Shopping For A Cooler
2008 Buyer's Guide: Accessories
by Graham Garrison
January 29, 2008
Why You Need It
You need refreshments on board, and you can’t bring your entire refrigerator with you.
Being on the water for just a couple of hours will parch even the toughest of boaters, especially
with the sun beating down on you. Snacks and drinks are almost a requirement, making cool storage a
necessity for boaters. However, not every boat is large enough or outfitted to handle a fridge or a
mini fridge. Coolers meet your needs without carrying a hefty price tag for onboard refrigeration.
Coleman 50-Qt. Wheeled Ultimate Xtreme Cooler
What You Need To Know
Just how “cool” is your cooler? Compare the manufacturers’ boasts of how long their
coolers can hold ice and whether or not they have UV inhibitors. Boating gear is more susceptible
to rougher wear and tear, so look for a cooler with good impact resistance so it won’t bend, crack,
peel or take dings without a fight. Storing foods and drinks inevitably leads to messes, but
stain-free and odor-free cooler linings can make cleanup easier. Once you’re done with your
refreshments and are cleaning up at the dock, a drain makes the process of emptying the cooler out
much simpler. The more food and drinks you bring, the heavier the cooler will be, so one with
rollers is a wise investment for getting to and from the boat, on the dock or even from the house
to the boat trailer. Lids don’t have to be one-dimensional. Many coolers come equipped with locking
lids — so you aren’t constantly opening and closing — as well as accessories such as cutting
boards. Multifaceted coolers even allow angling use with features such as a fish-keeper scale on
lids and threaded drain plug for easy hose hookup.
Igloo Ice Cube Marine Ultra Roller (left) and Igloo 36-Qt. Wood Cabinet Cooler
The Final Word
Storage is key. Know how much you’re planning to bring aboard for a typical day of
boating, and what kind of space you have in the berths and underseat storage areas. If you go too
big on a cooler and can’t store it, it will get in the way of the flow of traffic, and you’ll be
stepping over and around it all day in the cockpit. It will also mean your drinks and food will get
warmer faster with the sun beating down on them. Dimensions are important. Take measurements of
your boat’s storage spaces with you when shopping for a cooler so you won’t be buying one that
might stick out.