Internet Setup

Tech Notes – Wed 3/30/25

For those interested in how we maintain connectivity while sailing, here are the details of the setup aboard Hula Girl.

The heart of the system is the Peplink HD1 Dome Pro 5G cellular router. This was designed specifically for sailboats and sits high atop our mast. We have the optional SIM Injector installed to allow easy changes of SIM cards from the cabin as we sail around. We’ve easily had good 5G service from ATT 10 miles offshore. This is what we used the last couple of years as we sailed around coastal Florida. This device will use free WIFI from a nearby shore signal at a marina, then seamlessly transfer to Cellular when the WIFI signal is lost.

Fast forward to late 2024, Starlink released the Starlink Mini. This is a game changer, with unlimited data for $150/month with the Roam Unlimited plan.

• When going more than 12 nautical miles offshore, you must opt in for the roam data at $2/gb. Do this before the 12nm limit!
• Once back within site of land, as long as the country allows Starlink usage (not all do), then you can turn the pay per go option back off for unlimited use.
• This effectively makes any IPhone a “sat phone” as we can make calls over the satellite IP connection.

The Peplink router then connects to the Starlink WiFi signal and uses that to provide internet service to all connected devices onboard. This is setup just like any other WIFI as WAN connection.

All devices aboard alway connect to the Peplink router, so there is no need to adjust settings on each device, regardless of the source of internet; WiFi, Cell or Starlink.

Additionally, a VPN service is required in order to enjoy your US streaming services abroad. We had noticed that new channels used for weather and video services such as Peacock were blocked. Netflix defaulted to Bahamas features for example. By using a VPN, the streaming services think we are in Miami, FL and work as normal.

We use SurfShark VPN aboard Hula Girl. To set this up with a Peplink Router, you must log into your SurfShark account and setup a manual OpenVPN connection. It will generate a user ID and PW for you, then download the UCP file for the location you wish to be seen at. Next, log into the Peplink router, go to Advanced, VPN, OpenVPN, put in the ID/PW and upload the UCP file enabling it for either the 2.4 or 5ghz connection that you are getting Starlink From. You can also do this with a foreign SIM card for a cellular connection. Apply the changes to the router, and like magic, the streaming services think you are in Miami.