Whenever you buy a fishing boat, you also need to consider what boat accessories and supplies you will need to aid you in your future fishing adventures. One of those items is choosing the best marine cooler to place inside your boat. You need something that’ll keep your food and drinks, baits, and the fish you’ve caught fresh after a long ride from your offshore trip.

When looking at the best options for a cooler to bring on the boat, there are a few key things you’re going to be looking for when choosing a marine cooler. When it comes to finding the best boat cooler your needs will differ quite a bit depending on whether you enjoy activities like saltwater fishing, overnight cruising, or watersports. So, how will you know which is the best cooler to bring aboard your boat? Keep reading the article below to find out:

The Difference Between a Marine Cooler and a Regular Cooler

A marine cooler functions like your typical cooler container where you put your fresh and frozen goods to prolong their lifespan until they are ready to be cooked or consumed. However, marine coolers and regular coolers are different in many ways. For one thing, the former is marine equipment that is normally exposed to the sun and moved and beaten aboard a boat; whereas the latter is just meant for short trips and is immediately stored in dry, shaded areas after some time of being used.

The Different Types of Marine Coolers

• Standard Marine Coolers: These are hard-sided coolers built with hardware that can survive the marine environment. They’re sturdy enough to sit on, have enough insulation to hold ice through a long day on the water, and are moderately expensive when compared to other types of coolers. They’re an excellent option for all types of boating, but they can be bulky and difficult to stow.
• Wheeled Coolers: These are a great option for hauling heavy loads down the dock and if you need to hike a bit going to and from the boat to your car or your house, but they have some downsides. The wheels and additional handles require moulded-in recess in the cooler, which reduces their interior capacity. Like standard marine coolers, they can be difficult to stow. And if left sitting unsecured on a deck, they may start rolling around when a wave rocks the boat.
• Soft-Sided Coolers: When it comes to finding a cooler that can be stowed in odd-shaped compartments or tight areas, soft-sided coolers are the best choice. These are the only types of coolers that can be squished, bent, and squeezed into whatever shape is necessary. However, many of these types don’t hold ice as well as rigid coolers, they can’t serve as seating, most don’t have drains, and they can be more difficult to clean than rigid coolers. Also, anglers will not want to haul the catch of the day around in a soft-sided cooler because fish spines and teeth can puncture the interior lining.
• Styrofoam Coolers: They’re dirt-cheap, however, styrofoam coolers are an awful pick for use on a boat. They tend to crack and break easily, their light tops blow off easily in a breeze, and they don’t hold ice all that well in the first place. However, styrofoam coolers are very useful to shuttle cold drinks or food between the land and the boat. A lot of anglers like to keep a small foam cooler or two on hand so they can send fresh fish home with friends after a successful trip.
• Super Coolers: Heavy-duty super coolers have become very popular in recent years, and it’s no wonder why: they can hold ice for days on end, they’re incredibly big and rugged and are made in hardware that will last for years on end. Many of these coolers have non-slip feet that won’t slide on a fibreglass deck. Many also contain air- and water-tight thick rubber seals. Because of these features, they’re also quite expensive, bulky, and heavy, and have much less interior volume for their size than standard marine coolers because the insulation is so much thicker than normal.

How to Choose the Right Marine Cooler for Your Needs?

Do you require a unit that can also serve as seating? How much time do you spend on the water? The answer should play a big part in your buying decision. What about your budget? Price points are all over the map. Do your homework to get the best deal.

Consider top quality and brand recognition if you’re a stickler for buying the best of the best. Assess the size you’ll need based on what you intend to bring along and what you intend to bring back. Make sure the marine cooler you love will fit within the smallest boat you intend to operate.

Will you venture out alone or bring others? Size matters, at least when it comes to marine coolers. This is especially crucial if you’re providing food and beverages for your crew and your passengers. The shape can also determine how well its contents remain at certain temperatures, so do compare them when shopping.