Boatbuilders recognize that everyone on board uses a phone—posting, Snapping, TikToking, and more—between leaving port and returning. To keep the social posting live, everybody needs a power port or charger, many of which securely hold your phone. We’ve tested numerous different phone holders and chargers, while testing boats. We selected those that follow because of their ease of installation and use on any boat.
Scanstrut ROKK Charge Pro
$61.95; westmarine.com
USB and USB-C connections can be vulnerable to corrosion in moist and salty air if they aren’t protected. Scanstrut makes an entire series of ports with water-resistant covers that keep them dry when not in use. In fact, a new series, the ROKK Charge Pro, is also water-resistant when cords are in place.
The SC-Multi-F2 Flip Pro Duo has plenty of versatility, with USB and USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket. The unit mounts in dual 1-inch-diameter holes and requires a 10-amp fuse. With a 12- or 24-volt supply to the charging socket, power is also jumped to the USB ports. At 12 volts’ input, the Flip Pro can charge two phones at 36 watts each. When not in use, the cover snaps tightly over the ports, forming an IPX4 waterproof seal.
- Overall Dimensions: 0.78″ x 3.15″ x 1.73″
- Footprint Dimensions: 3.15″ x 1.73″
- Cutting Dimensions: Dual 1.25″ holes, 1.5″ on center
- Waterproof Rating: IPX4 (splashing water)
- Voltage Input: 12/24
- Fuse: 10 amp
- Output 12 Volts: 36 watts x 2
- Output 24 Volts: 60 watts x 2
Mounting Tips: Install using existing 12-volt outlet plug and wire. Mask the second hole to avoid chipping and tear-out, secure template over existing hole, and drill with a 1-inch step drill bit.
Scanstrut Flip Pro Series
$68.95; amazon.com
The ROKK Charge Pro remains waterproof while in use thanks to the cap that closes over the dual parallel USB plugs. The SC-USB-2 is equipped with USB-A and USB-C ports. It can charge two devices at 36 watts on 12 volts with 60 watts’ output. It takes only a single 1 1/8-inch-diameter hole to mount the device, and it requires a 10-amp fuse in the power line. When connected, and with the lid closed, the device is IPX6 waterproof.
- Overall Dimensions: 1.14″ x 1.53″ x 3.7″
- Footprint Dimensions: 1.53″ x 3.7″
- Cutting Dimensions: 1.125″ hole
- Waterproof Rating: IPX 6 closed (sprayed stream)
- Voltage Input: 12/24
- Fuse: 10 amp
- Output 12 Volts: 36 watts
- Output 24 Volts: 60 watts
Mounting Tips: Be sure of clearance behind the bulkhead. Mask the drill area to reduce chipping. Drill with a 1-inch step drill bit.
Scanstrut Edge
$124.80; amazon.com
Scanstrut spans the Atlantic, with headquarters in America and the UK. They make brackets, mounts, and struts for everything from smartphones and radar to topside chart-plotter pods and iPads/tablets.
The Scanstrut Edge is a waterproof, wireless, inductive charger on a swivel pedestal designed to be mounted to the dash or bulkhead. Mounting it requires two screws and a power-cord hole, all hidden by the device once it is installed. Spring-loaded “jaws” expand to accept the phone and hold it securely while inductive 10-watt charging begins. The pedestal allows the phone to be tilted 60 degrees or swiveled from vertical to landscape mode, enhancing viewing—a particularly useful feature when the phone is used for navigation.
As an alternative, Scanstrut’s Active ($149.99, westmarine.com) wireless charger mounts only the flat clamping portion to any bulkhead. We find them mounted on dashboard bow-seating areas or compartments and cubbies, where phones are less likely to be viewed and used in place but still quickly available. Both mounts are sleek and complement the looks of dash panels and other bulkheads; mounting several avoids the need for crews to swap and share.
- Overall Dimensions: 2.9″ x 8.17″
- Footprint Dimensions: 2.16″ diameter
- Cutting Dimensions: Three 1/8” screw holes, one 1/4” power-line hole
- Waterproof Rating: IPX6 (sprayed stream)
- Voltage Input: 12/24
- Fuse: 10 amp
- Output 12 Volts: 10 watts
- Output 24 Volts: 10 watts
Mounting Tips: Be sure that the mounting area allows for 60-degree tilt and 90-degree vertical rotation to landscape orientation. Also be sure that the mounting charger and holder won’t block the view of other items on the dash. Attach the template to the surface-mount area, and mark holes with an awl. Operate drill in reverse through the gelcoat to prevent chipping, then drill normally to finish.
Read Next: How To Install a Marine Wireless Cell Phone Booster Aboard Your Boat
Peak Design Phone Cases
Varies; amazon.com
Peak Design’s expertise is in camera cases, packs, tripods and camera slings, plus modular-style phone cases and chargers, all of which barely scratch the surface of their accessorizing prowess. Modular accessories allow the owner to move phones from boat to bike to car to desktop to bedside, securing phones while charging them. Cases are available for most popular phones, and magnetic inductive bases work with or without Peak Design cases.
Peak phone cases (from $40) have a shallow, metal-rimmed socket on the back, which engages with the retractable teeth of various mounts. Buttons on either side of the square-mount base release the phone. While engaged, the case holds the phone firmly, even in sudden stops, unexpected potholes, and rough water. Charging bases (from $40) connect to the boat’s 12- or 24-volt power system with USB-C/USB-A cables for inductive charging. Mounting bases (from $40) with 1-inch balls to connect to clamping mounts from Peak Design or suction-cup mounts by makers such as RAM Mounts. Silicone-rubber pipe straps offer another handy option to mount a phone at the helm on a rail or grab bar.
Adhesive dash mounts are also available. Though Peak Design’s adhesive base is flexible to conform to contoured surfaces, we found them more reliable on flat surfaces.
- Overall Dimensions: Varies
- Footprint Dimensions: 1″ to 3″
- Cutting Dimensions: NA
- Waterproof Rating: NA
- Voltage Input: 12/24
- Output 12 Volts: 15 watts
- Output 24 Volts: 15 watts
Mounting Tips: Adhesive mounting is tricky. Follow the instructions, and don’t use the mount for 24 hours. Suction-cup mounts need a perfectly clean, flat surface. If possible, use a rubber gasket under the pipe-clamp mounts. Mount devices where they aren’t likely to be brushed against.
