Real numbers
| Mini | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Running | 20–40W | 75–100W |
| Idle | ~15W | ~20W |
| Input | 12–48V DC native | 120V AC (inverter) |
| Hidden tax | None | +15–20W inverter loss |
| 24h energy | ~0.5–1.0 kWh | ~2.2–2.9 kWh |
What this means for your battery bank
A Mini running all day is roughly a small fridge — a 200Ah lithium bank with 200–300W of solar carries it without drama. A Standard is a different animal: ~2.5 kWh a day means either a big bank, regular engine runs, or a generator schedule built around the internet. Most sailors choose the Mini the moment they see this table.
Wiring it right
- Mini: wire DC-direct to the house bank — fused, correct gauge, no inverter in the path. Fewer conversions, fewer losses, fewer failures.
- Standard: needs clean AC. A pure-sine inverter, sized with headroom, on its own circuit — not sharing with the microwave.
- Both: dielectric grease on every connector, drip loops on cable entries, and a breaker you can reach without a headlamp.
The battery question behind the question
Half the "which dish" conversations turn into battery conversations — and that's our other lane. If your bank can't carry the internet you want, we size the power system too: battery systems →
Want the whole thing surveyed — power, mount, and plan? Book the vessel assessment →