Talk to electronics vendors at most any boat show and you’ll hear comments about boaters wanting every convenience they enjoy at home or the office—in particular communications and entertainment. Accessing a reliable internet connection from anywhere has been the Holy Grail for years for anyone who has youngsters aboard. Manufacturers are constantly upping their game to give boaters the features and functions they want. Below, we break that down into three categories: satellite TV and VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) for larger distant-water cruisers and internet/phone/data systems for smaller boats.
The list is part of an exercise we do every year at Marine Electronics Journal. We call it the Best & Brightest Boating Electronics. We ask manufacturers to name the one model in a particular category of boating electronics—20 in all—that they consider to be their best. It’s not necessarily the most technically advanced or newest or the one with the most whistles and buzzers, but rather the model they rate highest in that category for one reason or another. Could be the functions and features it offers, or maybe it breaks new ground in maximizing effectiveness or utility, or maybe it’s the most popular as measured by sales to boaters. In some cases it has proved itself over the years as the go-to device.
This week we tell you about seven innovative communications devices and systems that will keep you in touch.
Eight years ago, Aigean Networks introduced the industry’s first high-power, dual-band Wi-Fi bridge. For 2024, they’ve upped the ante with the first 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) unit. The LD-AX is the most capable addition to the Aigean Wi-Fi line. Self-contained in a small 7-inch fiberglass dome, it equips any size or type of vessel with top-quality ship-to-shore Wi-Fi capability. The low-profile and weatherproof dome is secured to a hard-anodized aluminum base that screws onto a standard 1-inch-14 antenna mount. The LD-AX is capable of up to 1Gbps throughput—power over ethernet provides both power to the device and data to your network, making installation a snap. Running the latest AigeanOS, configuration and operation is easy.
Ultra-fast 5G connectivity with 4 x 4 MIMO operation supporting speeds up to 3.1GB. Supplied with three external antennas for connectivity up to 25 nautical miles from shore. Integrated ultra-fast router for optional Starlink satellite connectivity provides top-quality and affordable blended internet afloat.
KVH CommBox Edge (multiple communications)
CommBox Edge offers network and bandwidth management, delivering seamless integration and control for every communication channel found aboard your vessel, including 5G/LTE, VSAT, Starlink, Wi-Fi, ethernet and more. Enjoy premium control over your connectivity with granular data and application rules, create versatile hybrid communication systems, and boost your performance with easily managed advanced network bonding, all driven by secure, mobile-friendly cloud applications and the compact belowdeck hubs. The user-friendly feature suite offers an intuitive interface for real-time analysis and data metering. CommBox Edge allows you to simplify your connections, increase your data speeds, expand your connectivity options, and enhance your overall communications.
KVH TracVision UHD7 (satellite TV)
TracVision systems enable everyone onboard to enjoy hundreds of digital HD TV, movie, and music channels via regional satellite services around the globe. The high-performance 60cm (24 inch) TracVision UHD7 antenna features advanced stabilization tracking for exceptional reception, even at high speeds and in the roughest seas. It delivers the ultra-high definition of 4K for DIRECTV and support for DISH Network and Bell TV, with a flawless at-home viewing experience that includes local channels and DVR support. KVH’s exclusive TracVision app lets you check signal strength, switch satellites and more, right from your phone. You’ll also have access to KVH’s in-house DIRECTV support team for account creation, activation, and troubleshooting. Enjoy affordable TV entertainment and save your Internet data for other activities.
The compact TracNet H60 hybrid connectivity solution provides reliable connectivity with the KVH ONE hybrid network, with 294 million sq km (113+ million sq miles) of coverage, powered by Intelsat, and cellular support in 150+ countries as far as 32+ km (20+ miles) offshore. The TracNet H60 includes integrated VSAT, 5G/LTE/cellular, and Wi-Fi technology with intelligent, automatic network switching, keeping you always connected to the best communication options at all times. The rugged, commercial-grade system has a diameter of 60cm (23.6 inches) and a weight of 24.3kg (53.6 pounds). Ideal for boats 60+ feet (18+ meters), it is an excellent companion to a Starlink or OneWeb antenna, creating a multi-channel, multi-orbit solution that provides fast, reliable connectivity across the globe.
SuperHALO Wireless Booster is a marine-grade 5G, 4G and 3G voice and data cellular reception solution that is compatible with most cellular devices, mobile hotspots and services (providers in the US and Canada). It is optimized to boost cellular reception for your boat, car, recreational vehicle, home, or anywhere else, with support for seven+ users simultaneously and an indoor antenna to direct the signal where you need it. Five-band amplifier. Works with all AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon 5G, 4G and 3G bands in the US and also major Canadian networks. High-quality marine grade materials and design extends the lifespan of the antenna. FCC certified. Automatic gain control and shutdown does not allow interference with the cell towers.
Wave WiFi specializes in hardware solutions that integrate well to keep boats online farther offshore and provide the fastest possible connections. Wave WiFi’s newest Freedom DB 5G compact dome has both a dual-band MU-MIMO 2.4Ghz + 5Ghz Wi-Fi transceiver for fast and free marina connections along with a Universal 5G/4G LTE-A SIM slot for Wave’s Global Multi-Carrier SIMS. The compact 11 x 11-inch dome uses standard 1-inch-14 marine mounts (not included) and a single 12vdc PoE Cat5 cable for easy installation and placement in existing dummy domes. Many customizable features are accessible on any wireless device through Wave WiFi’s proprietary browser-based GUI (Graphic User Interface). Dome pairs well with all Wave WiFi onboard wireless routers and access points for a fully integrated onboard multi-source network.