Minn Kota offers various types of chargers that can be used for recharging marine batteries. If you’ve ever dropped one of these chargers in the water or tried using it in the rain, you may be wondering if you just shortened its lifespan.
Are Minn Kota’s battery chargers waterproof? Which ones are, and which ones aren’t?
And perhaps most importantly, how are you supposed to use them? Can they be fully immersed in the water, or will even a small amount of mist or spray damage them? Can they be used near saltwater?
Keep reading! In this article, we’ll explore the answers to all of these questions.
Table of Contents
How Many Minn Kota Chargers Are There?
Before we dive into whether or not Minn Kota’s chargers are waterproof, we first need to talk about the different types of chargers available.
Minn Kota offers two broad categories of chargers: onboard and portable.
As the name implies, onboard chargers are meant to be mounted on your boat and can be used anytime you need a charge, even while you’re out on the water. There are 4 types of onboard chargers available:
- Digital
- Alternator
- Precision PC
- Precision PCL
Minn Kota’s portable chargers are smaller and lighter, so they can be moved around to charge your batteries in different places. They are commonly used to charge up between boating trips and as a backup to the onboard charger.
Minn Kota manufactures two types of portable chargers, both of which are known as single-bank chargers.
Are Minn Kota Chargers Waterproof?
As you can see from the section above, Minn Kota offers several different types of chargers. Some of them are waterproof, while others are not.
So, which Minn Kota chargers can you use near the water? Which ones do you need to keep dry at all cost? Are there any that you can use submerged?
Keep reading to find out!
Which Minn Kota Chargers Are Waterproof?
All of Minn Kota’s onboard chargers are waterproof. They are built for being mounted on the boat, so they can withstand a moderate amount of rain, spray, and high humidity levels. They are also saltwater safe, though they should be cleaned well after saltwater exposure.
Each of Minn Kota’s onboard chargers has a unique set of features and functions. If you’re looking to buy a new charger, make sure you know what you’re looking for before blindly purchasing the first option you find.
If you already own an onboard charger and it recently got dunked in the lake, then give it time to dry out thoroughly before using it again. Chances are, it will still work just as well as it did before.
Which Minn Kota Chargers Are Not Waterproof?
Minn Kota’s portable chargers have vents built into them and, thus, are not waterproof. They may withstand a small amount of superficial moisture, but if water gets inside the charger through the vents, it will short out.
If your portable charger gets wet, stop using it immediately and wrap it in towels to absorb as much moisture as possible. Then allow it to air dry or, better yet, blow a fan on it for an hour or two. If you don’t act quickly to remove the moisture, the charger will be permanently damaged.
Tips for Using Minn Kota’s Waterproof Chargers
Just because Minn Kota’s onboard chargers are waterproof, that doesn’t mean you should be careless about allowing them to get wet. With that in mind, let’s talk about some safety tips for how to get the most out of your waterproof charger and avoid damaging it.
1. Do Not Submerge in Water
Minn Kota’s onboard chargers are tough and weather-resistant, but they are not designed to be submerged underwater. Keep this in mind as you decide where to mount a new onboard charger on your boat. Never mount in a place where it is likely to become immersed repeatedly.
2. Do Not Mount Below the Waterline
This goes along with the previous point. Even when mounting your onboard charger inside the boat, you should choose a spot above the waterline. If your boat were to spring a leak or be hit by waves, any charger sitting below the waterline may become submerged inside the boat.
3. Be Careful Around Saltwater
All of Minn Kota’s onboard chargers have been saltwater-tested and approved, but it’s still important to take care of your equipment. Try to avoid extreme saltwater exposure, and carefully wash your charger after each trip out on the ocean.
Tips for Using Minn Kota’s Non-Waterproof Chargers
If you’ve got a portable charger or are thinking of buying one, you may be wondering just how much water exposure will damage it. Let’s take a look at some tips for using Minn Kota’s non-waterproof chargers without destroying them.
1. Use Onshore Between Trips
The safest way to use a portable charger is to bring it to the boat while you’re out of the water to recharge your batteries in between fishing trips. Set up the charger preferably in a covered area away from the elements. Avoid using the charger outside in the rain.
2. If Using it on Your Boat, Keep in a Protective Case
Many boaters take a portable charger out on the water with them in case their onboard charger fails. If you do this too, make sure to keep the charger in a waterproof case or box of some kind.
If you ever have to use your portable charger on the water, be careful not to let it get too wet. Try to shield it from rain or heavy spray if possible, and avoid submerging it at all costs.
Conclusion
Minn Kota makes several types of onboard and two types of portable chargers. The onboard chargers are designed to be mounted on boats, so they are waterproof. The portable chargers are not.
If using an onboard charger, do not allow it to become submerged under the water. Onboard chargers are tough, water-resistant, and made to handle abuse from the elements, but they are not designed to run while fully immersed.
If using a portable charger, make sure it does not get wet, as water may get inside through the vents and cause the charger to short out.
Sarah Hood has been writing for Anchor Travel since 2021. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, singing, and spending time in the great outdoors.