Are you heading out onto the water for a day of fun in your boat? What are you going to do to keep the beverages and snacks cold? Maybe you’re hitting the offshore reefs for some fishing; how are you going to keep the fish cold?
A cooler is an essential piece of equipment for any recreational boating or fishing trip. The cooler keeps fish fresh and beverages cool. Can you imagine sucking back a warm soda in the sun? Terrible. Your cooler keeps everything chilled and refreshing, whether you’re on the ocean or the lake.
This post unpacks the best boat coolers. We’ll look at our top choices and give you more information on what to look for when choosing the best boat cooler.
Contents
Our Top Picks
- The Best Overall Boat Cooler – Igloo Trailmate Journey
If you’re looking for a portable cooler with plenty of capacity, choose the Trailmate. This 70-quart model comes with plenty of capacity, rod and can holders, dry storage for your electronics, and Ultratherm insulation for five-day ice retention. - The Best Premium Boat Cooler – YETI Tundra 105
This model is the best premium choice for semi-commercial use. YETI is a premium brand, and it shows in this cooler. You get a 110-quart capacity and 3-inch fat walls with insulation providing a five-day ice retention time. This model is rugged and ideal for the boat deck. - The Best Budget Boat Cooler – Igloo Marine Ultra
The Igloo Marine Ultra is another great choice for semi-commercial use. If you’re on a budget, this model comes with an affordable price tag and many of the same benefits as the more expensive models. You get a 94-quart capacity and a five-day ice retention time.
Boat Cooler Reviews
The Best Overall Boat Cooler – Igloo Trailmate Journey
Our top choice in our review of the best boat coolers goes to the Igloo Trailmate Journey. This cooler is ideal for removing the hassle of loading the cooler in the boat. The large 10-inch plastic wheels and telescopic drag handle make it easy to transport the cooler down the dock and to the car.
Take the cooler with you when you leave the boat for a day trip on the island; it’s easy to carry with one hand; even when fully loaded to its 70-quart capacity, it houses 112 12-ounce cans. The Trailmate comes with a sturdy frame, and the telescopic handle acts as a butler tray for drinks and other small items.
- Ultratherm insulated body and lid provide 4-day ice retention performance
- Butler tray utilizes the telescoping handle for serving snacks and drinks, and it stores under the lid when not in use
- Two bottle openers are at your fingertips when you're ready to enjoy another refreshment
- Oversized 10 inch never-flat wheels tackle Sand and other challenging terrain with superior traction and ease
- Self-draining cup holders keep your cold ones in arm's reach. Capacity-112 12-ounce cans. 70 quarts (66 liters)
You get a rugged frame with stainless steel hardware and two fishing rod holders to make it easy to carry your gear to the boat. The drain plug in the bottom of the cooler acts as a self-bailing floor, and you get four self-draining can-holders in the lid of the cooler.
The Ultratherm insulated body of the Trailmate gives you up to 4-days of ice retention for the longest day trips in the warmest conditions, even when leaving the cooler on the deck in the sun. The box features an anti-leak gasket and locking function to secure the contents.
The interior of the Trailmate comes with a dry produce basket to keep items chilled but off the ice. The front of the box exterior comes with a dry box for your phone and personal items, and there’s a web pouch below the box for other things.
The Trailmate is a great choice and easy to secure with a standard cooler kit to the boat deck. The wheels and handle make it easy to take with you anywhere you go. From the deck to the dock or the dunes, the Trailmate is comfortable navigating terrain.
What We Liked
- 10-inch trail wheels.
- Telescopic handle with butler tray.
- 4-day ice retention.
- Cupholders and rod holders.
- 70-quart capacity.
The Best Premium Boat Cooler – YETI Tundra 110
If you’re looking for the best premium cooler for your boat, you can’t go wrong with a YETI. This 105-quart model comes with enough capacity for the semi-commercial fishing trip where you’re bringing home a decent quantity of grouper or snapper.
The Tundra series has a fantastic design, with a 3-inch fat wall design featuring YETIs PermaFrost insulation for optimal ice retention. Depending on the exterior conditions, you can expect your ice to last up to 5 to six days.
- The YETI Tundra 105 has more height so the extra altitude lets you stack your meats and drinks up high with enough room for a layer of ice on top
- Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
- The Rotomolded Construction makes the Tundra armored to the core and virtually indestructible so wherever you decide to take it, this portable cooler’s sturdy construction will stand up to the rigors of the journey
- All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch and has patented keeper technology
- The Tundra 105 dimensions are 30 ½ in long x 19 ½ in wide x 20 in high with an empty weight of 36 lbs NOTE: All Tundra models come standard with one dry goods basket.
The external housing features rotomolded construction for added durability. You get an interlinking hinge, and pin design for “Neverfail” operation, the ColdLock rubber sealing gasket, and “T-Rex” rubber latches for the longest service life – you’ll never have to worry about a broken latch again.
The cooler’s sides feature military-grade polyester rope with “DoubleHaul” handles that are kind on your hands with the cooler fully loaded. The leakproof design also features a convenient Vortex drain plug for a self-bailing floor. This cooler is ideal for the commercial catch where you’re out for the day in warm water, and you don’t want the ice turning too much in the cooler.
The bottom of the Tundra features non-slip “Bearfoot” technology to keep the cooler from sliding on the deck. There are also tie-down cleats allowing you to secure the cooler to the deck. This cooler is accommodative, and it comes with a heavy price tag. However, if you’re looking for the best commercial model in this review, we feel it’s worth spending the extra money on the 110 Tundra from YETI.
What We Liked
- Rotomolded construction.
- 110-quart capacity for commercial use.
- PermaFrost fat wall design for added ice retention.
- T-Rex lid latches.
- Neverfail hinges.
The Best Budget Boat Cooler – Igloo Marine Ultra
If you’re hunting for a boat cooler on a budget, you have the Igloo Marine Ultra. This cooler is ideal for the semi-commercial fishing trip, with a 94-quart capacity. It’s the perfect choice for hunting smaller species like snapper, grouper, and lobsters.
The rotomolded plastic casing features construction with UV-resistant plastic to ensure a rugged cooler that won’t crack when things get rough. You get a thick-walled cooler with excellent ice retention of up to 5-days, with Ultratherm foam in the lid and sidewalls.
- UV inhibitors protect against sun damage.
- Ultratherm insulated lid and body keeps contents cold; Holds ice up to 5 days at 90°F
- Non-slip, comfort grip swing up handles add comfort and improved grip in wet conditions.
- “Hybrid” latch is stainless steel where it matters – in the hinge area – while plastic in the snap area for longer life and a secure closure.
- Hinges made with Riteflex resin, an impact resistant, highly flexible, temperature and chemical resistant material.
Thanks to the swing-up comfort-grip handles, you get an easy carry, allowing for easy grip in wet conditions. You get a lightweight design with stainless steel hardware where it matters. The hinges have steel in the hinges and plastic in the closing area, allowing for longer service life and no chance of corrosion to the cooler in saltwater conditions.
The rugged stainless steel lid strap and screws around the cooler stand up to the harshest ocean conditions. The cooler’s floor comes with a drain plug for self-bailing function, and there’s a fish ruler molded into the lid to measure your catch and ensure it’s legal. The hinges also feature construction with Riteflex resin for added strength, impact resistance, and chemical resistance.
Secure the cooler to the deck floor using the rope cleats. This cooler is our top choice for the best budget deal in this review. You get excellent value for money and a high-performance cooler with a semi-commercial capacity.
What We Liked
- Excellent 5-day ice retention.
- Stainless steel hardware.
- Comfort carry handles and fish ruler in the lid.
- Affordable value for money.
- Large 94-quart capacity.
Driftsun 110
The Driftsun 110 is a great choice for your semi-commercial cooler. This cooler offers you excellent ice retention for up to five days, with 3-inch commercial-grade sidewalls and flooring ad a ThermaLock gasket sealing the lid. The rotomolded plastic construction makes the cooler virtually indestructible, and there are dual drain plugs with rugged military-grade drag handles on the sides.
The Driftsun offers you a 110-quart capacity for semi-commercial use. You get a “no-sweat” exterior preventing condensation from forming on the outside of the cooler. The Driftsun comes with non-slip feet to prevent the cooler from sliding around during transport, and there are tie-down cleats with lock plates on all sides for securing the cooler to the deck.
- INSULATED COOLER: Driftsun Ice Chests hold ice for days on end with up to 3” inches of commercial grade insulation, freezer grade gasket, and ColdSeal Latches. Keep your beverages, meal, catch or ice packs cold for days.
- FEATURES: Every Driftsun Cooler is packed with features that make camping and the outdoors even better. It comes with Military-grade nylon rope handles, Non-Slip Rubber Feet, Molded Tie-Down Slots with Lock Plates, Recessed No-Leak Drain Plug, Pressure Release Valve, and 2 Stainless Steel Lock Plate Bottle Openers! This is the optimal beach, fishing, and camping cooler!
- SERIOUSLY TOUGH: All Driftsun Ice Chests are virtually Indestructible. These portable coolers are made with Rotomolded Thermoplastic Construction with Heavy Duty Rubber ColdSeal Latches and Exterior UV Protection. No matter where you travel or how you travel, the Driftsun Cooler will come back for more.
- SERIOUSLY COLD: The 110 Quart Driftsun Cooler has 3 inches of commercial grade insulation. The molded freezer rubber gasket keeps your water jug, lunch bag, or food items colder for longer!
- 1 YEAR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: We guarantee our Ice Chests to be free from defects in material, workmanship, and assembly, under normal use and in accordance with the specifications and warnings for a period of 1 year.
The lid comes with heavy-duty ColdSeal latches, featuring rubber construction to prevent cracking and damage, prolonging the cooler’s service life. There’s a pressure release valve to avoid lid suction when the weather changes, and you get a UV-resistant material that prevents the cooler from fading. You have a choice of two colors for your cooler, and other sizes are available.
The Driftsun 110 cooler is an affordable choice in its range, and you get many of the same features as top brands like YETI. There’s a built-in bottle opener in the lid, and this cooler is also compatible with dry ice. The quick-clip latches make it easy to open and close the cooler, and you get a durable design that’s ideal for the boat.
What We Liked
- Rotomolded design.
- 3-inch walls offer excellent ice retention.
- Rubber latches.
- Interlocking hinge for longer service life.
- 1-year warranty.
- 110-quart capacity.
Arctic Zone Titan
We recommend taking along the 55-quart Arctic Zone “Deep Freeze” Titan cooler if you’re heading out for a day trip on the boat. This model features a design with two attractive colors and 3-inch thick polyurethane walls for excellent ice retention lasting up to four days.
The lid secures to the body with a 360-degree rubber gasket to prevent leaking, and there’s a drain plug included for a self-bailing floor. The lid secures with rubber T-latches to eliminate the possibility of corrosion in the cooler’s opening and closing mechanism.
- TITAN DEEP FREEZE HARD ICE CHEST COOLER: Hard cooler features uni-body roto-molded construction with thick polyurethane insulation that keeps ice for up to four days; Cooler holds up to 20 quarts or 30 cans
- MICROBAN ANTIMICROBIAL PROTECTION: Microban is built-in protection that helps prevent the build-up of odors and stains, makes the cooler easier to clean after camping, tailgating, or fishing, and is guaranteed to last the lifetime of the product
- EASY ACCESS TO FOOD AND BEVERAGES: Includes t-shaped, heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant latches for easy opening and closing; Latches help keep cooler contents cold and provide a tight seal for the 360-degree freezer-grade silicone gasket
- CERTIFIED BEAR RESISTANT COOLER: In case of unexpected campsite visitors, this hard cooler is Certified Bear Resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee; The cooler also features an oversized drain, anti-skid feet, and an integrated fish rule
- EASY TO CLEAN: Our products are meant to last no matter how dirty they get; Most food residues on the interior and exterior of the cooler can be wiped clean with mild soapy water and a damp cloth; We recommend air-drying to protect cooler insulation
The lid features an integrated fish ruler, and the rotomolded one-piece design is durable and impact resistant. The cooler’s base features skid feet, preventing it from moving around during transport. This cooler meets the coveted Grizzly Bear Committee standards for quality and ice retention, ensuring you’re getting a high-quality cooler that’s worth the somewhat steep price tag.
The cooler’s interior comes with a dry basket to keep your dry goods cool but away from the ice. The Arctic Zone Titan is a great choice for taking food and drinks out onto the water for the day, but it’s a bit small for fish unless you’re out at a freshwater location.
What We Liked
- 55-quart capacity is ideal for short trips.
- Thick sidewalls with excellent ice retention.
- A recessed drain plug.
- Military-style drag handles.
- Rubber T-latch lid.
- Rotomolded design.
Igloo BMX
The Igloo BMX is another great cooler for your boat. This mid-range 72-quart capacity model features a robust rotomolded casing in a side-reflective white color. The Leeward comes with body brackets mounted onto the corners of the cooler for bump protection and cracking resistance.
There’s a fast-drain plug supporting the self-draining floor and Ultratherm insulation in the 3-inch wall, providing you with a 4-day ice retention window. The lid comes with a 360-degree gasket seal, offering you a leak-free close and oversized latches that secure easily with a simple click.
- Extra-thick foam walls and insulated lid for best-in-category cooling performance
- Rubberized T-latches secure lid closure and lock in the cold
- Oversized hinges and stainless steel screws extend product life
- Swing-up handles with stainless steel reinforcement and rubber grips provide premium touch points
- Skid pads add extra layer of corner protection and a Diamond plate metal insert reinforces the ruggedness and durability
The BMX Features Igloos “Cool Riser” technology, elevating the cooler body off the floor to stop external heating. The bottom of the unit comes with anti-skid feet to keep the cooler from moving around during transport. The recessed drain plug comes with dual fast or slow draining options and more brackets around the bottom corner to prevent cracking from bumps.
The cooler’s interior comes with partitions allowing you to separate food and drinks. There’s also an interior dry basket from keeping items off the ice. This model is a great choice for anyone looking for a functional day trip cooler with plenty of capacity.
What We Liked
- 72-quart capacity.
- Insulted walls for great ice retention.
- Cool Riser technology.
- Easy-grip handles.
- Oversized latches for better locking.
- Fast-draining.
- Side body brackets for durability.
Wise Offshore Swingback
Kill two birds with one stone with the Wise Offshore Swingback cooler. This model is a great choice if you’re looking for a bench/cooler combo for your boat. You get a 62-quart under-seat cooler with a rotomolded design for ultimate durability. Depending on the conditions, the 3-inch sidewalls come packed with high-density foam for maximum ice retention, giving you four to five days of ice.
The cooler’s interior comes with a 360-degree gasket seal to prevent leaking, and there’s a drain plug on the floor. You don’t need to use any latches to secure the cooler’s lid, with the seat weight being more than enough to seal the cooler top securely. You get stainless steel hinges for corrosion resistance, and the wide base secures to the deck with mounting holes in all corners.
- 62 Qt premium cooler/livewell cooler is perfect for offshore or inland boats to keep your catch and beverages cold, and offers comfortable seating with "Flip Flop" backrest for multiple seating positions
- Cooler/Livewell seat frame constructed of rotational molded high impact plastic, with stainless steel swing arms; Molded-in hold down can be mounted directly to the boat deck for stability
- Engineered for Offshore use, features roto-molded insulated 62 qt. cooler seat frame, stainless steel hinged seat cooler access, 28 oz. Marine Grade vinyl with embossed detail, heavy duty welting and high compression foam
- Overall Height: 35", Width: 32", Depth: 18", Height to Top of Seat: 19"
- Seat Cushion Dimensions: 3" Thick, 32" Width, 18" Depth
The seatback mounts to two stainless steel struts, offering you plush, comfortable foam padding on the backrest and seat. You get a universal fit to any boat model and a simple installation. The seats and backrest feature a marine-grade vinyl covering that’s easy to clean and UV and mold-resistant.
This cooler is a great choice for those center console boat designs that need a seat and a cooler combo. You get a functional seat and cooler at a reasonable price with the Wise Offshore Swingback.
What We Liked
- Seat/Cooler combo.
- Marine-grade vinyl seat cover.
- Stainless steel hardware.
- Universal fit.
- 62-quart capacity.
Elkton Outdoors Fish Cooler
If you’re going out in the kayak or on a friend’s boat for a fishing trip, take along the Elkton Outdoors fish cooler. This fish kill bag comes in 40L and 60L sizes to suit your needs and your boat. You’re guaranteed to keep your catch fresh until you get home from the lake or estuary. The bag comes with premium double-wall insulation and welded seams for a leakproof bag.
The bag’s interior keeps your fish cold, and you can add ice without worrying about it leaking. There’s also a convenient drain valve on the exterior. The non-stick lining on the interior makes cleaning this bag fast and easy. Rinse the bag with your hose, wipe it down with some hose and rinse clean in minutes.
- FRESHER LONGER: Kill Bag Guaranteed to keep your catch fresh all day. The Elkton insulated fish outdoor cooler bag has double wall premium insulation and leak-proof performance to keep your fish or game fresh even after a long day by the lake or at sea.
- COMPACT & CONVENIENT: The Elkton fishing insulated bag is available in 2 sizes: 40” x 20” and 60” x 20”. Both have a 3-point folding system for easy storage. Perfect for storing in your kayak or fishing boat!
- EASY TO CLEAN: Cleanup is a breeze. Designed with non-stick interior lining, the Elkton insulated bags make cleaning fast and hassle-free. Simply rinse off the interior and exterior of the bag with a hose, hand wash with soap and towel dry.
- EASY TO CARRY: Featuring 4 carry handles and a removable shoulder strap for a sure grip, help distribute weight and ultimate portability. Carry it by yourself or carry it with a buddy for those huge catches! It also comes with an easy-grip zipper and carry bag for your grab-and-go fishing trips.
- RUGGED & DURABLE: Elkton Outdoors only uses the highest quality heavy-duty materials and features a puncture resistant lining and exterior. Our insulated cooler bags also feature reinforced heat welded seams to stay leak-proof and tackle wear and tear for years to come.
The Elkton Outdoors fish kill bag is easy to carry around, with two supportive sure-grip handles on either side featuring rubber grips to prevent the material from digging into your hands. You also get a shoulder strap included with the bag. There’s a rubberized leak-free zipper and puncture-resistant lining. There are also clip-straps on the sides for securing the bag and removing the slack.
This cooler is ideal for those days of kayak fishing out on the lake. The Elkton Outdoors fish kill bag comes with a 3-way folding design for compact storage and transport, and it’s available at a reasonable price point. This model is a great specialist choice for anglers that need a compact but functional cooler for recreational fishing.
What We Liked
- Ideal for kayak fishing.
- 3-way folding design for compact storage.
- 60L and 40L sizes.
- Carry handles and shoulder strap.
- Leak-free zipper and drain plug.
- Double-walled insulation.
BougeRV 53 Quart Fridge
If you’re looking for a mini-fridge cooler for your boat, then check out the BougeRV 53-quart fridge. This model comes with a slimline design for easy fitment to the cabin of your boat. It operates on 12-volt power; just wire it into your vessel’s electrical system, and you have cold beverages ready at any time.
You get a 2-year warranty with this fridge, and it comes with CE and FCC certification for the compressor and accessories. You get a slender design allowing for a compact footprint and a decent capacity with a removable basket for the fridge’s interior.
- Certification: With CE and FCC certification, the Refrigerator encloses 2-year tech support for the compressor and other accessories. If you have any questions, please get in touch with BougeRV FIRST, and we will provide a better solution
- Large Capacity: This 12v Portable Refrigerator has a 53QT large capacity to serve you and your family enough food for one-week trips. With a temp range of -4 ℉ to 50 ℉, it can be used as a freezer or refrigerator
- Fast Cooling Down to -4℉: With Compressor refrigeration technology, this 12 v car freezer could achieve 15 minutes of fast cooling from 77℉ to 32℉ and 60 min from 77℉ to -4℉, keeping your food fresh. No ice needed, no food spoiled, money and space-saving
- ECO/MAX: With ECO energy-saving mode, the car fridge's operating power is less than 45W. Even running on MAX mode consumes far less than 1kwh/day for its intelligent cycle work. You can run this car fridge with 12/24 V DC power on various vehicles
- 45dB Low Noise & Battery Protection: The truck freezer is designed to lower noise to make sure have a good sleep after long driving. The RV fridge/freezer is equipped with a 3-level battery monitor to prevent itself from draining your vehicle's battery
You get quick cooling action, and there’s no ice required, saving you on cleanup and ice costs. The fast cooling action takes the interior from 77℉ to 32℉ in 15-minutes and from 77℉ to -4℉ in 50-minutes. The fridge is very efficient, with an “ECO energy-saving mode,” the refrigerator only takes 45-watts of power, even when running on the max setting – that’s less electricity than a conventional lightbulb.
You get a three-level battery monitor preventing the fridge from draining your battery. When you open the refrigerator, an LED light illuminates the interior. The fridge comes with anti-shake technology, meaning that the bumpy ride won’t cause the compressor to shut off. You get a 35mm foam casing with a rubber sealing gasket for a leak-free fit and a latch on the front.
What We Liked
- Energy-efficient portable fridge.
- 53-quart capacity.
- LED touchscreen controls.
- 3-stage battery monitor.
- Fast cooling action.
YETI Hopper M30
If you’re looking for a compact, portable cooler for your kayaking trip, the YETI M30 is a top choice. This flexible bag has a 30-quart storage capacity, and you get a thoughtful design for a user-friendly experience.
We like the HydroSheild closure system, using magnets to seal the bag instead of a zipper or clips. It makes opening and closing the bag easy while keeping a leak-free enclosure. The cooler’s interior features construction with a leakproof liner and welded seams to ensure you don’t get any leaks for the cooler.
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The bag’s walls come with Coldcell insulation to keep your food and beverages cool, even when the bag sits in the sunlight. The exterior comes with a DryHide shell material that’s UV and tear-resistant. The YETI M30 is available in six color options double-stitched handles to ensure you get a rugged bag with plenty of cooling capacity for your kayaking trip.
What We Liked
- A great choice for kayak fishing.
- 30-quart capacity.
- Softshell design with magnetic sealing.
- Puncture-resistant and easy to seal.
- Coldcell insulation.
- Leakproof liner.
- Double-stitched.
- Several color options.
Other Best Selling Options
- Cool Riser Technology – elevated design improves cooling performance
- “Hybrid” latch is stainless steel where it matters – in the hinge area – while plastic in the snap area for longer life and a secure closure
- THERMECOOL Foam – Cleaner, eco-friendly insulation
- Foam insulated lid and body provides up to 5 days of ice retention performance
- 70 Qt. / 66 L / 102 Cans
- Ultratherm insulated body and lid keep ice for 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature
- Dual snap-fit latches secure lid closure
- Threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining
- 188-can capacity, Exterior Dimensions 38.31" L x 17.38" W x 17.75" D. Top - 34.69 x 14.88 x 13.25 inches. Bottom - 33 x 13.25 x 13.25 inches
- Heavy-duty blow-molded construction provides advanced durability
- Extra-thick foam walls & insulated lid provide five days of ice retention
- Durable, rubberized lid T-latches provide a secure closure & lock in the cold
- Triple-point grab handle features stainless steel reinforcement & rubber grip
- Threaded drain plug gives you the option to hook up to your water hose for easy draining
Boat Cooler Buyer’s Guide
After reading through the best boat cooler models, you’re probably wondering about the best cooler for your boat. This section will guide you through everything you need to know to choose the right model for your next aquatic adventure.
What are the Different Types of Boat Coolers?
Boat coolers come in several different models to suit your needs. Whether you’re heading offshore for some fishing or touring on your kayak, there’s a cooler for you.
Marine Coolers
Marine coolers serve two purposes. They keep food and beverages cool, and they help to preserve the freshness of your catch. Marine coolers are typically larger than other models, starting at 55-quart capacities, ranging up to 35-quart capacities.
Outdoor Coolers
These coolers are ideal for outdoor use. They come with rugged casings and often have features like wheels and carry handles. They also work for a marine cooler, and they come in capacities of up to 70-quarts.
Recreational Coolers
A recreational cooler is suitable for camping and tailgating trips where you only need a capacity ranging between 25 to 55-quarts. They are ideal for keeping food and drinks cold but not the best choice for fish.
Commercial Fishing Coolers
These coolers come in capacities starting at 110-quarts. They are ideal for taking on your offshore fishing trips, allowing you to pack your grouper and snapper into ice to keep them fresh after bleeding and gutting. Typically, these models have the longest ice retention of all models.
Fish Kill Bags
These coolers are similar to soft coolers but much larger. If you snag a wahoo out on a dive, pack it into the kill bag to keep it fresh while you enjoy the rest of the day in the water.
These bags come complete with leak-proof zippers, welded interior seams, and carry straps. They are ideal for kayaking, and they come in a range of sizes to keep your catch fresh.
Folding and Soft Coolers
These models are ideal for compact transport and carry; they are good choices for kayaking and canoeing. You’ll find these models with capacities ranging from five to 30-quarts. These coolers often flatten out and fold, allowing you to pack them away out of sight.
They are lightweight and usually a lot more affordable than larger coolers. These models feature design and construction with insulated interiors and rip-proof exteriors.
Portable Fridges
Some boat owners might not want the hassle of loading their cooler with ice every time they want to go out on the water. If you’re only using the cooler for beverages and food, we recommend trying a portable fridge. These models wire directly into your boat’s electrical system, giving you a never-ending cooling effect.
These models come with fast-cooling action to keep your cans cold, and some of them also have a freezer mode. Most of them operate using LED controls, and they have compact footprints. The compressor in the fridge won’t give you any problems, even on bumpy rides.
What To Consider Before Buying A Cooler For Boating
Before you dive into your purchase, take a second to understand the design dynamics of boat coolers. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about the top features of the best boat cooler models.
Holding Capacity
The holding capacity of the cooler is important to what you want to do with it out on the water. Typically, day coolers come in sizes from 5-quarts to 30-quarts, and they can come in a backpack or softshell designs as well as hardcase coolers.
Mid-range coolers go from 30-quarts to 54-quarts, and large coolers go up to 94-quarts. Commercial coolers start at around 110-quarts and go up to 350-quarts or more. The bigger your cooler, the steeper the price tag, and the harder it is to move around.
Casing Materials
The casing materials used in the cooler construction determine its performance. Typically, cooler sit out on the boat’s deck for easy access and to keep them out of the way. However, that means that they’re out in the sun a lot. So, your cooler casing needs design and construction with weatherproof materials. The cooler casing should offer good UV resistance to prevent the weathering of the material.
The casing materials also determine the durability of the cooler. Plastic casings hold up well to impact and drops, making them suitable for life aboard the boat where everything tends to move around a lot.
If you have a portable cooler, bag coolers can come with insulative material that keeps your fish, food, and beverages fresh. Make sure that the bag features design and construction with rip-proof materials.
Insulation and Thickness
The efficacy of the cooler depends on the type of insulation used in the walls and the wall thickness. These factors determine the ice retention time and the cooler’s ability to stay cool in the sun. The thicker the walls, the more foam, and the longer the ice retention time for the cooler.
Typically, the best coolers come with wall thicknesses of three inches. Depending on the conditions, this thickness should equate to a four to five-day ice retention time. Look for models offering closed-cell foam in the cooler walls. This foam offers you the best insulation possible while remaining lightweight.
Weight
The cooler’s weight also makes a significant difference to its performance, especially when you’re carrying it. Struggling with a fully-loaded cooler and sloshy ice after a day on the water can be a real battle and the last thing you need when you’re feeling tired.
Ice Retention
The primary consideration when assessing any cooler is its ice retention. There’s no point taking your cooler out with you if the ice melts away before the end of the afternoon. It would help if you had a cooler that keeps the ice fresh for as long as possible.
Top cooler models have ice retention varying between four to five days, with commercial models leaning more towards five days. Smaller coolers with capacities under 55-quarts may have two to three-day ice retention times, depending on the size.
Ice to Items Ratio
When assessing your cooler, it’s important to look at the ice to items ratio. The ice to item ratio affects the cooler’s ice retention, and you’re looking for a 2:1 ice to items ratio for the best results. That means you need twice the amount of ice in the cooler than items to maintain optimal cooling efficacy.
Overloading the cooler with more items will melt the ice faster, resulting in a sloppy cooler. So, when you’re packing the cooler for the day, fill it to the brim, and as you catch fish, the ice melts away through the drain plug, allowing the ice-to-items ratio to main consistent throughout the trip.
Durability
The brand quality of the cooler says a lot about its durability. All the models in this review come from leading brand names when assessing a cooler. We only chose the best for our review, and you can expect a long service life from any cooler in our listings.
Look for coolers with durable plastic bodies, bump guards on the corners and sides, and durable latches. These features ensure that you don’t crack the cooler when bumping into objects, and the lid secures properly every time.
Additional Features
Some coolers come with a bevy of features, while others are pretty plain-Jane setups. Here are some of the additional features you can expect to find in top models.
- Sturdy comfort grip handles to prevent hand fatigue when carrying the cooler.
- Shoulder straps and wheels are great for easy carry.
- Drain plugs make it easy to drain the cooler without tipping it over.
- Built-in hinged lids and stainless steel hardware for a long service life of your cooler.
- Butler trays.
- Locking latches for securing the lid on bumpy rides.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Storage pouches or compartments.
- Bottle openers and can holders in the lid.
- Webbing storage on the sides.
- Tie-down cleats for securing the cooler to the boat.
Color
It’s common for boat coolers to come in white colors. White reflects sunlight the best, reducing heat absorption into the cooler. It’s especially important for better ice retention if the cooler sits out on the deck in the direct sunlight.
However, not everyone needs a cooler for the deck, or they might have space for it in a shaded area on the boat. If that’s the case, look for coolers that come in different colors to match the interior of your boat.
Price
Most coolers come with price tags varying between $60 to $250, with options in this review going up to $550 for the largest models. Typically, your cooler should give you anywhere from three to ten years of service life, depending on the manufacturing brand and the maintenance and storage of the cooler when it’s not in use.
Boat Cooler Maintenance
Maintaining your cooler means it lasts longer. If you store the cooler in the direct sunlight in hot weather, it’s going to cause problems with the plastic and the foam after a few summers. As a result, you start to lose cooling efficiency, and you need to replace the cooler.
Here are a few maintenance tips to keep your cooler in great shape and prevent the need for early replacement. With the right cooler maintenance, it will last for years.
- Open the drain plug and rinse the cooler to remove all the heavy debris.
- With a cloth and light solution of soapy water, wash the interior.
- When washing out the cooler, don’t use bleach; you’ll damage the plastic and seals.
- Lightly grease the seals if they appear dry.
- Rinse it out again with the hose.
- Dry with a non-scratch cloth.
- Leave the cooler open in the sun until fully dry.
- After drying, pack it away in a cool, dry place until next use.
Boat Cooler FAQs
Q: How do I secure the cooler to my boat?
A: If you don’t secure the cooler to the boat, you’ll have it bouncing around the boat when you hit the waves. You’ll have to purchase a deck mounting kit from Amazon for a few dollars. The kit installs on the deck, and you secure the cooler using a tie-down system. Many coolers come with cleats to allow easy tie-down of the cooler without having to strap the tie-downs over the lid.
Q: Is it worth it to buy an expensive boat cooler?
A: A cooler needs to do the job of slowing the melt of the ice while providing adequate room for your requirements. So, as long as it meets these two basic conditions, coolers don’t have to be fancy to be functional.
However, the more expensive coolers tend to have thicker walls and better insulation to make your ice last longer. They have stainless steel hardware to prevent rusting of hinges and screws, and some models even come with wheels and carry handles for added travel convenience. So, if you value these things, it’s worth opening your wallet to accommodate a pricey model.
Q: How do I “pre-chill” my boat cooler?
A: If you’re going out to a productive fishing spot, you need your ice to last as long as possible. We recommend pre-chilling it before your trip to get the best cooling results. To pre-chill the cooler, you’ll need to cool it overnight with ice inside the holding well. It’s a much better idea than grabbing a warm cooler that’s sitting in a hot garage.
Q: Where can I buy the best Boat Cooler?
A: We recommend purchasing the best boat cooler for your vessel from Amazon. Amazon has fast, free shipping for Prime members, and you get a purchase guarantee on your order. Amazon has the widest range and the best prices, and they always have coolers in stock.
Best Boat Cooler – The Verdict
After reading our review of the best boat cooler models, you probably have an idea of the right cooler to suit your needs out on the water. Whether you need a compact cooler for the kayak or a semi-commercial model for those offshore fishing days, we have something for you in this review.
However, we get it if you’re having trouble settling on a model for your purchase. With so much great selection, it’s challenging to call out the right cooler for your needs and budget. If you’re on the fence, why not go with one of our top picks?
- The Best Overall Boat Cooler – Igloo Trailmate Journey
- The Best Premium Boat Cooler – YETI Tundra 105
- The Best Budget Boat Cooler – Igloo Marine Ultra
