A great marine cooler will keep drinks, food and fish cold and fresh for long periods of time while out on the water in hot weather.
There are a number of top boat coolers to choose from with each having its own strengths.
The best boat coolers are:
- Best Overall: Engel Cooler UC19
- Best For Ice Retention Time: Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler (36 quartz)
- Best Small Lightweight Cooler: AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack Soft Cooler
- Best For Fishing: Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler
- Best Cooler For Easy Transporting: Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme
- Best Heavy Duty Cooler: YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
These marine coolers offer great storage capacity and good ice retention to ensure the items in the cooler remain ice-cold and refrigerated for as long as necessary in warm conditions.
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1. Engel Cooler UC19
The best overall cooler for boating is the Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler manufactured by the cooler and portable refrigeration brand Engel in Thailand and sold worldwide.
Most retailers price the Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler between $90 and $115. This cooler comes with a 5-year warranty.
The storage capacity of the Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler is 19 quarts which means it can store and keep 25lbs of ice and 30 twelve oz. cans ice cold.
The Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler ice retention time is approximately 2 days at an ambient temperature of 32°F which means boaters can easily store their drinks, food, and fish and keep them fresh and ice cold for up to two days.
Using block ice under 32°F will help keep the cooler ice cold for a longer duration as block ice melts slower than cubed ice.
The Engel Cooler comes in 4 sizes but the 19 quarts capacity cooler is the best option for most recreational boaters as it will provide plenty of cooling storage space for most boating and fishing activities.
The external dimensions of the Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler are 16 3/4" x 11" x 12 3/4".
The internal dimensions of the Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler are 10" x 13 1/2" x 8".
These dimensions mean this cooler can fit neatly on most boat decks.
The Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler package includes the cooler with a handle on the top and 1 hanging removable accessory tray inside the cooler. There are two slots on the left and right-hand sides of this cooler that can be used to attach straps for carrying it or tying it down while onboard the boat.
The ideal ice to content ratio of the Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler is two-thirds ice with one-third being drinks and food/fish. This will ensure the best cooling results and ensure everything remains ice-cold and fresh for the longest possible time.
The Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler can operate in temperatures up to 120°F assuming the lid is not opened frequently.
There are 12 colors of the Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler to choose from including:
- Black exterior with a white interior
- Light blue exterior with a white interior
- Camouflage exterior with dark brown interior
- Coral exterior with a white interior
- Iced mango exterior with a white interior
- Orange exterior with a white interior
- Red and blue exterior with a white interior
- Sea foam exterior with a white interior
- Silver exterior with a dark grey interior
- Tan exterior with a dark brown interior
- White exterior with a dark brown interior
- Yellow high visibility exterior with a white interior
The weight of the Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler is 5 1/2 pounds. The materials used in this cooler are stainless steel latches secured with stainless steel screws, ethylene-vinyl acetate gasket seal, high-grade molded polystyrene foam insulation interior, PP Copolymer injection molded exterior, ABS carry handles and integrated shoulder straps (PP).
The benefits of the Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler are:
- It has a great 5-year warranty: This Engel UC19 Cooler comes with a 5-year warranty which adds peace of mind for buyers
- There are multiple colors to choose from: Buyers of this cooler have great color choices to choose from with 12 colors offered
- Excellent waterproof & airtight seal: A great EVA gasket around the lid helps provide an airtight seal and ensures excellent ice retention
Two disadvantages of the Engel Cooler UC19 Drybox Storage-Cooler are there are no wheels to help move it around when it is full and at peak capacity and some of the color options fade over time like the high visibility yellow color and the sea foam color.
2. Igloo Marine Ultra Cooler
The best marine cooler for ice retention is the Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler manufactured by the brand Igloo in Katy, Texas, America and sold worldwide.
Most retailers price the Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler between $45 and $65 which is great value for money. This cooler comes with a 1-year manufacturer's defects warranty. It comes in a white color only.
The storage capacity of the Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler is 36 quarts (36 liters) which means it can store up to 56 twelve oz. cans.
The Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler ice retention time is approximately 3 days at an ambient temperature of 30°F. The 3 days ice retention time only occurs when the lid of the cooler is not opened frequently.
The Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade Cooler comes in 4 sizes but the 36 quarts capacity cooler is the best option for most recreational boaters as it provides plenty of storage space and is great value for money.
The dimensions below are listed as length x width x height.
The external dimensions of the Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt are 24" x 13.56" x 13".
The internal dimensions of the Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt are 19.75" x 10.5" x 10.25" for the top of the inside of this cooler and 18.5" x 9.5" x 10.25" for the bottom of the inside of this cooler.
The Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler package includes the cooler with a handle on the left side and a handle on the right side of the cooler and an operation manual with warranty information.
The ideal ice to content ratio of the Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler is one-half ice and one-half drinks and food/fish. This will ensure the best cooling results and ensure everything remains ice-cold and fresh for the longest possible time.
The Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler can operate in temperatures up to 130°F assuming the lid is not opened frequently.
The weight of the Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler is 7.1 pounds. The materials used in this cooler are rust-resistant stainless-steel screws and lid strap, marine-grade riteflex resin hinges, 2 non-slip comfort grip handles, ultratherm insulated body and lid and a polypropylene exterior.
The benefits of the Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler are:
- It has a long ice retention time: This cooler can keep food and drinks fresh for up to 3 days which is a great length of time to have the items remain fresh in cold storage while out boating on the waters
- It is a great price: This cooler is priced between $45 and $65 which is a great price with excellent value for money
- It can be used as an extra seat: The robust construction of this cooler means it can also be used as an extra seat while out boating
- It comes with UV inhibitor coating: This cooler comes with a UV inhibitor coating that protects the exterior of the cooler from UV damage in hot sunny weather. This also helps prevent color fading
One disadvantage of the Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler is it only comes in one color which is white so buyers cannot choose from multiple color options.
3. AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack Soft Cooler
The best lightweight cooler for boating is the AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack Soft Cooler manufactured by the brand AO Coolers in California, America and sold worldwide.
This is the best lightweight cooler because it weighs just 2.95 pounds.
Most retailers price the AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack Soft Cooler between $85 and $95 which is a competitive price for a cooler. This cooler comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the liner and top zipper of the cooler.
The storage capacity of the AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack Soft Cooler is 24 twelve oz. cans plus 14 pounds of ice or food.
The AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack Soft Cooler ice retention time is approximately 24 hours at an ambient temperature of 32°F. The 24-hour ice retention time only occurs when the cooler is fully zipped up and it is not opened frequently.
The AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler comes in 4 sizes with the 24 can size being the best option for most recreational boaters on day trips. The 24 can cooler is also AOS Coolers most popular selling cooler.
The dimensions below are listed as length x width x height.
The external dimensions of the AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler 24 Pack are 17” x 10” x 12”.
The internal dimensions of the AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler 24 Pack are 15.5” x 8.5” x 10.5”.
The AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler 24 Pack comes in a package that includes the cooler with a removable nylon shoulder strap, a side pocket for dry items and an operation booklet with warranty registration information.
The ideal ice to content ratio of the AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler 24 Pack is 40% ice to 60% drinks and food/fish. This will ensure the best cooling results and ensure everything remains ice-cold and fresh for the longest possible time.
The AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler 24 Pack can operate in temperatures up to 120°F assuming the zip is not opened frequently.
There are 8 colors of the AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler 24 Pack to choose from including:
- Black
- Bluefin
- Charcoal
- Manta
- Mossy Oak
- Navy
- Red
- Royal Blue
Buyers can personalize their cooler with their own unique embroidery option and fonts too if they purchase the cooler directly from the brand.
The weight of the AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler 24 Pack is 2.95 pounds. The materials used in this cooler are 600 denier canvas exterior with polyethylene film to prevent moisture and sweating, a heavy weight TPU liner that prevents leaks, a nylon removable shoulder strap to help with carrying and a 0.75-inch interior high density polyurethane foam insulation that helps keep everything cool.
The benefits of the AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler 24 Pack are:
- It is lightweight and easy to carry: This cooler weighs just 2.95lbs and has multiple straps and handles to easily carry and maneuver it onboard a boat
- Its soft material won't damage boat surfaces: The soft canvas material will not scratch or damage the boat deck or any surfaces on the boat
- There are multiple color options to choose from: Buyers of this cooler can choose from 8 color options and find their own favorite color for the cooler
- Buyers can personalize it: When buying this cooler directly from the brand, buyers have a great option of being able to personalize their cooler with their own embroidery option and they can choose from various fonts and colors when availing of the personalization option
One disadvantage of the AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler 24 Pack is when it is at full capacity, it can be a little tricky to maneuver when onboard the boat.
4. Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler
The best boat cooler for fishing is the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler manufactured by the brand Igloo in Katy, Texas, America and sold worldwide.
Most retailers price the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler between $280 and $320. It comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
The storage capacity of the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler is 70 quarts (70 liters) which means it can store 112 twelve oz. cans.
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler ice retention time is approximately 4 days s at an ambient temperature of 30°F. The 4-day ice retention time only occurs when the cooler lid is closed and not opened regularly.
The Igloo Trailmate Journey Cooler comes in one size which is the 70 quarts size.
The dimensions below are listed as length x width x height.
The external dimensions of the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler are 34.59" x 19.7" x 23.61".
The internal dimensions of the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler are 23" x 14" x 11.5".
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler comes in a package that includes the cooler with wheels, 1 removable butler tray, 1 dry goods basket, 2 fishing rod/umbrella holders, 1 booklet with operation and warranty information.
The ideal ice to content ratio of the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler is 50% ice to 50% drinks or food/fish. This will ensure the best cooling results and ensure everything remains ice-cold and fresh for the longest possible time.
The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler can operate in temperatures up to 130°F assuming the lid is not opened frequently.
There are 6 colors of the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler to choose from including:
- Grey
- Acid Green & Grey
- Brown & Grey
- Eco Green & Grey
- Olive Green & Grey
- White & Black
The weight of the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler is 34.7 pounds. The materials used in this cooler are thermecool eco-friendly insulated lid/body with cool riser technology, a threaded drain plug with a stainless steel keeper, a telescoping aluminum handle, a plastic butler tray, nylon netting and stainless steel hinges and UV inhibitor coating to protect the exterior material against sun damage.
The benefits of the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler are:
- It comes with 2 built-in fishing rod holders: This cooler comes with 2 built-in holder that can hold fishing rods or umbrellas
- It has many great features: The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler comes with top features including 1 separate dry good storage pouch, 2 fishing rod holders, 1 butler tray, 2 bottle openers, 2 oversized wheels and molded cup holders
- It has a great 1-year warranty: The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler has a great 1-year warranty which gives potential buyers added peace of mind
- It is easy to move and transport: The 2 oversized wheels and a long telescoping handle helps move this cooler around easily
One disadvantage of the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler is it is heavy at 34.7 pounds.
5. Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler
The best boat cooler for easy transporting is the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler manufactured by the brand Coleman in Texas, Kansas and Chicago in America and sold worldwide.
This cooler is the best for maneuverability because it comes with wheels and a long and tall handle to easily move it around.
Most retailers price the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler between $50 and $65 which is great value for money. This cooler comes with a 1-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects. It comes in one color which is a blue and white mix only.
The storage capacity of the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler is 50 quarts which means it can store up to 84 twelve oz. cans or 50 liters.
The Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler ice retention time is approximately 5 days at an ambient temperature of 30°F. The 5-day ice retention time only occurs when the cooler lid is fully sealed and it is not opened frequently.
The Coleman Xtreme Cooler comes in 2 sizes with the 50 quart size being the best option for most recreational boaters.
The dimensions below are listed as length x width x height.
The external dimensions of the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler are 22.6” x 17.6” x 17.5”
The interior dimensions of the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler are 17.8” x 12.9” x 13.1”.
The Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler comes in a package that includes the wheeled cooler with heavy-duty wheels and a booklet with operation details and warranty information.
The ideal ice to content ratio of the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler is 1/3 ice to 2/3 drinks and food/fish. This will ensure the best cooling results and ensure everything remains ice-cold and fresh for the longest possible time.
The Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler can operate optimally in temperatures up to 90°F assuming the lid is not opened frequently.
The weight of the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler is 12.7 pounds. The materials used in this cooler are plastic, a low CO2 thermozone insulation that contains no toxic CFCs, HFCs, or HCFCs, a leak-resistant plastic drain, 2 plastic wheels and a long, telescoping handle and stainless steel screws and hinges.
The benefits of the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler are:
- It is easy to maneuver it on a boat: With two wheels and a tall locking telescoping handle, this cooler is easy to move around
- It is a great price: This cooler is a great price with most retailers pricing it between $50 and $60
- It has 4 molded-in cup holders: The Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler has 4 cup holders molded into the lid which is great for holding drinks when out on the boat
- The lid can be used as a seat: The lid of the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler can also be used as a seat. It can seat up to 250 pounds which is great as people can use it as a seat while onboard
- A drain makes it easy to clean: There is an interior drain for removing the contents of the cooler without having to turn it upside down. This makes it much easier to clean compared to other coolers
Two disadvantages of the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler are it only operates optimally at temperatures up to 90°F which is not very hot compared to some hot days and it only comes with one color option.
According to Coleman, the Coleman 50 Quart Xtreme Cooler is the official cooler of the National Park Foundation.
6. Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
The best heavy duty boat cooler is the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler manufactured by the brand YETI in Texas, America and sold worldwide.
This is the best heavy duty cooler because it is of a rotomolded construction which is durable and strong.
Most retailers price the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler between $330 and $450. This cooler comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty.
The storage capacity of the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler is 45 quarts (45 liters) which means it can store 37 lbs of ice or 54 twelve oz. cans.
The YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler ice retention time is approximately 2 days at an ambient temperature of 28°F which means boaters can easily store their drinks, food, and fish and keep them fresh and ice cold for up to 2 days.
The YETI Tundra Hard Cooler comes in 12 sizes but the 45 quarts capacity cooler is the best option for most recreational boaters as it will provide plenty of cooling storage space for most boating and fishing activities.
The external dimensions of the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler are 25.6"W x 15.9"D x 15.5"H.
The internal dimensions of the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler are 18.3"W x 9.4"D x 10.7"H.
The YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler package includes the cooler, one interior dry goods basket and one booklet with operation and warranty information.
The ideal ice to content ratio of the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler is 2:1 ice to content. This will ensure the best cooling results and ensure everything remains ice-cold and fresh for the longest possible time.
The YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler can operate in temperatures up to 140°F assuming the lid is not opened frequently.
There are 12 colors of the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler to choose from including:
- White
- Desert Tan
- Alpine Yellow
- Coral
- Harvest Red
- King Crab
- Navy
- Nordic Blue
- Nordic Purple
- River Green
- Sagebrush Green
- Seafoam
The weight of the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler is 24.6 pounds. The materials used in this cooler are doublehail handles made from military-grade polyester ropes, a fatwall design that provides 2 inches of insulation, pressure-injected polyurethane locks with permafrost insulation, T-Rex lid latches which are heavy-duty rubber latches made from YETI patented technology, coldlock gasket which is a freezer quality gasket that blocks heat and a rotomolded construction that helps to keep the cooler extremely strong and durable.
The benefits of the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler are:
- It is made of highly durable and tough material: With 2 inches of insulations in the walls and the lid and rotomolded construction, this cooler can withstand larger forces without getting damaged
- It comes with a great 5-year warranty: The YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler comes with a great long 5-year warranty for added peace of mind
- It can be used as an extra seat: The YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler can be used as an extra seat onboard a boat and it can seat a person weighing up to 300 pounds
- There are plenty of color options to choose from: Buyers have plenty of color options with 12 colors to choose from
One disadvantage of the YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler is it is heavy to carry with an empty weight of 24.6 pounds.
Top Marine Coolers Comparison Table
What To Consider When Buying A Cooler For Boating
The factors to consider when buying a top boat cooler are:
- Storage Capacity
- Ice Retention Time
- Price
- Dimensions
- Weight & Maneuverability
Storage Capacity
The storage capacity is an important factor to consider when buying a top marine cooler. Some boat owners may only need a small storage capacity of around 19 quarts whereas others may want a large cooler of over 100 quarts to store lots of fish/food or beverages.
Ice Retention Time
Another important factor to consider when buying a boat cooler is the ice retention time i.e. how long a cooler can keep your drinks/food/fish cool. Some coolers only keep items cool for 12 to 24 hours whereas others may keep items cool for up to 5 days.
Price
The price is another important factor to consider when buying a marine cooler. A boater's budget will play a big role in deciding which cooler to purchase.
Some great marine coolers are cheap at a price of $ while others are more expensive with a price tag of $450.
Dimensions
The dimensions of a boat cooler are another important factor to consider when buying one as some boat owners can only fit smaller coolers onboard the boat.
Weight & Maneuverability
The weight and maneuverability are factors to consider when buying a top cooler for boating. Some boat owners prefer lighter under 5lbs coolers to make it easier to move the cooler around whereas others may prefer mind larger coolers over 20 lbs.
Frequently Asked Question About The Best Coolers For Boating
Below are some commonly asked questions about the top coolers for boating.
What Are The Best Marine Cooler Brands?
The best marine cooler brands are:
- Igloo
- Engel
- YETI
- Coleman
- AO Coolers
How Much Do Top Boat Coolers Cost?
The best boat coolers cost between $45 and $450.
How Much Does The Cheapest Top Marine Coolers Cost?
The cheapest top marine cooler costs $45. This is the Igloo Marine Ultra Commercial Grade 36 Qt Cooler.
How Much Does The Most Expensive Top Marine Cooler Cost?
The most expensive top marine cooler costs $450. This is the Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler.
What Is The Most Popular Size Top Boat Cooler?
The most popular size top boat cooler is 19 quarts.
What Is The Least Popular Size Top Boat Cooler?
The least popular size top boat cooler is 300 quarts.
What Is The Most Popular Colored Boat Cooler?
The most popular colored boat cooler is white.
What Is The Least Popular Colored Boat Cooler?
The least popular colored boat cooler is coral.
What Is The Heaviest Top Marine Cooler?
The heaviest top marine cooler is the Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler with a weight of 34.7 pounds.
What Is The Lightest Top Marine Cooler?
The lightest top marine cooler is the AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack Soft Cooler with a weight of 2.95 pounds.
What Top Marine Cooler Has The Longest Warranty?
The top marine coolers with the longest warranties are the Yeti Tundra and Engel Cooler UC19 with a 5 year warranty.