What plans do you have for the next summer? Whether you are preparing for a camping trip, kayaking, fishing or just spending time at the beach, having the best marine coolers can make the whole experience great. After all, you want to enjoy a cold drink and maybe ensure that your catch remains fresh throughout the trip.
Just like there are different types of boats, marine coolers also vary, and what can be good to you might not suit the needs of another person. I have researched the best marine coolers to help you choose the best. These are great coolers that will make your camping or fishing expedition great because they can keep food and other beverages fresh for up to one week.
Top 10 Best Marine Coolers Review in 2022
After testing and comparing the features and performance of different cooler, my team and I came up with top 10 best coolers for boating. The marine cooler reviews will assist you to decide on the best model that suits you for different outdoor activities.
1. Igloo Polar Cooler Family
When it’s out there, all you need is a cold drink to quench your thirst. Also, you want to bring home fresh catch that will stay a little longer without going stale. You need to get the best marine coolers for boat to meet all these needs.
The Igloo Quick and Cool Cooler is a nice pick for people who love outdoor activities like fishing, camping, tailgating and much more. As compared to other coolers, this unit features a quick access hatch that allows you to get a quick access to your food and beverages while still keeping the cold air inside.
It is designed with a stain and odor resistant liner to ensure that your food and drinks remain fresh when you are outdoors. It can hold a total capacity of 248 12 ounce cans so there is ample storage for food to take you a couple of days. The body and the lid of the cooler are designed with UV inhibitors to provide protection against damage from the sun’s rays.
- Provides ample storage for fish, food and drinks
- Easy draining
- You can access your contents easily with the quick access latches
- Designed with snap-fit latches for secure lid closure
- The ice doesn’t last long
- Pretty difficult to carry
- Handles are not durable
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2. Coleman Xtreme Marine Cooler
Another great marine cooler that has been reported to be enough insulated to maintain cold temperature for up to 4 days provided and the lid is properly closed.
Moreover it is one of the largest marine coolers that you can purchase for such affordable price plus its capacity is close to 150 quarts which will be sufficient to stock up on drinks and food for up to 7 people and 4 days thus you will be capable of carrying enough food and drink for the duration of your hiking or camping trip.
Also, the inside of this marine cooler is lined with a patented anti- bacterial material and has been reported to be capable of withstanding mold, odor and fungus growth as well as any rust or corrosion on the stainless steel parts of the marine cooler.
- Large capacity that is capable of holding enough food for up to 7 people
- Anti-bacterial material will prevent mold and fungus growth
- Good customer support
- Two year warranty period
- Customers have reported that it is very difficult to find the right type of dividers for this model of marine cooler
- The drain was reported to get congested very often
3. RTIC Hard Ice Chest and Cooler
The RTIC 20 cooler is a compact yet extremely heavy-duty ice chest and cooler that you can bring wherever you go. It features a roto-molded construction that gives it a solid and sturdy build that can withstand the outdoors’ harsh elements.
That makes it ideal for fishing trips and other outdoor activities. This heavy-duty cooler also has a freezer-grade gasket that can store up to 24 cans with ease. Everything is kept safe by its highly durable T-latches. It boasts of 3-inch insulated walls that can keep your food and drinks cool up to days at a time.
With this, you don’t have to worry about anything melting even while under the scorching sun. It’s compact and features a solid stainless steel handle that makes it easy to carry wherever you go. Apart from these, the RTIC 20 also features two drain plugs that make it easy for users to empty it after use.
- Compact yet a heavy-duty item
- Roto-molded construction
- Freezer-grade gasket
- 3-inch insulated walls
- Solid stainless steel handle
- Has durability issues
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4. YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
This marine color is available in four different sizes as well as over 8 different colors that come in a different shades ranging from completely wide to brightly colored options that will be great for men and women alike.
Moreover, it comes with capacity to hold up to 25 cans of carbonated drinks such as Pepsi or Coca-Cola plus there will still be plenty of space remaining for you to add ice to maintain the cool temperature.
Furthermore this marine cooler comes with an outer layer made up of over 3 inches of PermaFrost insulation that will add an extra layer that will absorb the heat and UV light coming from outside therefore preventing the ice inside from quickly melting. Also the outer wall has been tested and found to be resistant to scratches and scuffs and even certified as bear resistant which means that it seals any smells coming outside and possibly attracting wildlife as well as being capable of withstanding a bear attack.
Such instances are very common if you are planning on either hiking or camping in areas such as the Yellowstone National Park or the Arizona Wildlife Park. Lastly the customers have reported that this tundra cooler is very well balanced which is why it is very unlikely to tip over regardless of where you place it.
- Hard outer body will prevent the cooler from getting damaged scratched or scuffed
- Different sizes and colors
- Tested and certified as bear resistant
- Lid is constructed from heavy-duty rubber
- Expensive compared to other similar models
- Lack of customer support
- 30-day only warranty
5. Reyleo Heavy-Duty Portable Cooler
This Reyleo Portable Cooler boasts superb ice retention, capable of containing ice for up to five days before melting completely. It has a 21-quart holding capacity, which allows it to hold up to 16 cans along with ice.
It features solid roto-molded construction that can handle weights of up to 700 lbs., allowing it to withstand anything the outdoors has to throw. Its interior features a polyurethane foam insulation that helps keep everything nice and cool for days.
This cooler’s defining feature is its anti-UV surfaces that keep harmful UV rays out, preventing anything you store inside from spoiling. That also reinforces its high durability and long-lasting performance. It comes with non-skid feet that give it excellent stability, even on uneven surfaces. It also comes with several other features such as cup holders, a bottle opener, and a 16-inch fishing ruler to enhance your outdoor experience.
- It comes with UV protection
- Non-skid design
- Bear-resistant level construction
- Has humanized extra features
- It doesn’t keep cool for long periods
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6. Coleman Xtreme 5 Hard Cooler
When you think of coolers, Coleman is one of the top brands that comes to mind. With its extra wall insulation and high holding capacity, the Coleman Xtreme cooler solidifies the Coleman name.
Its extra wall insulation allows it to keep everything inside as cool as possible for up to five days, even in 90-degree temperatures. Despite the added insulation, it’s still capable of holding up to 100 cans at a time. It features a solid build and heavy-duty construction, capable of withstanding up to 250 lbs. on top of its closed lid.
Also it has built-in cup holders that give you a stable and secure place to put your drinks. It comes with ergonomic handles that make it easier to carry. You no longer need to worry about your hands getting caught, and it increases its portability. The exterior of this cooler is made of high-quality materials that don’t just make it durable. They also make it easier to clean, making it the ideal cooler for outdoor activities.
- High capacity
- Extra wall insulation
- Comfort-grip handles
- Easy to maintain and clean
- It’s black, which means it absorbs a lot of heat
7. Pelican Elite Marine Cooler
The Pelican Elite 70 has everything you need in a cooler and more. With its internal holding capacity of up to 70 quarts, this cooler is large enough to fit in everything you will need for your outdoor excursions as well as any catches you bring home.
It features two inches worth of polyurethane insulation that offers superb ice retention. It also boasts of a 360-degree freezer-grade gasket that can keep anything you store in it cool for days. The Pelican Elite 70 is made of high-quality polypropylene that allows it to remain strong and durable even when exposed to harsh outdoor conditions.
Other features include an over-molded handle for easy carrying, heavy-duty 3-inch locking latches, and an anti-shear hinge system for extreme durability and performance. It also features four self-draining cup holders and non-skid rubber feet for enhanced stability. Whether it’s for a barbeque or a fishing trip, the Pelican Elite 70 is one cooler that will surely meet your needs.
- Internal holding capacity of up to 70 quarts
- Two-inches of polyurethane insulation
- Over-molded handle
- Anti-shear hinge-system
- Has leaking issues
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8. Snowball Hard Ice Chest and Cooler
The Snowball ice chest and cooler features a solidly built exterior with a 2-inch polyurethane foam interior that keeps everything inside nice and cool for several days. It’s constructed with roto-mold technology that gives it incredible durability and a longer-lasting lifespan.
Aside from this, the exterior is also made with anti-UV materials that keep it strong and durable, even under the hot sun. It features silicone seals inside the lid that effectively keeps the heat out, giving it excellent ice retention.
The interior is made with food-grade material, allowing you to store food items in it without worrying about toxicity. Other features include:
- A fishing ruler.
- T-latches with a beer can opener.
- Comfortable rope handles that allow you to carry and drag it with ease.
Overall, this Snowball cooler is perfect for keeping your drinks and food cool during hot summer days, whether it’s in your backyard or the great outdoors.
- 2-inches of PU foam insulation
- Bear-resistant roto-molded construction
- Anti-UV outer material and food-grade inner material
- Skid-resistant feet
- Quite heavy
9. Engel 65 High Performance Hard Cooler
Engel prides in providing quality coolers with top features. If you are willing to spend a little more to acquire a cooler that will serve you for many years, try the Engel Coolers High Performance ENG65 Roto-Molded Cooler. The cooler is amazing with the ability to hold ice for up to 10 days.
It has an incredible ice retention system, thanks to the 2 inches polyurethane insulation all-round the cooler. You will appreciate the seamless rotationally molded make of the cooler that gives it a long life. Again, its UV resistant construction protects it from the rays of the sun so no fading even after many years of outdoor use.
- Keeps your catch fresh longer
- Quality construction to last longer
- Effective temperature retention
- Can hold a lot of drinks and other stuff
- Easy to drain
- The latches are disappointing
- Cooler is heavy
10. Camco Currituck Cooler
The Camco Currituck Cooler was designed as a multipurpose cooler. With its incredible durability and excellent ice retention, it’s perfect for any outdoor adventure, whether it’s in your backyard or out in the water.
Its interior is constructed with high-quality polyurethane foam and sealed with a freezer-grade seal that allows it to keep everything cool up to 10 days before melting. It has a spacious 50-quart interior, capable of holding up to 48 cans with 30 lbs of ice.
On the other hand, its exterior features modified polypropylene resin along with stainless steel hardware that enhances its overall durability. Its solid construction allows it to withstand the outdoors, regardless of what condition it’s exposed to. Aside from this, this Currituck premium-grade cooler comes with six tie-down points, allowing you to strap it down for better stability. These points can also be secured with a lock, keeping everything safe inside.
- Built for the outdoors
- Easy-grip handles
- Hose-ready drain fitting
- 50 quarts capacity
- It comes with a bunch of accessories
- The drain plugs aren’t tethered to the cooler and get lost pretty easily
How to Choose the Best Marine Coolers
If you are planning for a day out in the waters, you need an effective cooler to help you keep your catch at an optimal temperature. The big query is, how are you going to choose the best marine coolers for the money? Here are some tips that will guide you when acquiring the best fishing coolers.
Types of Coolers
Before you indulge in buying a marine cooler, it will be great if you know the options that are available. You can get them in soft-sided coolers and hardshell molded cooler. The soft coolers are ideal for food and beverages. They can hold a capacity for one person that can take you for two days. These coolers are available in different designs and sizes. On the other hand, if you want a cooler that can handle a lot of abuse, go for the hardshell coolers. They have an incredible impact resistance and their hardware is also great.
Size
The size of the cooler you get highly depends on the size of your boat. For instance, if you have a one-person kayak, a big cooler is not necessary, and might even impede your movements. On the other hand, if you have a big kayak and you have several people, you need a big cooler that can store food. Also, if you are catching larger fish, a cooler with more quarts will be ideal.
Durability
The last thing that you need is a poor quality marine cooler that breaks down after using it for a few days. You want to get the best cooler for fishing that is durable so that you can enjoy a longer use. Pay attention to the material used to make the cooler. You can also read more reviews to find out what other users say about the durability of the cooler.
Ice Retention
For how long can the cooler keep the contents cold? When you are out there selecting, look for the best marine coolers with a high ice retention. As a general rule, the best cooler should have an insulation of between 2-3 inches.
Other Considerations
- Impact resistance
- Presence of wheels for portability
- Check out the hinges
- Impact resistance
- The type of construction
- Odor and stain resistance
- Type of insulation
- UV protection
- Sturdiness and stability
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What Is a Marine-Grade Cooler?
A: A regular cooler would not be able to withstand the prolonged exposure to sunlight, UV rays, and moisture. Therefore, a marine-grade cooler is needed which can survive in this condition. Marine-grade coolers also have unique features that help you with fishing.
Q: What Is the Difference Between a Cooler and an Ice Chest?
A: Ice chests or iceboxes tend to be much larger than a cooler, and they also keep food and drinks cool for a longer time. Coolers are fit for carrying on a trip and tend to be cheaper than an ice chest or icebox.
Q: How Do I Keep My Cooler From Sliding?
A: To make sure your cooler doesn’t slide all around your boat, consider buying one with a non-skid bottom or feet. In case your cooler does not have that feature, check if there’s any mechanism for tying it down is available. If nothing else is possible, try putting a non-skid mat or at least a damp towel underneath the cooler to make sure it doesn’t jostle around.
Final Verdict
A cooler is an essential item that every outdoor enthusiast requires to keep food and drinks fresh for a long time. After going through the best marine coolers review, I’m positive that you will find a favorable unit that will suit your needs. Whether you want one for fishing, outdoor entertainment, hunting or camping, the above coolers will be great.
Our top pick from the 10 best marine coolers review above is the YETI Tundra 65 Cooler. This cooler is packed with excellent features and its durability is outstanding. It also has plenty of room to hold your catch, food, and beverages. Its ice retention is also high and feels very comfortable when you are carrying.
