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Best boat cooler 2018 – Buyer’s Guide And Reviews
Last Updated December 1, 2023
HELLO! I’m Willard Lawson. After more than 48 hours of research and testing, which included using 21 different boat cooler in five cities and interviewing product teams at five major companies, I made a list of the best boat cooler of 2018
My main objective is to write article on these subject so that buyers like you can have the best assistance and education in making that next purchase. I hope that my Top 3 list will provide you great options in buying the right fit for you.
Let’s get to it!
Best boat cooler of 2018
Many brands have introduced boat cooler on the market. These brands have resulted in a variety for the user. These require that the consumers be well aware of what they are buying so as to make the best choice. I want to find something that’s designed well (both for aesthetic purposes and efficiency). I have a variety of material used in the construction of boat cooler including metal, plastic, and glass. The above tidbits will bring you closer to selecting boat cooler that best serves your needs and as per your budget.
Test Results and Ratings
| Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
| Product |  |
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| Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Style |
5 points
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4 points
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4 points
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| Materials |
5 points
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5 points
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5 points
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| Construction |
5 points
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4 points
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4 points
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| Price |
4 points
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5 points
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4 points
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| Awards |  |
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How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the boat cooler by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – YETI Tundra 65 Cooler – Best Yeti For Boating
| Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this boat cooler win the first place?
YETI essentially created the high-end cooler market and their flagship model, the Tundra 65, still offers great performance in a package durable enough to last a few lifetimes. If you already have a Tundra, you should rest assured that you have a great product.
5
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5
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5
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4
|
№2 – NorChill Marine Boatbag Soft Cooler – Best Norchill Boat Cooler
| Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this boat cooler come in second place?
The NorChill BoatBag is made of a durable, anti-mildew, UV Protective water resistant PVC tarpaulin shell. With no metal parts, this marine cooler is guaranteed corrosion-free no matter what you put it through. NorChill’s famous Dual Temp Insulation System will keep your drinks cold and your food hot.
4
|
5
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4
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5
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№3 – Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series – Best Marine Boat Coolers With Seat Cushions
| Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this boat cooler take third place?
This price is appropriate since the product is very well built. I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. The material is incredibly nice to the touch. It has a great color, which will suit any wallpapers. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time.
4
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5
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4
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4
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Boat cooler Buyer’s Guide
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Though the lid seals well—like those of other coolers in its price range—the Coleman Xtreme’s lid doesn’t have a gasket, which could allow warm air or rainwater to seep in. In our tests, however, its insulating power didn’t seem to suffer. Some reviewers also complain that its drainage port’s bilge cap is slightly flimsier than the Igloo’s cap.
Pull Quote
One thing that’s great about both the Coleman Xtreme and the Igloo MaxCold is that they feature replaceable hardware.
The hinges on both the Igloo MaxCold and the Coleman Xtreme are really similar. Neither set of hinges is terribly robust (the Coleman Xtreme relies on a wedge built into the hinge to stop it from falling too far), and it’s pretty clear that this is where these coolers will fail first.
Both coolers’ handles were comparable and surprisingly comfortable for moving each cooler short distances. We would not, however, want to be stuck hauling either of these coolers much more than a couple hundred feet without someone’s help.
What size cooler you need
Everybody has different needs, and as such we couldn’t test every single size of cooler on the market. Instead, we decided to focus on the most utilitarian and family-friendly size we could find (70 quarts). Such coolers are rated to hold between 100 and 1112-ounce cans and ice (of course, the number of cans depends on how much ice you load). What’s nice about the 70-quart size is that it’s big enough for a variety of tasks. If you’re a boater, Carolyn Shearlock of The Boating Galley explains that “a 65- or 70- quart cooler is about the minimum size needed to have enough ice and space for food for a week-long trip for two.” Again, this is going to depend on how you pack your cooler and how long you need to keep things cold (more ice will take up more volume). Another example came up last year during a power outage, as one of us was able to store most of the contents of a fridge in a 70-quart cooler along with the necessary ice to keep it cold.
Wrapping it up
Though both the Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme Marine Cooler and the Igloo MaxCold Legend 70 overperformed on manufacturer claims, the Coleman Xtreme performed the best in our tests and was also the cheapest option. That’s why we heartily recommend the Coleman 70-Quart Xtreme Marine as the cooler to look for as things start to heat up this summer.
Orca 40 Qt Cooler
The Orca 40 is famed as the best hunting cooler. The founders of the cooler from the “Outdoor Recreation Company of America” needed a cooler that they can take hunting and fishing and that idea was the one that triggered the inception of the cooler. With the ability to withstand a bear attack, the cooler is made of 100% American material and has a lifetime warranty period. The Orca 40 weighs 2pounds while it consists of a lid gasket that can prevent ice from melting and the contents from spoiling for days. A part of the funds of each purchase is donated to a number of American conservation groups and charitable organizations.
Yeti Tundra 7Cooler
The Yeti Tundra 7is the ideal cooler that you can take on your next fishing trip. The cooler boasts of sufficient space to house your catch of the day as well as two cases of beer. The Tundra 7comprises of non-slip feet that contain the same molding of other well known boat coolers. The best deal is that this particular cooler is not limited to the waters alone. It’s is small enough for an individual to carry about while it is made of a number of layers of pressure injected insulation that can hold ice for more than a few days.
Igloo All-Terrain Cooler 120 Quart
Bringing beer to parties has never been this easy. The Igloo all-terrain cooler which is the perfect rolling cooler weighs less than 30 pounds without the beer and has the capacity to hold up to 18cans of the beverage. You can keep ice over a number of days due the cooler’s UV inhibitors. From beach bonfires to fraternity gatherings, the Igloo is possibly the best way to bring in the beer.
Yeti Hopper 30 Softside Cooler
Unlike any other soft side cooler in the market, this Yeti Hopper is known to be the first ever leak-proof softside travel cooler. Completely waterproof, the Hopper can handle 1cans of beer and 2pounds of ice. The cooler is made using the same material as high-performance whitewater rafts while it also consists of a Hydro-lock zipper.
Plastic Coolers
Often referred to as ice chests, plastic coolers are manufactured using tough molded plastic. Offered in a variety of sizes, plastic coolers are very durable. If the cooler has been designed to store large quantities of food for longer periods of time, chances are it is made of plastic. However, they consist of strong and insulated covers and side handles so that you can move it around easily. These plastic coolers have to be filled with food which is then surrounded by ice packs. They often consist of a plug which is located in the base which can be used to empty melted ice.
Electric Coolers
An electric cooler or a portable car fridge can be easily plugged into a car cigarette socket. An insulated cooler box, this is a great way to store food and keep them cold when you are taking a long drive. The mechanism of this cooler is the same as a refrigerator since it makes use of electricity to keep the food cold. Even though these are the most expensive type of coolers around at the moment, you can enjoy the same benefits as of a plastic cooler. There is no requirement to refill ice. Simply plug it in and pack as much food and beverages as you want.
Fabric Coolers
Known as an insulated cooler bag or a collapsible cooler, these fabric coolers are designed to hold fewer items than plastic coolers. The cooler is light weight and offers the perfect solution to carry about small packed lunches and drinks. Lined with a layer of insulation foam, the fabric cooler is usually made from sturdy canvas-type artificial materials.
Popular Cooler Brands
Cooler brands also offer you a variety to choose from. Brands range from general department store brands to sporting brands to outdoor camping brands. Each of these products differs in quality and price. The following are the best brands that are designed for everyday camping.
Yeti
Known for their tough durability Yeti coolers have been a popular choice with hunters and fishermen throughout the years. Yeti coolers are designed to withstand tough weather conditions. With bear-proof lid locks, the Yeti Tundra cooler line is perfect for adventure lovers who are ready to tackle the most daring outdoors experiences.
Igloo
Igloo coolers have been around since 194and are available in a range of sizes. You can choose from personal 7-quart coolers as well as large 120-quart ice chests depending on your requirement. The Kool Mate 40 which is also from Igloo is one of the most popular coolers in the world.
Get to know your Cooler
A cooler mainly functions because of the ice that is used within it to keep its contents cool. Usually what manufacturers suggest is to pre-chill these coolers by inserting ice packs in them or storing the cooler in a cold and dark corner of your house. This should be done preferably the day before you leave on a trip. This helps your cooler to maintain the cold for longer periods of time. A point to remember is that you should distribute the ice evenly throughout the cooler so that the entire surface area maintains the same temperature.
Brand Name.
A lot of people might not think to choose a cooler based on a brand name because it seems like a pretty generic product. However, a cooler is one of the biggest products that relies on dependability and good quality control. If a cooler is not dependable, then it is pretty much going to be worthless to the average consumer. Whereas, if the cooler experiences quality control issues, it is also going to fail in terms of its performance. Therefore, it is important to find a brand that you know and trust to depend on. By doing this, you will eliminate or at the very minimum reduce the chances of getting a bad product. Without doubt, YETI Coolers are THE best you can buy.
If a YETI cooler is out of your budget, here are some cheaper alternatives.
Why You Need A New Cooler
If you buy a modern, industry-standard, hard-sided cooler, you will be doing yourself a major favor. Due to recent innovations in cooling and retention technologies, most high-grade coolers now keep ice for up to 5-days. This makes them an amazing and ideal piece of equipment for camping, road trips, and all sorts of outdoor fun.
Regardless of how fond you are about your current cooler, the level of technological perfection that has been achieved by the modern cooler is not something that should be missed out on by anybody who enjoys the outdoors.
Although the initial investment isn’t cheap, that does not mean that it isn’t very valuable. The vastly improved level of ice retention, general durability, and great warranties that accompany these coolers add extreme value to owning one of these coolers. If you plan on camping, most of these coolers are totally bear-proof, which means that they cannot access your food or detract from the potential health from you and your friends and family in this way.
Features
No two coolers are created equally. While there are likely a slew of convenient features available for each and every one of the below listed options, the functionality and design of some of them are going to appeal more to your tastes than others.
So this should most certainly play a significant role in which of these you end up choosing.
Stainless Steel Hardware
The inclusion of stainless steel further ensures that this product is going to stand the test of time without succumbing to the elements that claim the lives of so many other coolers.
Sturdy latches provide a tight seal for the entire cooler, keeping the cold inside where it belongs.
Soft Sided Coolers
That said, soft coolers can come in handy during your camping trip as a secondary cooler. If you spend a lot of time away from your campsite, you can pack lunch or drinks in a soft cooler and bring it along with you. Most are small, easy to transport, and can be carried over the shoulder or like a backpack.
Plastic Cooler
Plastic coolers including the more premium rotomolded kind can keep your food cool for multiple days at a time without you putting in new ice, making them some of the top coolers for camping trips. But the exact time-frame they can stay cool depends on the size (something we get into a little later).
Metal Coolers
These are even more heavy duty than plastic coolers. Metal coolers are usually used by people like fishermen or hunters who need very durable coolers.
The metal covering protects the insulation well, but it does make the cooler heavier than plastic coolers. Metal coolers also tend to be more expensive than other coolers though there are exceptions to the rule like the retro ones from camping giant Coleman.
High-End Coolers vs. Traditional Coolers
High-end coolers focus on maximizing the insulating capability with rotomolding construction techniques, meaning they can keep food cooler and retain ice for longer periods of time.
Think of brands like Orca, Igloo Yukon, Grizzly, or Yeti Tundra. They are more expensive and more durable, though good alternatives for less money are available. These are good for really long camping trips or for people planning to bring home a lot of fish or meat.
A decent cooler for the camper, fisherman or outdoors person in your life can also make a thoughtful gift.
OTW Staff
Discover what’s available for a new year and a new season of boating and fishing.
The idea that there is any boat out there that is better than all the rest is simply a myth. Likewise, there is no such thing as the best fishing boat, best family boat, best center console, or best bay boat.
Cobia 26CC
In 2005, Maverick Boat Company purchased the Cobia brand and incorporated years of boat-building knowledge into the Cobia lineup, making it a true fishing boat. Currently, Cobia offers nine center consoles along with a capable bay boat and a family-friendly dual console. Check out a Cobia and expect to find high performance, luxury, and fishing smarts all wrapped in a stunning package and delivered at a tremendous value.
The latest Cobia to take style, fishing performance, and family comfort to the next level, the new 26CC is perfectly proportioned with tons of cockpit space, whether behind the deluxe tackle station with premium helm seating or in front of the forward entry console with a huge step-down head area. Split bow seating with optional forward-facing backrests allows for access all the way forward. The simple-to-deploy rear bench seat makes converting from a fishing machine to a party boat as easy as stowing the rods in the ample rod storage.
Contender
The Contender’s clean lines and aggressive entry make it a good-looking boat and a comfortable-riding one, too. Contender offers boats ranging from the 2Sport to the 40 Express. The Contender line has been evolving rapidly, introducing new models while incorporating numerous improvements throughout the company’s model line. The Contender 2Sport keeps with their 30-year heritage of building tournament-grade fishing machines. It comes equipped with a wide array of fishing features including a 26-gallon elevated transom livewell, a 94-gallon in-floor fish box forward, and twin 30-gallon fish boxes in the cockpit. For family-friendly appeal, it boasts a custom console that can be equipped with a head, and the forward cockpit quickly converts to a large seating area.
Edgewater
Edgewater fishing boats are used by serious sportsmen who demand practical features, reliability and durability. With their proprietary Single Piece Infusion construction, they achieve an incredible strength-to-weight ratio that, when combined with the sea-keeping ability of their variable deadrise deep-V hulls, produces handling, performance, fuel efficiency and range better than many other boats of the same size. Designed to perform with a single outboard, the EdgeWater 248CX is equipped with a reliable Yamaha F300 four-stroke outboard. It features a redesigned bow seating area with plusher amenities, including forward-facing seat backs. The helm also is an all-new design with yacht styling.
Jupiter 4SB
With over 40 years of boat-building experience, the Jupiter team is committed to building technologically advanced offshore sportfishing boats. Every Jupiter is individually built to the exact specifications of the sportsman who demands the very best in offshore performance, style and versatility. Jupiter’s Flagship 4comes in the Express model as well as the new enclosed Sport Bridge. The 41’s start with a time-tested and proven deep-V hull design built for running efficiently through all conditions in comfort, while also offering speed when you want it, courtesy of triple F350-hp Yamaha V-outboards with optional F300-hp quad upgrade. The boat is equally at home cruising with friends and family or trolling the canyons. All Jupiters come with a limited lifetime structural hull warranty for the original owner.
Nautic Star 2602CC Legacy
The engineers, designers and craftsman at NauticStar are rich in boatbuilding knowhow. Three generations of hands-on experience have led to the knowledge of what will simply work and what will work exceptionally well. Their popular Nautic Bay boat series offers bay boats from 1to 2feet, and the XS series includes fishing-first center consoles and a 20-foot dual console.
NauticStar boats recently launched the 260Legacy Center Console. Its roomy cockpit features plush seating with a flip-out backrest in the bow and three-across aft seating that conceals the 18-gallon cooler and oversized. insulated 50-gallon fish box. The large head is fiberglass lined with a sink, mirror, and SeaDek flooring. The leaning post is outfitted with ergonomically correct seating with flip-up bolsters, a large, 21-gallon baitwell, a switch panel, and conveniently located freshwater washdown.
Pro-Line
What started out as a small company building fishing boats for local guides in 196has grown to become one of the largest fiberglass fishing boat companies in the world. Pro-Line’s center consoles and express platforms are built with wood-free designs so you can focus on fishing and not worry about rot. The Pro-Line 20 Sport offers incredible value in a boat that is small enough to keep at the house, yet big enough for the serious fisherman or even the whole family. Features include a large Euro-styled console with an enclosed head, under-gunwale rod storage, a lighted baitwell with raw-water washdown, a swim platform, two aft jump seats, and a forward storage box.
Pursuit S 408
For more than half a century, three generations of this family-owned business have built distinctive outboard-powered fishing boats in offshore, center console, sport and dual console configurations, in models from 1to 40 feet. Pursuit boats have a reputation for luxury combined with sport utility, providing the ideal platform for adventures on the water. The all-new Pursuit S 40beckons big-game fishermen and families alike. With a true center console footprint, it offers the added benefit of Pursuit’s Sport line of amenities. A stout helm, rugged hardtop, large cabin space and tremendous seating choices means more comfort for more passengers.
Regulator 31
Regulator makes classic deep-V center consoles designed by renowned Naval architect Lou Codega for offshore fishing. Regulators are North Carolina bred and born, tested against the challenging conditions of the Outer Banks. Their line of sportfishing boats from 23’ to 41’ is designed and engineered for the most discriminating anglers in the world.
The new Regulator 3is equipped with twin 300 Yamaha engines, a massive cockpit, oversized tackle center and fishbox, plus every feature needed for a day of serious sportfishing. Taking a cue from the prized Regulator 41, the 3also features a starboard dive door, integrated forward seat backrests, and other amenities designed to maximize comfort offshore.
Robalo R302
Always a strong brand in the Northeast, Robalo continues to invest in new product development. Robalo’s new R30center console delivers a dry ride and several best-in-class features such as two oversized livewells, plus Yamaha performance and power. It’s built on a Kevlar-reinforced hull with a 10-year limited hull warranty and 5-year component warranty. For the fishing family, the 200 ES and 22ES center consoles provide the features needed to be a serious fishing machines with the amenities to keep the family happy, including ample padded seating from front to back and a privacy compartment with head.
Sailfish 236CC
The new Sailfish 236CC combines the 30-year Sailfish legacy with the latest innovations in center console design. With its sleek, dynamic profile and 6th generation VDS hull, the Sailfish 236CC is functional, comfortable and perfect for offshore and inshore fishing and family fun. With an 8’ 6” beam, it is easily trailerable, and an integrated hard top frame gives you more deck space. Each Sailfish is built with a Kevlar reinforced hull, carbon fiber prisma beam supports in the deck, aluminum backing plates, chrome coated stainless steel hardware, top quality marine grade vinyl upholstery and high definition gel coats, all of which contribute to Sailfish’s reputation for durability and high resale values.
Scout Boats builds sportfishing, fish ‘n ski, walkaround, flats, and bay boat models ranging from 17’ to 42’. Since its founding over 2years ago, Scout’s goal has been to manufacture the best-built boats in its distinctive niches. The recently debuted Scout 23XS Bay Boat is Scout’s second XS model. It has all the characteristics of a serious bay boat, as well as a high-performance stepped hull, proud bow, and aggressive lines. The bow area offers a large, unencumbered casting platform and ample storage below. The rear casting platform houses a flush-mounted fold-up/down rear deck seat.
Sea Fox
Sea Fox Boat Company is South Carolina owned and operated with more than 50 years of boatbuilding experience. Sea Fox offers a full line of fishing boats including center consoles, walkarounds, bay boats and dual consoles. The Sea Fox 32Commander is the newest member in the Sea Fox Commander series. Equipped with twin Yamaha F300s or F350s, it is unbelievably fast and agile, yet solid with its huge 10’ 8” beam and a wide Carolina flare at its bow. It is the perfect blue-water choice for the serious offshore angler as well as the boating-enthusiast family.
Sea Pro
Originally founded in 1987, Sea Pro Boats was purchased by Brunswick Corporation in 200Recently, one of the original owners of Sea Pro, along with Tidewater Boats’ founder, relaunched the company as “The Next Wave,” an all-new line of bay boats and center console offshore fishing boats. The all-new Sea Pro 21Deep V Center Console delivers the same fantastic value and standard features that drove the success of the 23Deep V Center Console. Popular features include the 52-inch folding transom seat and reclining bow backrest.
Southport 3FE
Southport Boats was launched by a team of seasoned boatbuilders whose goal was to build a boat that would maximize the performance and power of modern outboard engines. The design uses the heavy weight of four-strokes as an advantage in order to allow more beam and deeper Vs than comparable competitive models. This combination results in a dry, stable platform with a sharp entry and ultra-smooth ride.
The Southport 3FE has range, speed, and all the creature comforts for the family, making it perfect for serious fishing missions to the offshore grounds, or laid-back cruises with the kids. Features include in-deck fish boxes, an entertainment center with sink and grill, and a plush aft fold-down seat. The Southport 3is now available with triple outboard power.
Stur-Dee Amesbury Dory 16
Stur-Dee Boats is a family-run shop in Tiverton, Rhode Island, where mother/daughter team Heidi and Mackenzie Reid continue the tradition of their father/grandfather, Ernie Gavin. All boats are produced in-house from hand-laid fiberglass in the molds Ernie made from his original wooden boat, and completed with furniture-quality mahogany and oak for the seats and gunnels.
The Stur-Dee Boat Amesbury Dory 1is truly an inshore-fishing platform with an offshore pedigree. Its incredibly deep hull design and high-sweeping bow give it the ability to manage rough seas. At the same time, when matched with a four-stroke 20 or 2horsepower engine, it is also an incredibly efficient boat for inshore and back-bay fishing. Because of its flat-bottom design, an Amesbury Dory glides up to speed and requires very little horsepower or fuel to make her go. Customizations can be ordered right from the company.
Yellowfin
Yellowfin’s philosophy is to offer serious fishermen the best fishing boats money can buy by using high-quality materials and the best construction methods regardless of cost. The Yellowfin 3Offshore is a premier large center console built for ultimate performance in conditions that keep most other fishermen at the dock. Designed for triple or quad outboard power, hard-core anglers will appreciate the extra-wide beam of 11’6”, which allows the 3to offer a spacious and well-designed platform. In addition, it features a standup head and shower and a surprising level of comfort.
Precision-Pak Insulated Fish bag
Best Small Kayak Fish Bag: If you love compact design than this Elkton Fish cooler bag is perfect for you. With the easy to rinse and dry process, it is very easy to clean this fish cooler bag. It comes with a carrying handle to make the transportation easy. It even comes with wide durable straps which make it easy to carry even the cooler is full.
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the boat cooler by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your boat cooler wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of boat cooler
- №1 — YETI Tundra 65 Cooler
- №2 — NorChill Marine Boatbag Soft Cooler
- №3 — Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable Cooler
Questions? Leave a comment below!
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