Here’s a simple fact. Marine satellite systems cost quite a bit more than the ones used at home. Many new customers to DIRECTV and DISH get their equipment and installation for free, and even those who don’t can count on paying under $500 in most cases. On the other hand, a marine satellite TV system can cost well into the four figures. Marine internet systems cost about the same in most cases. And then, you have to get installation. You can’t exactly take the boat to any old satellite dealer, and it’s very rarely free.
So, it’s pretty smart to ask how long this stuff lasts before jumping in, right? Here are the answers you’re looking for.
The good news
The most expensive part of a satellite TV system is the in-motion dish. This is the part that tracks the satellite while your boat is moving. And here’s what you need to know: Most of the satellite equipment ever installed on boats still works. Satellite service for boats started a little more than 15 years ago, and that equipment is still out there. So, if you choose the right equipment from a trusted manufacturer, you can easily count on over a decade of service.
In some cases, technology has changed and there have been upgrades. That’s why you should definitely spring for the best dish available now. If you had bought a dish in 2006, that dish would work today but it would only track one satellite at a time. This might mean slow channel changes or a limited selection of HD channels. On the other hand, today’s dishes can track multiple satellites and switch from DIRECTV or DISH to other international services easily.
The… other news
Chances are, you won’t have to upgrade the marine satellite antenna (the dish.) But, you shouldn’t count on the receivers and other infrastructure lasting that long. Because there are always new things on the horizon, you’ll probably end up changing out the receivers, and doing some rewiring, every decade or so. That’s still not bad news, considering those things are generally a lot less expensive and there are even some upgrade discounts that come around from time to time.
Get the help you need
You’ll get white-glove service when you work with Signal Connect. We handle all the major brands of satellite antennas, and we are also dealers for DIRECTV, DISH, and most satellite internet services. We specialize in treating you the way you deserve to be treated. When you call us, you won’t get a script reader. You’ll get a marine professional. Signal Connect does more satellite activations than anyone else on the planet, and our customers have the highest possible satisfaction ratings for us.
Call us at 888-233-7563 during East Coast business hours. Once we connect you with a specialist, you’ll get their personal contact info so you can call when you need them. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
