Keep Your Phone Safe And Charged On Your Boat: Install A Wireless Phone Charger

Of all the boat improvement projects I've done, installing a Scanstrut Rokk Edge 10 has turned out to be one of the most useful additions ever. When I step onto the boat and insert my phone into the friction grip, from that moment on I know I won't misplace it, that it's safe, and that it will be charged up all day long. Even after trying it with phones belonging to five family members and friends, I've yet to come across a brand or phone that it didn't charge, nor a type of phone case (except metallic) that it didn't charge through. If you have any question, it wouldn't hurt to check your phone (or case) for compatibility.

Scanstruts are designed specifically for the marine environment. They earn an IPX6 waterproof rating. This means, among other things, they can resist high pressure, heavy sprays of water.

They are 12/24-V compatible, and have Qi-certified wireless charging, a standard that means it's compatible with any device with the same rating. On top of that, the Rokk Edge 10 is easy to install no matter what sort of boat you own. Here's how to do it.

1. Locate a convenient area on the helm with a flat surface large enough for the 2.16-inch surface mount. Remember that with a phone gripped in its extending jaws (4.7 to 6.8 inches) the phone and holder may obscure the view of flush-mounted items in the dash, such as gauges. So place your phone in the mount as you hold it in different positions to try them out. If you want to be able to rotate the phone from vertical to horizontal orientation while mounted, note that you'll need the same amount of horizontal clearance. Make sure it's located out of the way of people hurrying around the boat and, even though it's IPX6-rated, keeping it in a spray-free area certainly won't hurt.

As pictured above, I was able to locate the mount partially under the steering wheel with a very small amount of helm space needed. Yet it doesn't interfere with the wheel or control access in any way, and it doesn't block the view of any gauges or screens. Before mounting the Rokk Edge, I held it in place, manipulated and tilted the wheel, tried to view it from all realistic angles, and found that it worked out well.

2. Inspect behind the mounting point and ensure there are no wires, fuses, or other items that could potentially be damaged when you drill pilot holes for the mounting screws.

3. Secure the manufacturer-supplied mounting template (see below) onto the mounting position with masking tape.

4. Using the 3/32- to 1/8-inch (2.5mm to 3mm) drill bit and your power drill, drill three pilot holes for the mounting screws as indicated on the template.

5. Using the 1/4-inch (6mm) drill bit and your power drill, drill a pass-through hole for the power cable as indicated on the template.

6. Apply a dab of silicone sealant on and around each hole to prevent water intrusion.

7. Pass the power cable through the center hole as you put the mount in place, then use your screwdriver to drive in the three stainless-steel mounting screws.

8. Attach the positive and negative power leads to a 12- or 24-volt power source, as appropriate. The included cable is only a few feet long, so you may need to attach extra lengths of wire depending on the nature and location of power source(s) available behind the helm of your boat. If you do have to add extra wires, use crimp connectors with heat-shrink tubing to make waterproof connections.

In most cases, you'll be able to mount and power up your new wireless cellphone charger/holder in less time than it would take you to wash your boat. And once the power connection is made, you're done. Clip your phone in place, watch the charge go up, and never wonder where you left your phone again.