We’re in full swing of the summer boating season in Minnesota, the perfect time to get out on the water with all of your favorite people! But, before you head out, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to make sure your day on the lake goes smoothly.
You know to bring life jackets, sunscreen, and towels for everyone. Of course, you won’t forget to make sure you’ve got plenty of beverages and snacks for the day. But what about a cooler where you can store those snacks and drinks? Finding the perfect cooler for your boat can be something of a challenge due to the unique requirements of a boat cooler. Since space is limited, you don’t want something super bulky, and since you’ll be spending the day in the sun, it needs to be a cooler that is up to the job. Read on for our tips on how to choose the best cooler for your boat.
Choosing the Right Cooler
When you’re out on the lake, having a good cooler is more than just a simple matter of convenience. It’s as much about food safety as it is about comfort. Storing food at improper temperatures can lead to food safety concerns. That’s why it's essential to choose a cooler that can retain a safe food temperature all day long, even after many hours of exposure to direct sunlight.
Rather than purchasing a traditional cooler, experts recommend purchasing a marine cooler that’s manufactured for some of the challenges of marine use. Not only are these high-performance coolers designed to maintain safe food temperatures in the harsh summer heat, but they’re built for durability in the unique marine environment. Many of these coolers are also sturdy enough for saltwater use if expand your adventures to the sea. It’s not uncommon for a higher-end marine cooler to keep ice solid up to three times as long as a traditional cooler.
Here are a few more things you should consider when choosing your marine cooler:
● Size
Before choosing a cooler, it’s a good idea to think about how much you’re going to need to store in one. If you’re taking longer trips and have the room, you’ll need a much larger-capacity cooler. The largest marine coolers can run as large as 350-quart capacity. When looking at cooler sizes, don’t forget to measure your boat and find out what size of cooler will fit best.
● Stability
A cooler that shifts weight and slides around your boat is a liability and safety hazard. Many marine coolers account for this with rubber feet and added weight, but be sure to check first before purchasing. Another option is to look into a cooler mounting kit or rack. These add-ons allow you to secure your cooler in a location of your choosing.
● Manufacturer
Don’t underestimate the value of a good consumer review. Although there are plenty of great off-brand coolers on the market, it’s always important to do your due diligence and research the brand to find out what other customers are saying.
● Features
Like we mentioned above, marine coolers are designed to handle challenging marine environments. Some of the features to keep an eye out for are anti-rust hardware, skid resistance, and UV insulation. They can double as seats or casting platforms. You can even find models with features like bottle openers, beverage holders, and rod holders, to name a few fun ones.
Get Your Minnesota Marine Products
Once you’ve picked out a cooler, be sure to get everything else you need to make the most out of your summer lake time this season. At Canvasworks, we manufacture a complete range of custom marine products including bimini tops, boat upholstery, and boat covers. Check out our custom boat upholstery online and then give us a call at 320-559-0165 to find out more. Or connect with us online to order your custom boat canopy or another marine product today!