Starlink changed boating connectivity more than any technology since GPS. Real internet at anchor, underway, and well offshore — for a fraction of what marine satellite used to cost. But boats add three complications a house doesn’t have: motion, power, and salt. Here’s how to set it up properly in Canadian waters.
A Residential plan is tied to a fixed address and is not the right choice for a boat that moves. You want a Roam plan, and if you’ll be underway rather than just at anchor, you need one that permits in-motion use. Confirm the current terms before ordering — Starlink’s mobile policies change regularly.
Which dish for a boat
| Dish | Power draw | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 20-40 W | Most recreational boats. Small, light, easy to stow, easiest on batteries. |
| Standard | 75-100 W | Larger vessels with generator or big battery bank |
| V5 | 35-50 W | Newer, lighter, far better wind rating — good fit where available |
| High Performance / marine tiers | Higher | Commercial vessels, offshore, in-motion at speed |
For most Canadian pleasure boats, the Mini is the practical answer — the power budget is what usually decides it. A Mini with a built-in battery is also coming →
Power is the real constraint
On a boat you’re working from a battery bank, not shore power. The math matters:
- Mini at 30 W average ≈ 2.5 A at 12 V ≈ 60 Ah per day if run continuously
- Standard at 85 W ≈ 7 A at 12 V ≈ 170 Ah per day — a serious load for most cruising banks
Practical approaches used by cruisers:
- Run it on demand, not 24/7 — power up for a weather download or a call, then shut down
- Wire 12V direct rather than through an inverter, avoiding conversion losses. See the 12V guide →
- Add solar if you anchor out for days at a time
Mounting on a moving platform
- Height helps, but rigging hurts. Mast and radar arch mounts get clear sky, but shrouds and antennas can create small persistent obstructions. Run the sky scan from the actual mount position.
- Secure it for real sea state. A dish that works fine at anchor becomes a projectile in a beam sea. Through-bolted mounts, not clamps.
- Plan the cable run. Deck penetrations need proper glands — this is the step people improvise and regret.
- Rinse it. Salt accumulation on the panel and hardware is the main long-term wear factor.
Canadian cruising grounds
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| BC coast, Inside Passage | Excellent fit — cell coverage disappears in the passes and inlets long before the anchorages do |
| Great Lakes | Strong coverage; useful well offshore where shore-based signal drops |
| Maritimes, Gulf of St. Lawrence | Good for coastal cruising and island hopping |
| Offshore and international | Requires a plan tier that covers ocean and foreign waters — verify before departing |
Canada and the United States count as a single region for Roam plans, so cruising south doesn’t trigger international limits. Travel beyond that region does. See the roaming rules →
One important caution
Starlink is a tremendous convenience tool — weather routing, charts, forecasts, staying in touch. It is not a substitute for proper marine safety equipment. It needs power and a clear sky, and it is not a distress system. VHF, EPIRB and a satellite communicator remain your safety gear.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work while underway?
In-motion use requires a plan and hardware combination that supports it. Check the current terms — mobile policies have changed several times.
Will it work at anchor in a narrow inlet?
Usually yes, though steep walls close overhead can restrict the sky view. BC’s deeper inlets are the case to test.
Can I pause it over winter haul-out?
Yes. Standby Mode keeps your account for a small monthly fee. See how →
Is the Mini strong enough offshore?
For coastal cruising, generally yes. For serious offshore passages, look at the higher-performance marine options.
Getting connected aboard
Check availability and plan options, and get your first month free through our official referral link.
Marine and in-motion plan terms change regularly; always confirm current conditions with Starlink before purchase. Last updated: August 2026.
*1 free month of Starlink service (equal to your plan) automatically credited 30 days after activation of your service, when you order through our official referral link RC-DF-7650727-61403-46. Official SpaceX program. No extra cost to you: same price as starlink.com. FastSat.ca receives a referral reward ($140 in cash or credit) for each referral, which funds the site.