Starlink on a boat
By Roaming Dish Editors. Updated October 23, 2026. How we work these numbers out
On a boat the plan rules matter as much as the power. Roam covers coastal and inland waters. Beyond 12 nautical miles you need Roam Unlimited with Ocean Mode. Without it, territorial-water use is capped at five consecutive days and 60 days a year. While enabled, Ocean Mode bills every GB, including on land, until switched off.
2,560 Wh × 90% usable × 92% for 12 V DC ÷ 28 W = about 76 hours of browsing and music. The dish's draw is from its spec sheet. The two percentages are our estimates.
How long it runs
| Setup | Hours per full charge |
|---|---|
| Mini, 200 Ah lithium bank, 12 V feed Mini at 28 W (browsing and music), 12 V DC | 76 h |
| Mini, 100 Ah lithium bank, 12 V feed Mini at 28 W (browsing and music), 12 V DC | 38 h |
| Standard, 200 Ah lithium bank, inverter Standard at 88 W (browsing and music), AC outlet | 20 h |
Usable capacity taken as 90% of the rating. Connection losses are our estimates. Try your own battery.
Where Roam works
Roam plans include inland waterways and marinas, and the Roam page describes coastal and inland coverage. Roam Unlimited users can opt in to Ocean Mode, a paid add-on, for coverage beyond 12 nautical miles and to lift the five-consecutive-day/60-days-per-year territorial-water limits. Per-GB billing applies to all usage while Ocean Mode stays on, even back on land or into another billing cycle. Check the account rate and turn it off when finished. Starlink Ocean Mode rules
For frequent or long ocean passages, Starlink points boaters to its separate Maritime service. This guide covers Roam on smaller boats.
Power on board
A Mini running from the house bank through a fused 12 V feed is the most efficient setup on a sailboat. The Standard’s included equipment uses AC, but Starlink offers an optional 12–48 V DC supply. Match the supply, cabling and protection to its specification. Standard optional DC supply
On a powerboat with engines running, the draw is easy to cover. On a sailboat at anchor, the dish competes with the fridge, the anchor light and the instruments, which is where the table helps. Turning the dish off overnight at anchor is the simplest saving on board.
Mounting and the weather
Starlink's Mini mobility mount is listed for wood, fiberglass, metal and plastic surfaces and sets the dish at 9 degrees. Mini accessories guide
The Mini is IP67 only with the DC power cable and Starlink plug fitted. On deck, use the sealed connections, not an Ethernet cable in the port. Mini spec sheet
Paying for the season only
Roam billing runs in one-month steps and Standby Mode pauses service between seasons for a small monthly fee. A boat used from spring to autumn need not pay full price through the winter. Starlink Roam page
Before the first passage of the season, power the dish at the dock and confirm it connects, so you are not troubleshooting at sea with the battery running down.