Introduction
Enjoying a steady supply of cold beer, snacks, and beverages on a boat is one of the most pleasurable aspects of a fishing trip. Fortunately, the best coolers for boats can keep snacks and beer preserved and fresh for as long as ten days. A marine cooler is specially crafted to handle bad sea conditions such as direct sunlight, rainfall, seawater corrosion, etc.
People need to have the correct information to make informed choices with the many online alternatives. Marine coolers have features best suited for use on the sea, such as insulation and UV protection. Although these marine coolers provide customized solutions that make boating fun, they also add style and class to the boat interior. This article will review some of the best coolers for boats.
Regular Coolers vs Marine Coolers
Regular coolers will perform well when used on the beach, picnic, or some hours of tailgating. But, if a standard cooler is used for a fishing trip, they will not perform at their best. This reason is why marine coolers are better suited for boat trips. Marine coolers can withstand high temperatures, exposure to saltwater, and other challenges. Below are some reasons why a high-end marine cooler is a better choice:
Better Ice Retention
High-end roto-molded coolers keep ice solid for ten days, while standard coolers will only keep ice stable for three days. Roto-molded coolers also ensure that drinks, food, catch, or bait stay preserved for long periods.
Excellent Insulation
Marine cooler’s walls are thick, and they offer insulation, which keeps the cold air inside. Marine coolers are also UV insulated. The contents are protected from direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions.
Tough Construction
Marine coolers are made of roto-molded plastic and stainless steel. These materials make marine coolers very durable and long-lasting.
High Functionality
The durable materials used in making marine coolers make them multi-functional. For example, marine coolers can be used as seats and casting platforms.
The Best Coolers For Boats
Marine coolers are one of the handiest tools every modern boat owner should have. They keep not only beverages cool, but marine coolers can also save any fish fresh for a long time. The best coolers for boats offer all these features and more if the mariner knows how to use them. Below is a review of the top ten best coolers for boats:
YETI Tundra 65 Cooler
YETI Tundra 65 cooler is the advanced, more excellent solution for boating enthusiasts. YETI has been a consistent cooler brand since 2006, creating some of the best boat coolers. YETI Tundra 65 uses roto-molded technology, which is also utilized in kayaks. The cooler also has polyurethane insulation in the walls and the lid, ensuring that the boat owner’s drinks, food, stay colder for a long time. YETI Tundra keeps its contents cold for up to seven days.
The gasket frame keeps the cold inside, effectively reducing air exchange. YETI cooler also has UV protection, which means that its plastic will not warp or become discolored when in the sun. It can also withstand rough handling when the boat is unstable because of its robust construction and latches.
The grip feet feature makes the cooler slip-resistant due to its highly durable nature.
PROS
- There is a bottle-opener as a gift if the buyer registers with YETI.
- YETI Tundra 65 has dimensions of 30 ½ × 17 × 16.
- It has slots for creating dividers.
CONS
- The cooler is heavy.
RTIC Cooler 45 qt
RTIC cooler 45 is one of the best roto-molded cooler options. RTIC features are on par with the YETI Tundra, yet, the RTIC is considerably cheaper than the Yeti Tundra. The RTIC has a three-inch insulated wall and lid gasket. The gasket ensures that its contents are kept frozen for ten days. However, if the heat is extreme, the RTIC cooler can keep contents cold for four days.
It has an integrated locking system and solid construction. The solid construction of the cooler is certified bear-resistant and also makes the cooler multi-functional. Boat owners can stand or use the cooler as a bench. RTIC cooler rubber feet makes the cooler not slip in the event of turbulence.
The cooler is quite heavy, so people should ensure they buy a heavy-duty rope used in transferring the cooler. There is also drainage on each cooler side that enables water drainage.
PROS
- RTIC cooler has a traction lead.
- The cooler can hold more than 36 cans.
- It can contain up to 40lbs of ice.
- There are four color options available.
CONS
- The RTIC cooler is quite heavy.
ENGEL cooler
ENGEL cooler considered the stress involved in organizing fishing rods when they designed their cooler. The ENGEL cooler was designed to have four-rod holders for managing fishing rods with the fishing rod organization in mind. The cooler is perfect for keeping drinks and food preserved for up to four days. It also acts as a dry box to keep away dust from electronics and cameras. ENGEL cooler is equipped with an air-tight gasket and a polystyrene foam that protects and keeps its content cold.
The ENGEL cooler is easy to carry because of its recessed handle and shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is integrated into the cooler, and it is adjustable. ENGEL also has a hanging tray which makes the cooler good for dry goods storage.
PROS
- There is a five year warranty for Engel coolers.
- The cooler can contain odor.
- The surface is easy to clean.
- There are multiple sizes and color options.
CONS
- It only keeps cold for four days.
ORCA Cooler 20-quart
Orca coolers are tremendous both for outdoor and boat use. They are built to last, so they have a lifetime warranty. Roto-molded polyethylene walls provide the best cold retention combined with the lid gasket and robust latches. The cooler is entirely leakproof, which means that if it is turned upside down, water will not leak from the lid.
ORCA cooler becomes bear-resistant when ORCA master lock is used. It has a grip handle that is sturdy and stainless.
PROS
- ORCA cooler has many color options.
- The drainage system is functional.
- It is made in the USA.
CONS
- The bulk makes it too hard to move.
Coleman Coastal Xtreme
The above-named cooler is a world-renowned manufacturer of top-notch tents and coolers. The sturdy cooler has many fans due to its ability to keep its content cold for four days. The cooler is budget-friendly and comes with a handful of features. The Coleman Coastal Xtreme can support weights up to 250 pounds. The four molded cup holders attached to the lid are convenient.
The handles of the cooler allow it to be transported easily. Coleman Coastal hinges are made of metal, while the draining system is fast and easy. Unfortunately, it has some quality issues which may cause rain to leak into the cooler. Also, the cover must be double-tapped before it closes, which is an added advantage. When the cooler is loaded, it can be cumbersome.
PROS
- The Coleman can hold 100 cans at once.
- There is the presence of ThermOzone insulation.
- Coleman Coastal has molded cup holders for drinks.
- The handles allow it to be transported easily.
CONS
- The weight is quite heavy.
- The lid doesn’t close properly.
Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler
Igloo Marine is very budget-friendly, although it doesn’t have the best retention. Those who want a cooler that can retain ice for two days will benefit from buying the igloo marine ultra cooler. It can also keep fresh fish cold for two days.
Igloo Marine can take up to 140 cans. The walls are a little above one inch. The lid comes with a ruler for measuring fish caught. It has a drain plug hooked up to a hose for easy draining.
PROS
- Igloo marine is equipped with UV protection.
- Corrosion-resistant features make the igloo marine a stand-out performer.
- The construction involves stainless steel hardware.
- It is made in the USA.
CONS
- There is no insulated lid which may cause it to lose temperature quickly.
OtterBox Venture
OtterBox has a lifetime warranty. In addition, it looks like a tank with fish-themed patterns. It comes with two-inch insulation, and the tight seal gives it the ability to retain cold for 14 days. People need to note that the cooler must be kept away from the sun to retain the cold.
The OtterBox has an ultra-durable construction and robust latches that protect its content. The lids are pretty solid and sturdy, making them easy to carry compared to those with rope handles. Unfortunately, the tops aren’t recessed, making it impossible for the cooler to fit into tight spaces.
PROS
- Presence of a slanted bottom makes draining easy.
- OtterBox has nesting grooves.
- The rubber feet make it non-slip.
CONS
- The price is out of the range of most people.
Pelican Progear Elite Cooler
Pelican coolers are very popular because of their affordability and top-quality features. A vital component of the Pelican coolers is a lifetime warranty. The marine cooler is trendy among people who want a high-retention and multi-purpose product. The Pelican Progear is constructed with two-inch polyurethane insulation walls and a quality gasket.
The freezer-grade gasket provides ice retention for up to 10 days.
When the cooler is under the sun, the retention ability reduces to 5-6 days. Pelican Progear comes with a heavy-duty shell and durable hinges, making the progear cooler to be a long-lasting product. It has a recessed handle that is strong and durable. Also, the air-tight draining system makes it easy to remove water in less than one minute.
PROS
- An easy-to-clean interior reduces the workload of owning the pelican progear.
- There is a measurement tape for measuring fish.
- It is slip-resistant.
CONS
- The cooler is too heavy, which makes it difficult to move.
Elkton 75
Elkton 75 features three-inch roto-molded thermoplastic walls with a rubber gasket that retains ice for 5 to 7 days. The cooler is built to last, hence, the heavy-duty design.
Elkton 75 Quart has latches that are easy to release. Owners of the cooler can trust the rubber feet to provide a non-slip result. It comes with a recessed drain plug that is designed to prevent leaks. Elkton 75 also has a measurement ruler and bottle opener.
PROS
- The cooler has UV protection features.
- There are valve release pressures that makes it easy to open.
- Elkton 75 interior is well designed.
- It comes with a one-year warranty.
CONS
- The absence of wheels makes the cooler harder than move.
Kong Cooler 70 Quart
Kong Cooler is arguably one of the most rugged coolers in the market. It offers maximum quality and a budget-friendly price, attached with various accessories, making it a stand-out performer. A hinge attached to the handle allows it to be detachable. It also has a space for an interior board. It has a divider, which can separate the cooler into two compartments.
Kong Cooler has proven to be a high-capacity product with adequate room to feed a crowd. It has ten days or more ice-retention capacity. The lids stay put, strong enough for people to sit or stand on. Of course, it comes with rubber feet, which provide non-slip performance.
PROS
- The drainage system is well built.
- It is made in the US.
- The high ice-retention ability makes it keep content cold for a long time.
CONS
- The cooler is too heavy.
Conclusion
Mariners who plan to go on a cruise, tailgating or extending fishing will benefit from knowing the best coolers for boats, especially if they plan on taking beverages and food along. The best coolers for boats should have a superior build, retain ice for long periods, and have a sound draining system. Although buyers will gravitate toward the coolers they can afford, buying the coolers that offer quality is advisable.
