Star-Mount provides detailed instructions on how to do everything.
4) Mount the new unit on top of the boat (flat). Run the connecting wire down into the boat and plug into the modem. Snaking the wire so as not to be seen is the hard part. You have to dismantle several panels. I routed mine down into the cave.
5) I also installed a push button power switch so I can turn the unit on and off easily.
Starlink allows you to turn their service on and of on a monthly basis. So during the boating season you turn it on and in the off season turn it off.
star-mountsystems.com shows detailed instructions. You tube also has several videos.
The total system isn't cheep (just under $1000) but if you want good internet, give it some thought.

 

[JonR]

I've had Starlink at my cabin for multiple years (I have the original round dish) and love it. It's made a huge difference in the experience - a game changer. After telling my friend about it, he chose to install one on his boat (46 ft Bayliner) and says it works wonderfully in non crowded areas like the Puget Sound, San Juans, Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. However, as it has become more popular, he has complained about the quality of reception in areas like Seattle where the network is busy. He indicated that, as a boater, their 'priority (?)' is lower in an urban setting than fixed land based Starlink systems. Also says the price has recently gone up quite a bit for the mobile boater/RV systems. The marine plan price has gone from $150 to $250 per month and you're limited to 50 gb (per month) with a $2.00/gb charge when you go above that. On the positive side, I don't think you pay when the system is off.

From what he says he also modified it significantly. I'm curious as to why it needs all of the modification?

I am interested in your and other members thoughts on all of this.

Jon R

 

[Gypsy]

Jon,
I do not have the $250 mobile boater plan. I have the $150 plan. My understanding is that the boater plan allows you to use the internet while underway, at a much high cost. I will be starting the Great Loop soon and need internet service when I stop for the day, either at anchor or at a marina with poor internet.

As to why modify the unit, look on line at the size of the Roam Starlink. It is designed for RV people, not boat people. The unit is usually set up each night on a metal tripod on the ground outside the RV. The unit itself is, in my opinion, too large to permanently mount on a boat. You could, of course, set it up each night and disassemble it each morning, stow for the day and repeat the process the next night. A lot of people do this. But, Ranger Tugs and Cutwaters are tight on stowage. Buy modifying the unit, you reduce the size to 13" x 22" that is only 1" thick. That size mounts nicely right next to your solar panel.

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

Starlink recently changed all of their data plans. Several boaters posting about it.

One case: https://youtu.be/3YK5tzNBMsk


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