Just returned from a 3 week cruise along the coast of North Carolina with my Hunter 25. One problem I experienced was no ability to keep ice. Both my standard Coleman Cooler and ice box would keep ice less than half a day. I am thinking of just getting a better cooler as it stores nicely under the table and is easy to use etc. I see Coleman has better coolers but looking for ideas. I am looking at the Coleman 82 quart ultimate extreme marine wheeled cooler. Is this my best bet? Any other options. It is 99 dollars online. Suppose to hold ice for 6 days. I would settle for 3.
Did a search but hope more info on ice coolers
- Thread starter KennyH
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Coolers
Practical Sailor did a cooler review in December 2005. Rated 9 coolers 1-9. Coleman is still the king. Listed are their ranking in the test. The 1st two were a virtual tie. You can order the review on the PS website. Coleman Ultimate Extreme marine 58 qt Frigid Rigid 55 qt Coleman Ultimate Extreme marine Wheeled 50 qt Igloo MaxCold 50 qt Igloo MaxCold Wheeled 60 qt Icey Tek 60 Quart Cube Igloo Marine 54 qt Rubbermaid Wheeled 60 qt Coleman Marine 68 PS Recommendation was to go with the wheeled version cuz they can be heavy. Maker of the #2 cooler ($445 with lifetime warranty) disputes PS findings. The Number 1 cooler was $68. Go figure!
Practical Sailor did a cooler review in December 2005. Rated 9 coolers 1-9. Coleman is still the king. Listed are their ranking in the test. The 1st two were a virtual tie. You can order the review on the PS website. Coleman Ultimate Extreme marine 58 qt Frigid Rigid 55 qt Coleman Ultimate Extreme marine Wheeled 50 qt Igloo MaxCold 50 qt Igloo MaxCold Wheeled 60 qt Icey Tek 60 Quart Cube Igloo Marine 54 qt Rubbermaid Wheeled 60 qt Coleman Marine 68 PS Recommendation was to go with the wheeled version cuz they can be heavy. Maker of the #2 cooler ($445 with lifetime warranty) disputes PS findings. The Number 1 cooler was $68. Go figure!
Kenny, It all comes down to the thickness
of the insulation. If you construct a box for your ice chest and make this box from 2 inch extruded styrofoam with a tight lid, The ice chest will keep cold longer. You can cut the foam with a saw and join the pieces with canned urethane foam and long nails for holding it in shape till the foam hardens. It also helps if you freeze water in bottles and jugs. Any plastic soda bottle works fine. The ice box on my boat has 4 inches of insulation and 5 gallons of ice will keep cold for about a week.
of the insulation. If you construct a box for your ice chest and make this box from 2 inch extruded styrofoam with a tight lid, The ice chest will keep cold longer. You can cut the foam with a saw and join the pieces with canned urethane foam and long nails for holding it in shape till the foam hardens. It also helps if you freeze water in bottles and jugs. Any plastic soda bottle works fine. The ice box on my boat has 4 inches of insulation and 5 gallons of ice will keep cold for about a week.
We trailer a 22' all over creation and have
settled on two smaller coolers rather than a large one. We use one strictly for ice storage and the other is loaded for every day use. As the one used for storage is seldom opened the ice will keep for 24-30 hours. The other one we are lucky if we get 6-8 hrs. We try to replenish every day but in places where ice is not readily available it can be a problem. I just switch from beer to rum and water (grog). Our fresh meats and pereshibles are gone after the first day from there on is canned foods or restaurants with a preference for the latter. Cabin space although ample for a boat that size is at a premium so the adding of refrigeration is out of the question.
settled on two smaller coolers rather than a large one. We use one strictly for ice storage and the other is loaded for every day use. As the one used for storage is seldom opened the ice will keep for 24-30 hours. The other one we are lucky if we get 6-8 hrs. We try to replenish every day but in places where ice is not readily available it can be a problem. I just switch from beer to rum and water (grog). Our fresh meats and pereshibles are gone after the first day from there on is canned foods or restaurants with a preference for the latter. Cabin space although ample for a boat that size is at a premium so the adding of refrigeration is out of the question.
Thermoelectric cooler
Our H27 came with a Mobicool unit (T45 DC/AC Thermoelectric Cooler). It is a 12 volt cooler that plugs into a cigarette-style outlet mounted under the cabinet. When you use it on the "Cool" setting together with a couple bags of ice, the ice can last several days (although I have to admit it is way cooler in my cruising grounds than in yours). It will keep things 20 degrees (Celsius) cooler than the ambient temperature if you don't add ice. The only issue we have seen is that the cooler itself generates some heat (blown out by a fan). For us, the small amount of additional heat isn't a problem but it could be undesirable in a warmer climate. We've been pleased with it so far. See http://www.mobicool.com Here is the link to the H27 gallery that shows how they set it up in our boat: http://www.huntermarine.com/Models/27/27Gallery.html
Our H27 came with a Mobicool unit (T45 DC/AC Thermoelectric Cooler). It is a 12 volt cooler that plugs into a cigarette-style outlet mounted under the cabinet. When you use it on the "Cool" setting together with a couple bags of ice, the ice can last several days (although I have to admit it is way cooler in my cruising grounds than in yours). It will keep things 20 degrees (Celsius) cooler than the ambient temperature if you don't add ice. The only issue we have seen is that the cooler itself generates some heat (blown out by a fan). For us, the small amount of additional heat isn't a problem but it could be undesirable in a warmer climate. We've been pleased with it so far. See http://www.mobicool.com Here is the link to the H27 gallery that shows how they set it up in our boat: http://www.huntermarine.com/Models/27/27Gallery.html
Ice Block
Add an ice block to your regular ice. If I am going to be on the boat for several days, I add a ice block (made with a small Colman cooler). I then just put the things I am going to use the least often near it, and put the rest of the ice around it. The block keeps everything much cooler and melts at a slower rate. -Andrew Modis Vivendi
Add an ice block to your regular ice. If I am going to be on the boat for several days, I add a ice block (made with a small Colman cooler). I then just put the things I am going to use the least often near it, and put the rest of the ice around it. The block keeps everything much cooler and melts at a slower rate. -Andrew Modis Vivendi
Seal The Lid..
I sell shrimp for a living (dont laugh I made $54K last year) and carry it in 10# bags in a 120 qt Igloo coolers..the problem I ran into when I first began was that the coolers sat in the back of my truck all day and were blasted by the wind when I drove.Ice went fast..Upon examination of the coolers during the day it was obvious the ice was melting around the areas where wind intruded fastest.I hit a Home Depot and got some door trim weather stripping and sealed the lids..now ice lasts several days..not several hours.The coolers I use are the best Igloo makes as far as insulation goes..but are too big for use on a boat or even for one person to move once loaded.On my boat,there is a big built in ice box..it makes for a good storage bin,nothing more.Ice in there lasts only a short time.I use a small (50 qt) Igloo cooler with a gasket around the lid..freeze several bottles of bottled water and put one in each corner of the cooler then put in your drinks..use CUBE ICE over everything (not the ground up stuff-it melts too fast).This set-up has cold drinks in my cooler for about 7-9 days.As for who makes the best coolers..PracSailor can say whet they want..I make my living with these things and have handles Coleman,Rubbermaid (JUNK)Igloo,etc..and I swear by Igloo.You can get parts almost anywhere for them (not so with Coleman and most other brands) and they hold up well under the sun..something P/Sailor did'nt test..but I have.Igloo number 1..Coleman behind in 2nd place.NOW,if you wanna spend hundreds of dollars....then you get into another place..but for $20.00 or less you can have a cooler that'll likely last as long as you own the boat and do a good job for you..hit your local Academy store and look around..you'll find what you need there..and it'll say "Igloo" on it (LOL). Fair Winds>>> David
I sell shrimp for a living (dont laugh I made $54K last year) and carry it in 10# bags in a 120 qt Igloo coolers..the problem I ran into when I first began was that the coolers sat in the back of my truck all day and were blasted by the wind when I drove.Ice went fast..Upon examination of the coolers during the day it was obvious the ice was melting around the areas where wind intruded fastest.I hit a Home Depot and got some door trim weather stripping and sealed the lids..now ice lasts several days..not several hours.The coolers I use are the best Igloo makes as far as insulation goes..but are too big for use on a boat or even for one person to move once loaded.On my boat,there is a big built in ice box..it makes for a good storage bin,nothing more.Ice in there lasts only a short time.I use a small (50 qt) Igloo cooler with a gasket around the lid..freeze several bottles of bottled water and put one in each corner of the cooler then put in your drinks..use CUBE ICE over everything (not the ground up stuff-it melts too fast).This set-up has cold drinks in my cooler for about 7-9 days.As for who makes the best coolers..PracSailor can say whet they want..I make my living with these things and have handles Coleman,Rubbermaid (JUNK)Igloo,etc..and I swear by Igloo.You can get parts almost anywhere for them (not so with Coleman and most other brands) and they hold up well under the sun..something P/Sailor did'nt test..but I have.Igloo number 1..Coleman behind in 2nd place.NOW,if you wanna spend hundreds of dollars....then you get into another place..but for $20.00 or less you can have a cooler that'll likely last as long as you own the boat and do a good job for you..hit your local Academy store and look around..you'll find what you need there..and it'll say "Igloo" on it (LOL). Fair Winds>>> David
short story
our house burned a couple of years ago power was out for a week when we went to clean out the freezer most of it was still frozen the bottom was laced with frozen 2 liter bottles , yes and i still do it today . every time i empty a 2 liter i rinse it out good and refill it with water and in the freezer it goes ,when my wife needs more room she throws them in the pool till they melt. think about it a solid block of contained clean ice you can put it anywhere
our house burned a couple of years ago power was out for a week when we went to clean out the freezer most of it was still frozen the bottom was laced with frozen 2 liter bottles , yes and i still do it today . every time i empty a 2 liter i rinse it out good and refill it with water and in the freezer it goes ,when my wife needs more room she throws them in the pool till they melt. think about it a solid block of contained clean ice you can put it anywhere
A few suggestions...
Can you add additional insulation to the onboard cooler? Sheet foam and spray foam? I freeze pineapple juice in the can and put them into the ice box as holding plates. As they melt the pineapple juice goes great with rum and they keep the ice box cold. Also, try ebay for your cooler.
Can you add additional insulation to the onboard cooler? Sheet foam and spray foam? I freeze pineapple juice in the can and put them into the ice box as holding plates. As they melt the pineapple juice goes great with rum and they keep the ice box cold. Also, try ebay for your cooler.
A few suggestions...
Can you add additional insulation to the onboard cooler? Sheet foam and spray foam? I freeze pineapple juice in the can and put them into the ice box as holding plates. As they melt the pineapple juice goes great with rum and they keep the ice box cold. Also, try ebay for your cooler.
Can you add additional insulation to the onboard cooler? Sheet foam and spray foam? I freeze pineapple juice in the can and put them into the ice box as holding plates. As they melt the pineapple juice goes great with rum and they keep the ice box cold. Also, try ebay for your cooler.
A few suggestions...
Can you add additional insulation to the onboard cooler? Sheet foam and spray foam? I freeze pineapple juice in the can and put them into the ice box as holding plates. As they melt the pineapple juice goes great with rum and they keep the ice box cold. Also, try ebay for your cooler.
Can you add additional insulation to the onboard cooler? Sheet foam and spray foam? I freeze pineapple juice in the can and put them into the ice box as holding plates. As they melt the pineapple juice goes great with rum and they keep the ice box cold. Also, try ebay for your cooler.
my biggest issue is this...
that when I put my initial ice into the icebox, it is at outside temperature. I live in Florida, so my ice begins melting immediately. I just rebuilt my icebox lid, added a rubber self adhesive gasket all around and have noticed slightly better performance. Keep in mind, the insulation that surrounds my ice box is in dire need of upgrading. It is the original white foam from the factory circa 1979. But that is a project for another day. It doesn't help having people going in and out of the ice box constantly either... (kids) We do keep plastic jugs full of home tap water frozen, and love the multi function of them. The stay frozen for a long time and are potable once they melt. Because sometimes I have to water my rum down just a bit. Ross in Tampa 1979 Oday 25 "Lola"
that when I put my initial ice into the icebox, it is at outside temperature. I live in Florida, so my ice begins melting immediately. I just rebuilt my icebox lid, added a rubber self adhesive gasket all around and have noticed slightly better performance. Keep in mind, the insulation that surrounds my ice box is in dire need of upgrading. It is the original white foam from the factory circa 1979. But that is a project for another day. It doesn't help having people going in and out of the ice box constantly either... (kids) We do keep plastic jugs full of home tap water frozen, and love the multi function of them. The stay frozen for a long time and are potable once they melt. Because sometimes I have to water my rum down just a bit. Ross in Tampa 1979 Oday 25 "Lola"
Thanks for all the replies
I think I have enough information now to get the job done. Excellent coolers 2 plus frozed water bottles and seal the lid will, I believe do the trick. Thanks for all the tips.
I think I have enough information now to get the job done. Excellent coolers 2 plus frozed water bottles and seal the lid will, I believe do the trick. Thanks for all the tips.
The ULTIMATE solution
I have NEVER had any problem with my ice lasting a week or more in my on board ice box....I have figured out the perfect solution to your melitng issues.... just move up to Alaska and the ice will last a long time...hey it works for me!!!
I have NEVER had any problem with my ice lasting a week or more in my on board ice box....I have figured out the perfect solution to your melitng issues.... just move up to Alaska and the ice will last a long time...hey it works for me!!!
heat transfer
Heat flows from high potential energy to lower potential energy. So heat is going from out side the cooler to inside the cooler. You want to resist this by adding insulation to the outside of the cooler box. I have also found that Ice you make yourself is much colder than ice you buy. There is a big difference between ice at zero degrees and ice at 31 degrees in terms of longevity. If you buy ice stick it in your freezer at home for a few days before using it in a cooler. I often use tupperware/rubbermaid/whoever containers to make ice in large blocks. It also seems much denser than the ice you buy almost as if the blocks you buy are aerated.
Heat flows from high potential energy to lower potential energy. So heat is going from out side the cooler to inside the cooler. You want to resist this by adding insulation to the outside of the cooler box. I have also found that Ice you make yourself is much colder than ice you buy. There is a big difference between ice at zero degrees and ice at 31 degrees in terms of longevity. If you buy ice stick it in your freezer at home for a few days before using it in a cooler. I often use tupperware/rubbermaid/whoever containers to make ice in large blocks. It also seems much denser than the ice you buy almost as if the blocks you buy are aerated.
Ideas
Some good comments. I wold say that you need to insulate your cooler. I have a 6 pack igloo that has no lid insulation and I added some cell foam insulation inside the lid (like from a camping sleeping pad) and this helped a great deal. I also went camping for a 4 nighter and had ice at the end with this. What I did was to freeze as much of the food as possible before leaving and then I enclosed the cooler in a garbage bag for the trip. When I went into it, it was only for what I needed and I did this quickly. Although crushed ice will actually cool better than blocks, it does not last as long. Especially the ice that is bought in bags at those quick stops. It's barely below freezing in those coolers. I'd say to check your cooler for any deformed panels or lid. That can happen from excessive sun heat. If you don't think that you cooler is efficient, get a better quality one. White is generally a better color for keeping things cool. Keep the cooler out of the sun and the wind and add a barrier insulation as I and others have suggested. With some of the larger boats, you can devote a locker to this. Insulate an underseat area on all sides with foam insulation and then put the cooler into that area. A big one, you may want to keep your beverages seperate from your food stuff in tow coolers. Kids can have a way of opening these coolers all the time for a soda pop but then they forget to close them.
Some good comments. I wold say that you need to insulate your cooler. I have a 6 pack igloo that has no lid insulation and I added some cell foam insulation inside the lid (like from a camping sleeping pad) and this helped a great deal. I also went camping for a 4 nighter and had ice at the end with this. What I did was to freeze as much of the food as possible before leaving and then I enclosed the cooler in a garbage bag for the trip. When I went into it, it was only for what I needed and I did this quickly. Although crushed ice will actually cool better than blocks, it does not last as long. Especially the ice that is bought in bags at those quick stops. It's barely below freezing in those coolers. I'd say to check your cooler for any deformed panels or lid. That can happen from excessive sun heat. If you don't think that you cooler is efficient, get a better quality one. White is generally a better color for keeping things cool. Keep the cooler out of the sun and the wind and add a barrier insulation as I and others have suggested. With some of the larger boats, you can devote a locker to this. Insulate an underseat area on all sides with foam insulation and then put the cooler into that area. A big one, you may want to keep your beverages seperate from your food stuff in tow coolers. Kids can have a way of opening these coolers all the time for a soda pop but then they forget to close them.
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