Keep your catches fresh or your drinks cold in these top marine coolers
You’ve likely used a cooler for getaways in your life, but did you know you could make a big upgrade with the marine cooler? Marine coolers are built for maximum effectiveness in a boat, from UV protection as the sun beats down to special areas meant to help you strap it down to prevent accidental loss.
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The best marine cooler is the YETI Tundra 45 Cooler. This extra-durable choice features all the bonuses you could want in addition to keeping things ice-cold, including rubber latches, an interlocking lid and military-grade polyester rope handles, plus nonslip feet.
What to know before you buy a marine cooler
Size and capacity
The larger your cooler, the more you can store. However, you also need to consider the space that a giant cooler will take up in your little boat. If it’s too big, you won’t have a place to store it or tie it down, which can easily result in losing your marine cooler overboard.
Once you know the right size range to look for, you can consider the capacity, usually measured in either quarts or maximum cans. Keep in mind that the listed capacities do not take ice into account. Even if your cooler says it can fit 100 cans, it could fit only half that when you throw in the ice.
UV protection and insulation
A big differentiator between marine and standard coolers is the introduction of UV protection. UV protection can do more than just keep the interior colder for longer. It can also prevent warping, cracking and discoloration.
The insulation is also a big marker of the marine cooler. Frequently, you’ll find marine coolers have a touch more insulation, if not much more.
What to look for in a quality marine cooler
Handles
Your marine cooler won’t get in your boat on its own. You’re going to have to lug it in and out. The handle of your cooler can make this much easier, depending on what kind of handle it has, whether it be rope, plastic or even telescoping.
Drain plug
A good drain plug can make it far easier to clean your marine cooler and let out melted water before adding more ice. Make sure the drain plug attaches to the cooler to prevent accidental loss.
Extras
Additional features on marine coolers can make your aquatic adventures much more enjoyable. Your marine cooler could include cup holders and even bottle openers. It could serve as a cutting board or possibly include fishing rod holders if you intend to be the next great bass hunter.
How much you can expect to spend on a marine cooler
Marine coolers are a more roughly built cooler than standard coolers, thus costing an extra penny or two. The most affordable, though small and feature-light options typically start around $50, with midrange options stretching into the $130 range. You can easily find yourself spending several hundred dollars on the best of the best marine coolers. However, this range is generally meant for multiday excursions that don’t return to shore until it’s all over.
Marine cooler FAQ
What’s the best way to keep ice from melting during boating trips?
A. There isn’t just a single way to maximize the time you have whole, unmelted ice in your marine cooler. A few standard tips include placing only already cold foods in the cooler to keep it out of the sun, using blocks of ice instead of cubes and chilling the cooler for several hours before loading it.
How should you clean a marine cooler?
A. It’s pretty simple and very easy to effectively clean your marine cooler once you’ve completed your boating trip. All you need to do is give the interior and exterior a brief rinse, wipe down all surfaces with a cloth soaked in a mixture of warm water, dish soap, and baking soda, and then rinse again before allowing them to dry. Make sure you leave the lid open for the drying portion.
What’s the best marine cooler to buy?
Top marine cooler
What you need to know: This cooler is a perfect choice for any occasion with a durable construction that’s built to last.
What you’ll love: Nonslip feet keep it steady and it can hold 30 cans but even more with less ice.
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What you should consider: The drain nozzle doesn’t have the tightest seal, with reports of water leaking out while stoppered.
Top marine cooler for the money
Igloo Marine Ultra 54-quart Cooler
What you need to know: If you love cold beer and sodas but love saving money more, this Igloo marine cooler is the perfect option for you.
What you’ll love: A helpful ruler on the lid helps to measure all your fresh fishy finds during any marine expeditions.
What you should consider: The handles and lid aren’t the most durable.
Worth checking out
Coleman Classic Series 52-Quart Marine Hard Cooler
What you need to know: This fully insulated cooler is durable, heavy-duty and reliable.
What you’ll love: Both the lid and body are insulated and can keep contents cold in temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit for up to three days. The swing-up handles make this marine cooler easy to carry. The antimicrobial liner ensures any nasty odors from its contents don’t stick around. The outside has a special coating to protect it from the sun.
What you should consider: Some customers reported that the lid wasn’t as insulated as they thought it would be.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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