On our first cruise we used a Hawkins wi-fi antenna. It was a plastic radar dish,
@4", shaped antenna that was really was meant to sit on a desk. It looked like a
toy. You would set it on the dodger and being directional it was ok if the boat
didn't move and it was good to maybe a mile. it was the the most popular at the
time.
We're getting read for our next cruise. Wow, have things changed in a short time
After a little research we decided on The Wirie AP. We just got it installed and
what an improvement. It was real simple to get it running and exceeded our
expectation's. The following are the major points that influenced our choice. It's
now as fast on the boat as it is at home.
1. Designed by and for actual cruisers
2. No Cables to install. It makes the boat a hot spot allowing multiple devices
to be used. It's a wi-fi router.
3. Truly waterproof.(IP67)
4. NO SOFTWARE - I've heard a lot of complaints about the software on other
brands.
5. Omnidirectional, most brands are.
6. Five mile range.