Client Bridge connect question

Hello, I live on a sailboat and want to receive wifi at max range. I am not a network guy but am a software developer. I ended up getting a Engenius EOC-3610S-EXT AP/Router (outdoor sealed router) and an 9dBi omni (since the boat moves at anchor can't go directional) antenna. This setup usually works great but as I move from hotspot to hotspot I need to manually configure the SSID. The problem that I am running into is that some hotpsots, usually the larger organizations, I am able to connect with the bridge but the conputer never receives a ip address. In order to reach the bridge to configure it I have a fixed ip address setup in it. When I use a small USB wifi adapter I can connect fine (though not as strong of a signal). Any thoughts on if what I am trying to do is possible?