Even though setting out on your motor cruiser may be a great way to put your phone down, scroll less and enjoy life away from the internet, Wi-Fi may still be an integral part of your journey. Keeping a strong connection whilst out on the water can often be problematic, especially for those who want to work remotely from the boat or want to keep up to date with the latest weather and tidal information for the area you are cruising in. Decent communication systems are a must, but this may sometimes come at a cost.
Keep reading to see how you can stay connected on your motor cruiser with boat Wi-Fi.
To first connect to the world away from your boat, you will need to have a good signal, this comes from cellular, Wi-Fi or satellite. Often marinas have Wi-Fi hotspots, which can be a great way to connect to the internet, however, you will have to be quite close to it. This provides one of the least expensive options for boat Wi-Fi. Other than that, you will have to have your own Wi-Fi on board to be able to connect your devices at all times.
In today's world, there are many connectivity pieces of equipment. A Wi-Fi bridge is an external antenna, which picks up various signals from hotspots in different locations, even from several miles away. These are simple to install and are a great way to ensure you have an effective connection. Bear in mind that although Wi-Fi bridges may extend the range dramatically, the connection may not be fully effective while the boat is underway.
One popular way to stay connected is through a router. The wireless devices provide access to the internet through a cellular connection. These devices often range in price, however, there is also the option of paying for it as you go so that you only have to pay for it when you're actually using your vessel. This of course relies on a steady signal (3G, 4G or 5G).
If you have a fairly strong signal, then you could use a booster to spread the connection further. However, without a good signal to begin with, the booster will not be sufficient. The booster helps to improve Wi-Fi throughout your vessel by transmitting the signal wirelessly through an antenna towards any device. These boosters can be connected through a wire to a smart hub which then is converted to Wi-Fi. On the other hand, you could use a cellular amplifier with an internal directional antenna, allowing devices to receive Wi-Fi if they are in the direction of the antenna.
We understand the importance of having a strong Wi-Fi connection on your motor cruiser, no matter its usage. It's important to stay connected so loved ones can know where you are, to help you not get lost or so you're easy to find should disaster strike. Wi-Fi is also helpful for your work from home setup, to scroll social media or to simply browse the internet. Knowing that you can get online whenever you need will give you peace of mind whilst out on the water. There are many options to boost connectivity, it's all about finding the right solution for you and your boat.
Don't forget, you'll need a good signal to be able to access all your boats documentation and equipment information using MyBoat.