WIFI

[Golden Echo]

Right after we purchased our boat and started living aboard we bought a wifi system that, at the time, was the “Bee’s Knee’s” of marine systems according to Practical Sailor. This was back in 2008 or 2009, I’m not sure. ANYWAY, I’m looking for the next “Latest & Greatest”. So what can all you cruiser’s recommend. I like to keep costs reasonable, we paid about $450.00 for our last system which included; Router, cable, backstay bracket and modem. I’m not sure those terms are correct but it worked well until recently. Evidently the company didn’t survive Covid and you can no longer get parts and advice is limited. So what do you all use and what do you think is the “Best for the Money”.

[svMarite]

I'm thinking that's no longer the route to take. Seems to me, better off getting a cellular puck hotspot with an cell extender for coastal cruising. For off shore passages there some good options but can expensive if you're doing web searching.

Using unsecured wifi is dangerous now and besides, when is the last time you saw an open channel.
Public open channels are a hackers play ground and everybody in the marina is trying to stream vids so the thru-put goes way down.

Cellular hot-spot are secure.

[ChrisJHC]

I’ve noticed that a lot of the YouTubers have moved from camping out in fast food restaurants to use their free wifi to buying cheap cellular plans.