Conclusion – the best Wi-Fi antenna

For those who are looking to keep things simple by using local Wi-Fi hotspots within a kilometre range of the boat and are using a PC or laptop with a USB port for onboard communications, then a simple boosted antenna with USB cable should do the trick – provided it is mounted high enough to get above some of the localised metallic clutter such as the rigging on nearby boats, and to avoid the possible loss or reduction in signal strength when the tide goes out and your antenna drops behind a harbour wall. Do note, though, that the signal can’t then be shared over other wireless devices such as phones and tablets. For that you will need a Wi-Fi repeater or router (see p70).

All the marinised omni-directional antennae on test (WL70, WL510 and Wi-Fi Bat), demonstrated a marked improvement over the signal received using the laptop’s own internal Wi-Fi card and connection software. Surprisingly, the cheap Kuma also worked fantastically well when pointed towards the source. Find a way of keeping it dry and for £40-odd you get a very handy booster that should make the best out of any dodgy marina Wi-Fi.