Internet Options for Remote Work and Entertainment
Embarking on a sailing adventure around America's Great Loop while staying connected to the internet is now a top priority for many, especially remote workers seeking to maintain productivity on the water.
As a remote-working software engineer, I (Alison) have had firsthand experience using Starlink for internet access on our sailboat. Overall, it has been a great solution for my remote work needs. While Starlink provides excellent speeds and low latency, occasional adjustments may be necessary during adverse weather conditions or when the cable becomes loose from the satellite dish. Being mounted on the tower at the back of our sailboat, I've had to tinker with the dishy and cable after windstorms. However, these minor maintenance tasks have been manageable.
Starlink’s “Dishy” comes with an X-shaped stand for normal use on the ground for traveling by RV.
Bandwidth-wise, Starlink has proven reliable even when multiple devices are simultaneously in use. There have been instances where I'm working while my kids engage in voice and video calls with their cousins on their tablets, and the available bandwidth has been more than sufficient.
Nevertheless, there have been occasional issues with audio quality during Zoom calls. While everything appears fine on my end with buffering and smooth performance, people I'm communicating with have reported audio disruptions, indicating brief "outages" lasting around 30-60 seconds. These outages seem to be related to dropped data packets and are not influenced by bandwidth or latency adjustments.
After drilling a hole through the bottom, Chris mounted a fishing rod holder to our tower, next to the solar panels. Then we could feed Dishy’s cable through the bottom, plug it into Dishy, and secure Dishy in the rod holder.
Fortunately, when facing such intermittent audio disruptions on Starlink, I have found that switching to my phone hotspot for Zoom calls resolves the issue. In the future, I plan to set up a Pepwave device to streamline switching between internet options for a more seamless experience.
Having internet access on your boat not only facilitates remote work but also provides opportunities for entertainment during your sailing journey. Streaming movies, TV shows, and music becomes possible with a strong signal, ensuring you can pass the time like at home on land.
Additionally, the internet proves invaluable for planning your route and exploring areas of interest. Online maps and resources can help you locate marinas, find local restaurants, and discover hidden gems along your Great Loop adventure.
Once finished, our Starlink Dishy is mounted next to our solar panels, and the cable is tucked out of the way, feeding into the boat where it connects to the router.
Reliable internet access on your boat opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to work remotely, stay entertained, and plan your adventures while cruising America's Great Loop. Options like Starlink offer fast speeds and low latency, although occasional brief outages may occur. Experiences may differ in other areas, depending on population, usage, and updated plans from Starlink.
Having backup options such as a phone hotspot can ensure uninterrupted connectivity during important tasks like Zoom calls. You can test your connection, optimize your setup, and be prepared with alternative solutions. With the right internet solution, you can stay connected, productive, and entertained while embracing the beauty of the waterways.
