Internet Access While Sailing? (Revisited) 308
El Genio Malvado writes "10 years ago the question was asked, What is the best way to get Internet while at sea? After reading the responses — and after a decade of technological advancement — is there a better, more reliable method? For someone with the ability to telecommute 100% of the time, then the idea of sailing around the world with a paycheck direct deposited must be getting more and more tempting. What does the community at large have for modern resources for constant streaming internet at sea?"
Geez, call me old fashioned (Score:5, Insightful)
But I remember when a Loran-C [wikipedia.org] was high tech. Now people want to stream video from the middle of the Atlantic... Hey, back in the old day we didn't need porn we just brought women with us. Owning a sailboat and cruising the Caribbean went a long way towards getting those panties off!
But seriously, always have a good old almanac and sextant as a backup. Because if your generator gets fucked, you and your high tech toys are fucked. They never turn off the sun and stars, however ('cept in a storm of course - Murphy's law would have your generator fail in the middle of the hurricane anyway).
Personally I go sailing to get AWAY from the rest of the world, not to stay connected to it.
Re:Not just internet (Score:5, Insightful)
"Food, drinks, health and hygiene stuff, what about getting sex "
Buy them in port like everyone else.
Re:Geez, call me old fashioned (Score:5, Insightful)
Never underestimate technology that works when completely unpowered and soaked with saltwater.
Re:BGAN (Score:4, Insightful)
If the middle of the ocean doesnt count as roaming what does?
Re:Geez, call me old fashioned (Score:5, Insightful)
Don't just *have* the sextant. Make it a habit to take a daily noon sighting and record your distance logger.
Always assume the GPS is wrong until verified by hand.
Re:Geez, call me old fashioned (Score:3, Insightful)
Most boats use the engine as the generator. you fire up the diesel and let it charge the batteries. Very rarely do you have a dedicated generator on the boat. And you want diesel not gasoline...