I need internet on my boat. I'm a tech geek, and also an avid "Work from boat" user. None of the local marinas I've docked at offers that service, so after finding my final resting place, I decided to do some research. I found a great wireless extender that will pick up a wireless signal from up to 3 miles away.. yes, miles. Line of sight is ideal, so I didn't think it would be an issue.
You're probably thinking.. get a personal hotspot, or a MiFi from verizon? Yes, I could do that.. but the internet is only up to 5 GB and I would honestly go through that in a week. The monthly charge alone is $50, plus the purchase of the hotspot itself. I have an iPhone, but I don't like to tether it since I have heavy requirements for the work I do. Otherwise, my phone bill would be through the roof.
What other options are there? Not much. The marina itself doesn't even run commercial internet. They have hotspots that are password protected and will not give the password out to anyone. That's metered internet, they aren't stupid.
I spent $200 on this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/360628450327...84.m1497.l2649
What does it do? Well, pretty simple actually. It searches for internet with the antenna, pulls it in.. and the router (that comes with that kit) then sets up a local hotspot in your boat, similar to a router at your house. It's basically like a using a personal wifi spot to get internet from great distances. But with this, you can connect up to 10 devices (very cool).
After I set everything up.. I did a survey search for what devices I could pick up. The marina I'm docked at is somewhat rural and not much around it.. so I really thought this might be a bust and I was going to send it back for a return.
Boy, I was wrong. I picked up over 40, yes 40.. hotspots. This is just from me laying the antenna outside my window.. not really getting a full 360 view of the landscape. I thought to myself, this is crazy! I decided to then ping my friend. He lives about 2 miles away (on the water) and asked if he had internet, he said yes. He has internet at his dock and his home. During the first survey, I didn't pick it up. When I repositioned the antenna.. BOOM! I was able to find his wireless internet. After he disclosed the password to me, I was able to connect with 86% signal strength! He's at least a 15 minute drive to the marina! That to me, is incredible.
So now.. I have internet, in my boat, password protected, free of charge (minus the purchase of the wireless extender kit).
Next up.. mounting it permanently. This was kinda tricky. I had an old GPS system that was replaced a few years ago by the previous owner, and he just left the old dome there. It was old, rotted, and didn't even have a top on it. After I removed it, I then added a small circular 3/4" hole bracket that would hold the antenna in place. Here's the bracket:
As you can see, it's going to take a little work to get it mounted. I found some pieces from Home Depot, and boom.. it was pretty easy with some help from their reps. After a little plastic paint, here's the final product:
I now have fast internet on my boat without a monthly fee! Now.. this isn't going to work in every case, but if you're in a residential area, I'm sure you can connect to someone's wifi out there. Most wifi spots are unlocked at homes, so you can connect right up to it. If the marina has wifi, but it's far away or the strength isn't good, then this will work very well! Message me on here if you have any questions. Also, the man that sold it to me on eBay is VERY helpful, VERY responsive, and will even support you AFTER you've bought it. Highly recommended, and he's not just some eBay scam guy.
I would also like to share some other nice reasons to have Wifi on your boat at the marina. Security! We're all paranoid about whether someone will board our boat, or something a little less intrusive.. our boat is being jostled around from the wind or weather. I don't exactly live close to my boat, so I bought a webcam and hooked it to the wireless. Now I can simply use my phone to see inside my cabin or outside the boat anytime I want. Seems pointless, but I love being able to see my boat anytime I want without having to drive all the way out there and check on things.
