If you’re a boatie and you’re not using Starlink yet… well, you might be a little behind the curve. Starlink has already revolutionised onboard connectivity, especially for the average coastal cruiser, by making high-speed internet possible in places traditional mobile coverage can’t reach.
This week we've all be told about the new Starlink news: Starlink has launched a new “Pause/Standby” mode. This feature means you no longer have to cancel your service when you’re not cruising. Instead, you can put it on standby at a fraction of the cost—perfect for seasonal sailors or those whose boats spend part of the year on the other side of the world. Some of people have questioned the purpose and just seeing it as a few extra $$ but...
Here at YachtPilot, we think it’s a brilliant move.
Why Pause Mode Is Perfect for Boaties
For many boat owners, there are months when your vessel sits idle—whether that’s during winter, between cruising seasons, or while you’re travelling elsewhere. Take our YachtPilot Lagoon 46 as an example: right now, she’s in the Mediterranean and in winter while we’re thousands of kilometres away, she's not doing much.
With YachtPilot’s remote monitoring system, we still keep a close eye on her. From checking alarms and weather patterns to making sure marina staff secure the vessel in windy conditions or has an alarm gone off?, it’s all about peace of mind.
Before this update, running Starlink year-round could be expensive if you only used it heavily for a few months. But now? With Pause Mode, you can keep remote monitoring active for as little as €5 a month, instead of paying full service fees.
Starlink + YachtPilot: A Powerful Combination
Some boat monitoring systems rely solely on low-band IoT (4G/5G) networks, which often suffer from delayed or unreliable data delivery—especially when bandwidth is prioritised elsewhere. We’ve tested those systems, and the reality is they’re not always real-time and youre data isn't always sent. Even in peak periods!
At YachtPilot, we use more live data than anyone else on the market. Why? Because we believe monitoring should be instant. Our AI-powered alerts and constant connectivity mean you’ll always know exactly what’s happening onboard, in real time.
Starlink’s Pause Mode delivers up to 500kbps—plenty for constant monitoring without the lag issues of low-band IoT. We’ve been testing it on one of our boats in the US, and the results have been fantastic, not a single data packet drop! That beats every other product on the market, and ensures you've got the peace of mind you know exactly whats going on.
The bottom line: Starlink + YachtPilot Sensor Pro = the most cost-effective, reliable remote boat monitoring solution available today.
How to Get Started
If you want complete peace of mind for your boat, here’s what we recommend:
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Install a YachtPilot Sensor Pro – Our advanced sensor system keeps you informed of alarms, environmental changes, and onboard activity. $399 USD!
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Add a Starlink Mini/dish – Use full-speed service when cruising, then switch to Pause Mode when you’re away.
This combo gives you the flexibility to enjoy high-speed internet when you need it, and affordable, always-on monitoring when you don’t.
📌 More information on Starlink Pause/Standby Mode:
How does pause service work? – Starlink Help Center
⚓ Explore YachtPilot Sensor Pro:
Visit YachtPilot.co
