How To Make Starlink Better On Your Boat | Interview

[@jeffreyhutchinsdo]

Nice episode. I’m an Emergency Room doc who is tired of the grind and just bought my first sailboat. I’ve been contemplating ways I could take my skill set along and continue to produce some income from a boat. This helps give me ideas. Perfect timing. Lady K was one of the first channels I found as I was boat shopping and Tim has been a trusted source as I’ve spent hours watching older videos. Practical Sailor did well to bring him on.

[@erichenriksen3482]

I'm in the exact same boat...no pun intended. We need to start a group...!

[@rezmusic666]

Me too! Currently on our sailboat in the Abacos recovering from a career in the ED. @@erichenriksen3482

[@skypickle29]

it's sad how corporate medicine has made physicians into commodities who are paid like plumbers, regulated like prisoners and worked to death. I find it more gratifying doing volunteer work where my honor, morals and judgement guide my practice. I can focus on doing the right thing, for the patient, not the thing that corporate profiteers feel is the right thing for their shareholders. If I could do this with a flotilla of boats of like minded pratitioners, I would be happy.

[@charles.neuman18]

Interviews... great idea. And they don't have to be experts or anything. I like hearing from people out there doing stuff, like this guy. Looking forward to more.

[@SirCharles12357]

Practical Sailor made the right call with you. Great episode. I took notes!

[@practical-sailor]

Thanks!! :)

[@michaelpaolini7753]

Really great direction for Practical Sailor. I read and searched PS for 30 years. Love that you have a less conversational and more to the point approach.

[@AMCarter33]

Now THAT was interesting! Excellent resource for those of us upgrading to Starlink in a quest to have reliable Wifi and internet access anywhere, especially in remote boating areas.

[@TheBeer4me]

Wow all your ups & downs you have come a long way practical sailor made the right choice great work on the video.

[@practical-sailor]

Thank you!

[@sailinghaldis]

Great episode. This is the right direction for practical sailor online. I’m actually in the process of doing a deep dive into this very topic for my own boat, but it’s in Europe. I will be calling this company to see if I can use European Sim cards. Otherwise, there are cheaper mobile routers in Europe, although these probably do not have the fusion capabilities.

[@sailormikeo]

We use Starlink tied to a cellular embedded router (Peplink). The Starlink works well most of the time but slows noticeably in more urban areas. That's where the Peplink steps in. My problem has been finding a suitable cellular data plan. I'd love to see a comparison of what is available from various cell providers as well as a cogent explanation of how to determine our actual data needs. Keep up the great work!

[@svconfianza]

We use about 100-250gb per month on our data plan in a regular month. This includes 2-3 people on regular video calls through speed fusion. The cell plan is mostly used in conjunction with speed fusion unless we are in an urban area with slow starlink speeds. Then we can use much more cell data. The best plan right now is the Verizon plan for 150gb/mo at $60. You might need more than one, as they don't allow you to add on more data. T-Mobile used to have a 100gb plan, but their plans are currently terrible. ATT has a 100gb plan, but it's $90/mo. There are also some questionable plans targeted to RVers for sale through other vendors that are unlimited or nearly unlimited. We have had mixed results with these, and find that they get deprioritized often and have terrible speeds. We also have upgraded our mobile hotspot plans on our phones to have 150gb each. So, in a pinch, we can use the mobile hotspot as WiFi as wan on peplink and feed it into speedfusion.

[@jefflindner3320]

I love your work, Tim. Surprised and pleased to see you joining up with Practical Sailor. What fun! Re this episode, I found the essence of this article to be only _inferred_ in the title and didn't really pick up the inference til most of the way through the video. The essence of the video - at least according to my impression of your guest's comments - is how inadequate Starlink is and why you should find other alternatives. In a sense, this video's answer to the question in its title "how to make starlink better" is simply "get something else". 🙂 We've had Starlink on board our IP 349 for a year here in Saint Petersburg, FL, ("Starlink is totally inadequate in a big city" I think he said), and we have had nothing but a great experience with our Starlink. My experience of this video was that it is really about alternatives to Starlink rather than enhancing Starlink experience. That being said, the quality of your productions is always top-notch. I look forward to seeing more of your work here with Practical Sailor. Best to you!

[@AaronCederberg]

Do more like this. Just find people with interesting approaches to their boats, and talk to them about it. Easy endless content.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

My first visit to Practical Sailor! Let's see where this one goes, then I'll double back. Cheers from GC Australia.⚓

[@remiaubry2412]

I love that type of format. Having a guess live on line live. Nice work.

[@TheJamesthe13]

Those are some good knowledge nuggets very useful. Definitely goes on the new boat build list!

[@tomtemmerman6901]

thank you Tim for this episode , this coming from Belgium. Perfect subject and very helpfull

[@pnwcruiser]

I haven't installed Starlink yet but plan to so these real world insights are much appreciated! Good work Practical Sailor, thank you (I am a subscriber).

[@svDansleau]

Have asked for this on other platforms with no avail but would love to watch an interview with Christian Williams. Very interesting sailing past and great story teller. Derek

[@CalmWatersLiving]

What if any special wiring needs to be done for saltwater living? Great episode. Thanks for this information. Helps generate questions and solutions.

[@practical-sailor]

Heat shrink connectors!

[@svconfianza]

For the Starlink HP dish, we just used the supplied cable and are running it off of our inverter. There is a way to modify to run directly off your boat’s 12v, but it’s a bit involved. It will reduce power consumption to do so, however.

[@geniexmay562]

I would really appreciate a review of the best, most robust furling systems, halyard locks, winches and jammers. Cheers 👍

[@franckbrunie4759]

Power consumption can be an issue on boat, since this Starlink takes about 140W. Since 24/08 there is the Starlink Mini: only 25W with similar performance.

[@XavierPil]

You’re great man! You’re perfect for the job

[@chrissterba501]

I really enjoyed this content and would like to hear more from other's on this subject as well! Please, I am in no way bashing this as again, it was ABSOLUTELY EDUCATIONAL for me!!! I'm worried that in my case, a choppy video of simply staring at what each other are wearing across video isn't all that a setup could require (depending on needs of course). I can only imagine that in paying for Verizon, ATT, and Starlink, that he must be paying a small fortune. But of course living the dream as well:-) Was the choppiness in this particular feed simply due to the auto switch VPN box? I would have to imagine that his best connection in this case would have chosen one of his wireless cards such as Verizon and that the connection could have been better for a simpler, low-bandwidth video feed? Again, so interested and curious. Love this content and for everyone sharing their intel!!! Thank you both!!!

[@svconfianza]

Great catch. I'm going to throw Tim right under the bus on this one. Tim happened to be on Starlink alone at that time, and he had some slowdowns due to some storms, I believe. We actually had to cut a section out from one of the dropouts. I was getting about 200mbps down and 80mbps up at that time. Maybe should have kept in the laugh we had about video dropping while we're doing a shoot about video quality internet on a boat. I think it further entrenches that Starlink alone might not give the reliability required if real time video is always a requirement.

[@petermerrick5644]

Very helpful! would like more on stairlink as it continues to evolve. Planning on getting starlink on the boat this summer in prep for trip south. The other issue with Starlink is the antenna is ac powered? I have been told this uses a lot of battery power via the inverter? I have heard about a hack that lets you cut a hole in the antenna and disable stabilizing motor with minimal degradation on signal speed? Maybe talk about Bob 423, or information on windy and predicted wind or how to use Garmin in reach, new ais/PLB devices designed to go on your life vest. weather subscriptions for coastal and crossings. Ok Tim that should keep you busy for a while! Thanks Tim Great job!😁

[@practical-sailor]

Hahaha thank you!!

[@markpitman2676]

I’d like to see a session on teak decks in the Caribbean or other hotter locations, reviews are mixed, too hot, no heat issues, too much maintenance, or just keep on top of it. So is teak a No in a hot country?

[@EricEversonArtAndDesign]

I’ve been wondering about Starlink for RV and ocean crossings. The last I heard they were cracking down on people using it underway. Does it work offshore while heaving to? Could it be that simple?

[@comesatime123]

Great video Tim. Everyone wants to know about $$$, what lifestyle can they afford. It can be done on a wide range of budgets but most videos do a poor job of showing the sacrifices, like having to use a bucket to shower and not having provisions nearby.

[@SailingHusketeers]

I love this interview Tim, great work. One thing I never seem to see is Healthcare living on a boat. Especially for us Canadians down in the US/Bahamas. What happens if you get sick, do you rely on private healthcare insurance? Also what happens to healthcare access back in Canada, does it expire after a period of time? Thanks

[@douglaswatson9751]

I live in Ontario, am dual citizen, travel in US. Ontario insurance (OHIP) does not cover out of province, let alone out of country. However, travel medical insurance is readily available from various sources. We have a benefit from my wife's job (good for a few days travel) and through our TD Trust VISA can purchase plans for various durations/cost. Cost is reasonable. The plans cover emergency care only (that's why it doesn't cost too much). If you end up in hospital the plan may want you to transfer back to Ontario when stable- that's something that has to be discussed with them in the event. Note that to be eligible for OHIP one must be a resident of the province- i.e. live here > 6 months/year.

[@10lauset]

I wonder what would hardwiring do. Would using a water resistant product like WD-40 or Fluid Fílm at connection points work? Cheers.

[@practical-sailor]

Interesting!

[@angelamorris9441]

Hi dear!!! Great interview! (I’m the co captain 😍)

[@practical-sailor]

👋

[@Docsailor1]

Very nice interview, and the first time I could personally relate to a Practical Sailor interview. I installed Starlink on my 47 CC Passport --to do some telehealth from my boat and work a day or two from "home". (I am not sure precisely my model, but it does look just like the one in the vid here) Starlink always succeeded on a telehealth visit, but a couple of times, the connection and quality could have been better. As a clinical psychologist, you can never tell if a new client will report past or active suicidal ideation, and with Elon's increasing mercurial business policies towards Starlink, I decided to pause Starlink and switch back to the marina hardwired Cox cable. But this (and it is pricey) might be the way to go, as it seems there would be multiple backups for the signal. I wish this question would have been answered: Is it possible to continue a meeting if Starlink goes offline? I did not catch that information if it was referenced.

[@svconfianza]

Yes it is possible. If using speedfusion on peplink, it will handle the drop out in Starlink, so long as you have enough cell signal to handle it.

[@CalmWatersLiving]

Great episode! Great information.

[@evinwhiteson4902]

Starlink is epic. I just did a 3,000 mile off shore and very remote islands. I was at christmas island and the entire island internet was down for weeks. I was the only one with internet the boarder force said. Crazy..p.s starlink does cause radar interferance. It works but its distorted.

[@scottrsplese2421]

would've like to see a schematic

[@pgm944]

It is interesting to me that the most innovative information on Starlink and supporting accessories come from the Baltic nations. A brilliant engineer does a lot of reverse engineering from Kyiv on all the Dishy Revs and the Peplink products are from Vilnius, Lithuania.

[@markreynolds8630]

Just replacing my starlink router with a mofi5500. Whole system is 12v. Draws much less power.

[@michaelhamilton5571]

Great info. Thanks

[@thisoldboat3664]

Yeah have all this! However we have had a few occasions that they don't function. So we also have a Wilson weboost home cell booster with omni directional antenna that has a mifi with a local btc or whatever the Bahamian cell card "admirals thing not mine". Redundancy on a boat. Not just that but it does get used quite a bit, normans cay, wardewick cay, and down the exumas. Not so much in Georgetown. So look at the rv'ers and the boondocking community to build a system. Otherwise its third hand info. Sorry they have been testing for years as you are well aware of tim.

[@waltobringer2928]

Thanks again!

[@dave-wk4t]

Wish there was an American option to the Chinese Peplink.

[@skippercirelli2097]

great vid!

[@Stoic-of-Rome]

High power dish is way to much monthly subscription. Mobile roaming plan on standard dish works perfectly. Deactivated motors and mount horizontal and no drop outs ever, even when under way.

[@hogfishmaximussailing5208]

BTW everyone, in Baja starlink costs half what it costs to buy in the US, and the service is half the price. Just sayin! Get your boat out and let’s meetup in LaPaz. It’s a great time of year to be here.

[@bobbrunelle3124]

OK - now that was very useful - thanks. (now that you are here - could you get 'them' to stop sending out that email entitled: "The "Secret" That's Shaken the Sailing Industry" ?) thanks again.

[@practical-sailor]

Let me take a look

[@OlafFichtner]

If you need improved Starlink performance, learn from the Ukrainians fixing and improving the units against signal loss and interference (jamming). Basically it boils down to a different antenna, because the original seems to be rubbish. Just google a bit...

[@paulw7404]

First world problems!!!! 3-4 users watching video at one time.. on a boat... jeesh. You might as well be in the city. I wish I could do that from my office!

[@roberthandlon1877]

Now dude needs to figure out a microphone that works with the wind.

[@svconfianza]

You are so right. I have a Poly Voyager 5200 headset for calls with wind muff, but I don't like how it degrades voice quality. Of course the wind shifted after I just went with the MacBook microphone. I ordered a lav mic with a wind muff right after we shot this....