Don't ignore the can!

These things work, and if you're only swinging to a tidal change while
at anchore, you'll only need to turn it frice (once, twice, thrice,
frice)

I have a Cantenna from this source -
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hughpep/ - He sells the whole setup,
including the wireless PC card with external jack. Then you download
Netstumbler - ( http://www.netstumbler.com ) and use that software to
find the strongest signals.

Easy.

and have used it with good success. It's especially good when anchored
off and looking for an AP to get email/weather, etc...

Works for me.

Mike.