info@seatronx.com

PO Box 1713 Hobe Sound, FL 33475

1-800-607-1460

Search

Why Do I Need An Internet Connection On My Boat Or Yacht

Many boaters and fishing enthusiasts would relish the idea of a disconnected ocean adventure, fishing trip, or vacation to get away from the constant emails, phone calls, and distractions of technology. Although this sounds enticing, sometimes the reality is that we need technology to stay connected. Just like in our homes or offices, where we have routers installed to establish a better internet connection, we also need reliable internet on our boat to communicate with the world around us. Safety is just one of the main reasons communication is critical at sea; the ability to access navigational information and other data can help make your fishing experience more enjoyable. There are endless, less serious benefits to working remotely from a boat; the view and flexibility are just two!

Fish anglers, tournament fishers, and weekend enthusiasts love sharing videos of their catch and adventures. They often use phone apps that need a strong Wi-Fi connection to allow them to edit and upload footage on social sites or send messages to family and friends. The internet has become a massive part of our lives, and the ability to have a connection wherever we go can allow us the freedom to study, work, and play from any location we desire. This is especially true after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused workers to move from in-person work to hybrid or even fully-remote work locations. This change gives people the freedom to choose where they will be working for the day, and many are choosing their boats as their office space.

How does the internet work at sea?

To access the internet at sea, you will need a connection to Wi-Fi. Existing equipment can be installed on your vessel for seamless connectivity. Just like your car, boats and yachts do not come with a router system for internet connection. If you would like to stay connected, you can consider a few options. Each option has a different level of connectivity and reach.

What are the connection options for your boat or yacht?

There are various solutions for boaters and yachters to stay connected while at sea. The connection you choose depends on how far out from shore you need to be. Marine internet options include:

  • Land Wi-Fi: Land Wi-Fi is ideal for those that decide to stay on the docks or marinas. This is an option you can use when you visit other marinas and do not plan to go out to sea. Although land/marina Wi-Fi is free, it isn’t always the most reliable and often requires a booster system to get a seamless connection. There are some downsides to consider when opting to use these public networks:
    • Unreliable connection: a critical aspect to consider, especially if you need the internet for business communications, meetings, or work.
    • There are security risks when using public WI-FI: Your public information, like passwords, pictures, and financial data, maybe compromised when using public Wi-Fi connections.
    • Inability to travel due to reliance on marina Wi-Fi: You need to stay in the marina to stay connected. If you plan on moving your vessel, other systems must be put into place to stay connected to the internet.
  • Cellular data: Boat and yacht owners can use their cellular data to connect to the internet. If you’re considering using your phone’s cellular data while out at sea, there are a few things you need to be aware of:
    • Weak signal: although you may consider a mobile hotspot an easy and portable option, it is not the most reliable. An Internet connection from mobile hotspots can become unreliable when you are 8-10 miles out to sea.
    • If you intend to leave US waters, you should think about changing your SIM card. It’s also important to remember the additional costs or higher data usage.
  • Marine router systems: When traveling on your boat, you need a robust internet and cellular connection network that gives you the ability to make phone calls, send texts, work on your laptop, use phone apps, get up-to-date weather reports, and access any other data you might need while on your trip.
    • Router size: Depending on your boat, size may be essential when purchasing a router. Some systems provide all of the benefits in a more compact size to fit small and large vessels alike. Most boat owners are looking for a compact device that will allow them to establish solid connectivity to the world.
    • Equipment durability: These router systems are built to withstand the harsh marine environment.

What do I need to consider before buying a Wi-Fi router for my boat?

If you’re looking to purchase a reliable system that allows you to stay connected with the world around you while miles out at sea, a marine router system may be what you’re looking for. Here are a few things to consider before buying a router.

  • How long will you be out at sea? Do you need to keep in contact with others, for example, family and friends?
  • Will you need to access Wi-Fi access any apps while out at sea?
  • How far from shore are you planning on sailing?

Often, boaters will have applications and other systems that require a reliable Wi-Fi system. Many fish anglers and weekend enthusiasts enjoy sharing their adventures at sea on social media or with other fishermen. If you have video recording systems like the Surfvision HD+ that allow you to easily edit footage right from your phone using their built-in app, having your established network will give you the freedom to share your experience and have fun during your fishing trip.

Work or play securely from anywhere using the Seatronx SEA-750L router

Whether you’re looking to work or play at sea, establishing a safe internet connection will allow you to have a more enjoyable trip no matter where you decide to sail.

The new Seatronx 750L router, released earlier this year, is a small and compact device that can accommodate all boats, big and small. Anyone with a boat and a need to communicate will enjoy this powerful compact device for traveling out to sea. Once only used for live-in boats, Routers are now in high demand by yachters and fishing enthusiasts alike. They are looking for the ability to quickly and reliably stay connected with the world around them.

The SEA-750L is a 3G/4G dual-band wireless router widely used for smart mobile and IoT deployments. This device has a built-in interchangeable mini PCIe cellular 3G/4G data module to support different operators and can be used worldwide. The new SEA-750L has a 2.4 and 5 GHz Wireless Hotspot that can be configured to be operated simultaneously as a Wi-Fi Bridge to connect your device to a local wireless network. Equipped with 1 WAN port and 1 LAN port, the SEA-750L can provide a hard-connected internet source and the built-in cellular internet option to a local network. This capability allows the SEA-750L to provide internet redundancy in areas with spotty local providers.

The SEA-750L Main Features:

  • 4G LTE Module
  • 12 GB External Storage
  • Dual-Band Wi-Fi
  • VPN Client/Server – 30+ VPN service providers for your selection
  • Bluetooth (Optional)
  • Zigbee (Optional)

 

The SEA-750L marine router has its own powerful built-in firewall system, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and customized DNS servers giving you the ability to level up your online security. This marine router also has brand-new Web UI 3.0, allowing you to set up your VPN server easily and access your files securely via a remote site as if you are at home. This system gives you the peace of mind that your private information is safe and accessible only to you.

Suppose you’re working remotely from your boat or yacht. In that case, the SEA-750L creates a secure network for devices that process sensitive information such as ATMs, Point-of-Sales (POS), and more, encrypting the 4G LTE or Wi-Fi traffic via a VPN tunnel for secure access to the internet or remote services.

 

Marine Router Specifications

Marine Router Interface 1 x WAN Ethernet port 1 x LAN Ethernet port 5 x LEDs 1 x USB 2.0 port 1 x Micro-SIM card slot 1 x MicroSD card slot
Marine Router Memory and Storage Capability DDR2 128MB / FLASH 16MB
3G/4G Mini PCIe Module Support CAT4/CAT6 Mini PCIe
Marine Router Power Consumption Less than 6W
Marine Router Dimension and Weight 115 x 74 x 22mm / 86g
Marine Router Working Temperatures -20~40°C (-4~104°F)
Wi-Fi Speed 2.4GHz(300Mbps), 5GHz(433Mbps)
MicroSD Card Slot Up to 128GB

Table of Contents