| Mini | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | ~11 × 10 in (printer paper) | ~23 × 15 in (laptop ×2) |
| Power draw | 20–40W, DC native (12–48V) | 75–100W, AC (needs inverter) |
| Idle | ~15W | ~20W + inverter loss |
| Typical speed | ~100 Mbps down | ~160–300 Mbps down |
| Router | Built-in (Wi-Fi 5) | Separate Gen 3 (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Weather rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Mounting | Radar arch, stern rail, bimini | Needs real estate + rigid mount |
Why power decides it
A Mini running 24 hours uses roughly what a small LED fridge uses — most cruising sailboats with 200Ah of lithium and a couple hundred watts of solar handle it without thinking. A Standard at 75–100W plus 15–20W of inverter loss means running the engine or generator more often just to feed the internet. That's the trade nobody puts in the brochure.
When the Standard wins
Bigger powerboats with generators or big alternators, permanent installs where the dish never moves, and anyone who needs maximum throughput — video production, multiple remote workers, a floating office. If power is plentiful, take the speed.
The rule of thumb
- Under 30 ft / sailboat: Mini. Compact, sips power, mounts anywhere.
- 30–60 ft coastal cruiser: Standard, if your power budget allows.
- Large yacht / commercial: Flat High Performance — built for boats, priced like it.
The installer's notes
Whichever dish: replace the kit's mounting screws with 316 stainless — the included hardware isn't marine grade, and I say that as someone who's watched mild steel lose to salt air on coastal towers. On a boat it's worse. Keep the dish clear of the mast and boom (obstructions kill performance faster than anything), rinse salt spray with freshwater periodically, and never use an actuated dish on a boat — the motors fail and the warranty goes with them.
Not sure which fits your boat? That's literally the consultation. Ask →