april 4 2023 · 7 minutes to read

Setting sail on your boat or yacht can be a truly memorable experience. However, you don't have to miss out on your favorite TV shows, sports, and movies while at sea. With marine satellite TV systems, you can stay connected to the world even when you're far from the shore. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about satellite TV for boats, including choosing a provider, selecting the right marine satellite dish, and understanding the installation process.

Table of Contents

• Pros and Cons of Satellite TV Providers
• Choosing a Marine Satellite Dish
• What to Look for in a Marine Satellite Dish
• Satellite Tracking
• Plans and Packages
• Dish Size
• High Definition (HD) Channels
• International Travel Considerations
• Frequently Asked Questions

Pros and Cons of Satellite TV Providers

When it comes to satellite TV providers in the US, you have two main options: DISH and DIRECTV. Each provider has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to consider your preferences before making a decision. Here's a brief comparison of the two providers:

Provider	Pros	Cons
DIRECTV	Better budget packages, larger channel selection	Genie DVR offers fewer features than Hopper 3, top-tier packages more expensive than DISH
DISH	Hopper 3 DVR, great customer satisfaction ratings, 2-year price lock	Fewer overall channels, extra cost for Hopper 3

Choosing a Marine Satellite Dish

When choosing a satellite dish for your boat, it's crucial to consider factors such as compatibility with your preferred satellite TV provider, dish size, and tracking capabilities. Marine satellite dishes differ from those designed for homes or businesses, as they utilize a combination of computers, gyroscopes, and other technologies to ensure accurate aiming.

Dishes come in various sizes, with larger ones capable of receiving signals from multiple satellites simultaneously. The general recommendation is to opt for the largest dish your boat can accommodate, while also considering the boat's weight. Compatibility with your desired satellite TV provider, such as DISH or DIRECTV, is another vital factor.

Moreover, it is possible to have multiple TVs on a boat with a single satellite antenna, provided that each screen has its own satellite set-top box. In summary, selecting the right satellite dish for your boat involves carefully evaluating compatibility, size, and tracking capabilities to ensure the best possible entertainment experience on the water.

Dish Size

The dish size plays a significant role in the signal strength and sensitivity of your satellite TV system. Larger dishes are more sensitive, allowing you to capture stronger signals when you're far from land masses. As you sail farther away from shore, the signal strength weakens, so investing in a larger dish can provide better reception.

Dish	Features	Compatibility	Coverage
18" Diameter Dish	Supports DIRECTV, DISH, and several global providers	Works worldwide
14" Diameter Dish	Supports DIRECTV	Works in North America
24" Diameter Dish	Supports DISH and DIRECTV	Works in North America

What to Look for in a Marine Satellite Dish

When choosing a marine satellite dish, consider the following factors:

Satellite Tracking

• Most satellite dishes are designed for stationary use, which means they won't automatically track satellite movements as your boat moves. You'll need a marine satellite dish with continuous tracking capabilities, which can be more expensive, ranging from $1,500 to $13,000.

Dish Size

• The dish size affects signal strength and sensitivity. Larger dishes can capture stronger signals, which is crucial when you're far from the shore.

High Definition (HD) Channels

• If you want HD channels, ensure that the dish you choose supports HD. This is especially important for DIRECTV subscribers, as many dishes that support both DISH and DIRECTV only offer DIRECTV in standard definition (SD).

International Travel Considerations

• If you plan to sail to other continents, you'll need a dish with a multi-region low noise block (LNB) to decode satellite signals from various areas.

Marine Satellite TV Plans and Packages for Global Coverage

In Canada, Bell TV is a popular option, and their satellite services are compatible with the satellite TV antenna controllers from KVH, Intellian, and Raymarine.

Here is a list of some available plans and packages for your marine satellite TV, along with their respective features:

Plan Name	Monthly Price	Features
Limited	$50.00	HDPVR and HD Receiver for $0, Free basic installation on first two receivers, Shaw BlueCurve TV app access
Extra Small	$74.00	First month free, Free hardware & installation, HDPVR and HD Receiver for $0, Shaw BlueCurve TV app access
Small	$90.00	First month free, Free hardware & installation, HDPVR and HD Receiver for $0, Shaw BlueCurve TV app access
Medium (Best)	$105.00	First month free, Free hardware & installation, HDPVR and HD Receiver for $0,

Shaw BlueCurve TV app access

Check Shaw Direct Basic Package

Plan Name	Monthly Price	Features
Large	$120.00	First month free, Free hardware & installation, HDPVR and HD Receiver for $0, Shaw BlueCurve TV app access
Total TV	$130.00	First month free, Free hardware & installation, HDPVR and HD Receiver for $0, Shaw BlueCurve TV app access

Choose the right marine satellite TV plan or package to keep your guests and crew entertained while on the water. Here are some of the most popular plans and packages available for boaters around the world:

Provider	Plan Options	Coverage	Key Features
Sky UK	Small vessels, yachts, supply vessels, and cruise liners	European	Various plans tailored to suit your needs, including Cinema and Boxing options.
NC+	Various packages	Europe	Large English channel list, similar coverage to Sky Italia.
DirecTV	US DirecTV and Caribbean DirecTV via satellite	US and Caribbean	Choose from a wide range of channels based on your entertainment preferences.

Satellite Tracking

Satellite tracking is an essential feature for marine satellite dishes since boats are constantly moving. Dishes with automatic satellite tracking can lock onto a satellite and follow its movements, ensuring a stable connection even when you're sailing.

High Definition (HD) Channels

HD channels offer superior picture quality compared to standard definition (SD) channels. Before purchasing a marine satellite dish, verify that it supports HD channels for your chosen satellite TV provider, especially if you're a DIRECTV subscriber. Many dishes that support both DISH and DIRECTV may only offer DIRECTV in SD.

International Travel Considerations

If you plan to sail to other continents or regions, ensure that your marine satellite dish is equipped with a multi-region LNB. This component allows the dish to decode satellite signals from different areas, enabling you to access regional international networks. Keep in mind that while sailing abroad, you may not have access to your US-based satellite TV plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

• add_circle_outline Can you get satellite TV on a boat?
  Yes, both DIRECTV and DISH satellite TV services are available on boats. You will need a special marine satellite dish and a compatible set-top box or DVR.
• add_circle_outline What do you need to get DIRECTV on a boat?
  You need a DIRECTV package, a marine satellite dish compatible with DIRECTV, and a set-top box or DVR compatible with DIRECTV.
• add_circle_outline What is the best marine TV antenna?
  The best marine TV antennas are made by Garmin, Intellian, and KVH. Winegard is a popular choice for stationary antennas to use while docked.
• add_circle_outline How much is satellite TV for a boat?
  Satellite TV packages for boats typically cost around $125 per month, while marine satellite TV dishes can range from several thousand dollars up to $13,000, depending on the model.

By following the guidelines in this ultimate guide to satellite TV for boats, you can enjoy your favorite shows, sports, and movies even when you're out at sea.