Communications: Elon Musk opts for small yachts; Starlink launches new tariff with a 40-foot limit

Starlink had discontinued its previous ‘Global Roam’ tariff with effect from 17 August 2026 and limited the use of ‘Roam Unlimited’ outside the registered home region to 30 days. For owners who use their boats in other countries for months at a time, this is a significant change. BOOTE had already reported on the consequences for long-distance voyages: Starlink is scrapping Global Roam and restricting Roam Unlimited.

Now, with ‘Personal Maritime’, a special tariff for smaller private boats is set to be introduced. According to the information available so far, it costs 185 US dollars a month, plus any applicable taxes. The plan is said to include unlimited data in territorial waters worldwide. The 30-day rule that normally applies to longer stays abroad is to be waived for this offer.

On the German overview of Starlink service tariffs However, as at 31 August 2026, the ‘Personal Maritime’ tariff was not yet listed as a standard option available for booking. Prospective customers should therefore check the details regarding price, authorisation and Ocean Mode directly with Starlink before signing a contract.

For private boats up to 40 feet only

The supposed relief is very limited. Personal Maritime is intended to apply exclusively to privately owned, non-commercial watercraft up to 40 feet in overall length. This corresponds to around 12 metres. Larger boats are therefore excluded, as is any business or commercial use.

For many motorboat owners, however, the tariff may still be of interest. Anyone who sails a pleasure craft between the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or other coastal areas, and spends extended periods travelling outside Germany, would thus have a global solution for coastal coverage. Owners of larger motor yachts, on the other hand, do not benefit – at least officially. So far, it appears that the new tariff can only be booked via the service centre; however, some forum posts suggest that Starlink has also made the option available to owners of boats over 40 feet in length.

Can be used near coastlines worldwide

The key distinction is between territorial waters and the high seas. Starlink generally describes the use of travel tariffs on boats as applying to inland waterways and territorial waters. For international waters, the company refers to maritime tariffs. (starlink.com)

Under the ‘Personal Maritime’ tariff, unlimited data would apply up to twelve nautical miles off the coast. For typical use in port, at a berth, at anchor or on coastal voyages, this tariff would therefore generally be suitable. Even for longer journeys through several countries, there would be no obligation to return to the registered home region.

The existing BOOTE guide remains an important resource for technical planning on board: Satellite internet with Starlink: hardware and costs. Among other things, it covers antenna installation, power supply and operation via 12- or 24-volt vehicle electrical systems.

Costs are rising on the high seas

As soon as a boat travels more than twelve nautical miles off the coast, Ocean Mode is required. According to the terms and conditions disclosed so far, a charge of six US dollars per gigabyte will apply from 27 September. Previously, a rate of two US dollars per gigabyte had been quoted.

For weather data, emails or a small GRIB download, the costs remain manageable. However, it becomes significantly more expensive when it comes to software updates, cloud backups, video calls, photo uploads or streaming. Anyone who activates Ocean Mode should therefore keep a close eye on their data usage and, where possible, disable automatic updates and photo synchronisation beforehand.

Who might find this tariff suitable

Personal Maritime would be of particular interest to owners of smaller motorboats who spend months sailing in various coastal waters but rarely venture far beyond the 12-nautical-mile zone. The base price would be significantly lower than the Global Priority rates currently listed publicly.

For voyages on the high seas, however, or longer legs of a journey far from land, Starlink remains expensive or of limited use. Even with satellite internet, the system is no substitute for safety communications. VHF radio, and where necessary a satellite messenger or satellite phone, remain important backup options. The BOOTE article provides an overview Iridium, Starlink and Inmarsat: satellite communications on board.

The guide sets out further alternatives for travelling along the coast Wi-Fi, 5G or LTE: How the internet works on board.

How do you rate the new ‘Personal-Maritime’ tariff: is it a sensible solution for smaller motorboats on long voyages, or does it impose too many restrictions in practice?