I had a on board charger a few years back and it ended up getting fried because of how I mounted it. I mounted it flush to the bottom o the boat. I was told it burnt up because it wasn't getting air flow under it to help cool it. Well yesterday I bought a new minn Kota 3 bank charger from academy. I read the instructions and it said nothing about mounting it where it could have air under it. Was what I was told wrong or have they changed them where they don't need it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to burn another one up. Thanks.

I would get your local technician to hook it up for you. $50 is not much money, to guarantee a proper installation and your well-being, due to the safety risks involved.

Mount it to the transom. Place a spacer between the unit and transom wall. I did this install a few months ago and it was easy. I'm no mechanic. Put some silicone between the spacers, transom, screws, etc.

I mounted mine vertical and on wall of back deck storage box. Mounted spring 2007 and hasn't missed a beat.. transom mount would work too if you got the room. Mine wasn't an option. Can't even see my transom except for around drain plug area..

I just installed a new Noco Genius on-board charger. It has feet that actually raise it off the surface. The guys that build these know something, they're very highly rated.

I have mine mounted flush to the bottom as well, haven't had any trouble so far. I hope I don't have anything to worry about. It has legs so there is a little air flow under the unit.

My boat has a plastic plate to mount the charger too that allows air to pass behind it.

Some of the new systems have built in "heat sinks" [I think that's what its called] which is supposed to allow heat to dissipate. However, I mounted mine 3+ years ago with 3 - 4" of air flow space under the charger to let the heat dissipate all around the unit. When possible, I also raise the deck lid for a little insurance to help keep things cooler when charging multiple batteries for hours in summer Texas heat.