Want to add a built in cooler

[dwhite1031]

I have a 2009 tracker Pro16 ModV bass boat. I'd really like to buld in a small cooler. Has anyone done anything like this or have any ideas? I had thought about adding it in the open area of the cockpit just in front of the livewell deck area. It would also double as a small step onto the deck or even a jump seat. I plan on carpeting it to match the boar carpet and adding a bottom drain also. The area I'm describing is the red box in the picture.

Click on the image for a larger view.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Want to add a built in cooler

Just my .02

Building a cooler and permanently mounting it to your deck will probably cost way more than buying a nice cooler and adding some corner brackets with straps to hold it down...

Check some of the cooler websites like Igloo, Coleman, Yeti and some of the retailers like Sears and Walmart... maybe you'll get some ideas...

Then again, if you absolutely, positively want to build a custom cooler for your boat...the guys here can definitely help you figure out what you need to do...

Best regards,
GT1M

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Want to add a built in cooler

Oh no. I'm planning a built in cooler for my project boat too, and my buddy GT1M is recommending against it!

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Want to add a built in cooler

I am with Gt on this one. Get a good marine cooler and mount it with corner brackets.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Want to add a built in cooler

I'm actually working on a built in fish box cooler as we speak. I'm hoping to get some time on it this weekend. I think our goals might be a little different but maybe we can share ideas anyway.

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Want to add a built in cooler

I am with Gt on this one. Get a good marine cooler and mount it with corner brackets.

But don't forget the Wow factor...

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Want to add a built in cooler

I'm actually working on a built in fish box cooler as we speak. I'm hoping to get some time on it this weekend. I think our goals might be a little different but maybe we can share ideas anyway.

Goals may be different, but if its got insulation, an inner liner, and maybe a drain, we are all headed in the same direction.

Got a construction plan yet?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Want to add a built in cooler

Got a construction plan yet?

Yup, sure do - I'll post up when I get a little further along.

 

[dwhite1031]

Re: Want to add a built in cooler

Just my .02

Building a cooler and permanently mounting it to your deck will probably cost way more than buying a nice cooler and adding some corner brackets with straps to hold it down...

Check some of the cooler websites like Igloo, Coleman, Yeti and some of the retailers like Sears and Walmart... maybe you'll get some ideas...

Then again, if you absolutely, positively want to build a custom cooler for your boat...the guys here can definitely help you figure out what you need to do...

Best regards,
GT1M

Thanks for the reply. I've had a marine cooler in the spot where I'm wanting to build one in since I bought the boat in '09. It's an Igloo 25 quart marine cooler. Problem is, out here in hot and dry West Texas, the lid now has "waves" in it. It still seals and cools great, I'm just wary of stepping on it getting on and off the front deck. I'd go the same route, but I'll just end up buying new coolers every so often.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Want to add a built in cooler

Thanks for the reply. I've had a marine cooler in the spot where I'm wanting to build one in since I bought the boat in '09. It's an Igloo 25 quart marine cooler. Problem is, out here in hot and dry West Texas, the lid now has "waves" in it. It still seals and cools great, I'm just wary of stepping on it getting on and off the front deck. I'd go the same route, but I'll just end up buying new coolers every so often.

You are most welcome, Sir.

Just another thought, and sort of a question, too...

Could you maybe build a better, more solid, plywood, foam, plywood sandwich, and coat it with either poly resin or epoxy, lid to put on your existing cooler...OR...

If you still want to do a built in, you could probably use some form of lightweight ply/foam/ply construction, coated in epoxy, and some aluminum angles riveted to the floor with 3M 4200 or 5200 to seal everything up...

Again, just throwing out some ideas...

Best Regards,
GT1M