Updated September 2, 2024
When you head out on your next boat excursion you’ll need cold storage to preserve your food and beverages, bait if you’re planning to fish, and of course, your catch when you are successful.
Why would you want a “marine” cooler? What makes a “marine” cooler special? When you tackle life on the water it is important to take into account the temperature, sunlight, corrosion, especially in seawater, and the bumps and scrapes inherent in a rocking boat.
Which marine coolers out there can best do the job? After surveying the field, a list of ten representing the best has been selected. Each is described with key features outlined. Photos and videos are presented to help illuminate, followed by a comparison table, and a simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For other reviews of kayaks, boats, and boating gear and accessories, please check out these posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Small Outboard Motors / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
Best Marine Cooler Review
- RTIC Cooler, 45 Quart
- Igloo Ultra Marine Cooler
- Yeti Tundra 65 Marine Cooler
- Coleman Coastal Xtreme 120 Quart Marine Cooler
- Coleman Steel-Belted Marine Cooler
- Pelican 50QT Elite Marine Cooler
- Igloo Marine Breeze Roller Cooler
- Engel Eng50 High Performance Marine Cooler
- Orca 75 Quart Marine Cooler
- Camco Currituck Heavy Duty Marine Cooler
Best Marine Cooler Comparison Table
| Picture | Marine Coolers | Capacity | Weight | External Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | RTIC Cooler, 45 Quart | 45 quarts | 25 pounds | 26.5" x 15.87" x 16.5" | $$$ |
  | Igloo Ultra Marine Cooler | 94 quarts | 16.7 pounds | 34.5" x 16.75" x 17.63" | $$ |
  | Yeti Tundra 65 Marine Cooler | 52 quarts | 29 pounds | 30.5" x 17.5" x 16" | $$$$ |
  | Coleman Coastal Xtreme 120 Quart Marine Cooler | 120 quarts | 22 pounds (shipping weight) | 36.8 x 19.3 x 18.75" | $ |
  | Coleman Steel-Belted Marine Cooler | 54 quarts | 18.8 pounds (shipping weight) | 25.1" x 17.5" x 17.2" | $ |
  | Pelican 50QT Elite Marine Cooler | 50 quarts | 26.4 pounds | 30" x 20.3" x 20.4" | $$$$ |
  | Igloo Marine Breeze Roller Cooler | 28 quarts | 5 pounds | 18.5" x 13.4" x 16.1" | $$ |
  | Engel Eng50 High Performance Marine Cooler | 50 quarts | 24 pounds | 24.25" x 17.5" x 18.25" | $$$ |
  | Orca 75 Quart Marine Cooler | 75 quarts | 35 pounds | 35" x 19" x 19" | $$$$ |
  | Camco Currituck Heavy Duty Marine Cooler | 58 quarts | 26.5 pounds | 18.2 x 27.5 x 16 inches | $$$ |
| Picture | Marine Coolers | Capacity | Weight | External Dimensions | Price |
The RTIC 45-quart cooler has durable rotomolded construction, 3-inch insulated walls, and a freezer-grade gasket that provides great long-term cold retention for up to 10 days.
The non-slip rubber feet deliver traction great for boats which allows the cooler to serve as a bench, tabletop, cutting board, or stool in addition to maintaining food, ice, and perishables.
If the 45-quart model exceeds your space and needs, there is a smaller 20-quart model. If you require more cold storage, 65, 110, and 145-quart models are also available.
- Rotomolded construction
- 3-inch insulated walls
- Strong sealing lid
- Rapid drain system
- Durable T-latches, non-slip feet, integrated locking system, molded side handles
- The line includes 20, 65, 110, and 145-quart models
- Choice of 4 colors
- External Dimensions: 26.5″ x 15.87″ x 16.5″
- Capacity: 45 quarts, 36 12-ounce cans, 40 pounds of ice
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Price: $$$
This large 94-quart marine cooler is one of seven in the Igloo Ultra Marine line.
Ultratherm insulation keeps ice frozen for up to five days and durable materials and hinges support up to 300 pounds on the lid.
UV inhibitors protect the surface and the interior is refrigeration-quality with stain and odor resistance.
Igloo is a well-respected brand and the pricing is quite reasonable for the size.
- Polyethylene exterior, polypropylene interior
- Ultratherm insulation
- Stainless steel and plastic hybrid lid latch
- Lid supports up to 300 pounds
- Molded measuring ruler on the lid
- UV protection
- Stain and odor-resistant interior
- 2 plastic handles
- Threaded drain plug
- Line includes 28, 30, 36, 54, 128, and 164-quart models
- External Dimensions: 5″ x 16.75″ x 17.63″
- Capacity: 94 quarts, 140 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 16.7 pounds
- Price: $$
The Yeti Tundra is the model all the competitors try to match but few come close.
The 65 provides great thermal protection with fat walls and PermaFrost insulation, a good sealing cold-lock gasket, and heavy-duty T-Rex lid latches.
The rotomolded construction makes it durable and tie-down slots, two handle systems, a leak-proof drainage system, non-slip feet, and a dry goods basket make it easy to use.
The implied 65-quart capacity is misleading as the actual capacity is 52 quarts. Nonetheless, this cooler will be great for a day on the water or a picnic or barbecue.
- Rotomolded polyethylene construction
- Up to 2 inches of PermaFrost insulation
- Cold-lock gasket
- Heavy-duty rubber T-Rex lid latches
- Tie-down slots
- Polyester rope handles and handles on the lip
- Leak-proof Vortex drain system
- Non-slip feet
- Includes dry goods basket
- Line includes nominally 35, 45, 75, 105, 110, 125, 160, 210, 250, and 350-quart models
- External Dimensions: 30.5″ x 17.5″ x 16″
- Capacity: 52 quarts, 52 pounds of ice, 42 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Price: $$$$
Coleman Coastal Xtreme 120 Quart Marine Cooler
The Coleman Coastal Xtreme 120 is a large budget-priced marine cooler with great features for the money.
It is sturdy enough to support 250 pounds of weight on the lid, perfect as a bench for marine use, and the insulation is substantial enough to retain ice for five days.
It has four handy cup holders in the lid, easy-to-grip handles, and corrosion and rust-resistant hardware.
There is plenty of space for your perishables or 204 cans of beer for a day of fishing or partying.
- Insulated lid and extra wall insulation
- UV protection
- Lid supports up to 250 pounds of weight
- 4 molded cup holders in the lid
- 5-day ice retention
- Stainless steel, rust-resistant hardware
- Comfort grip, no crush handles
- Threaded, leak-resistant drain
- External Dimensions: 36.8 x 19.3 x 18.75″
- Capacity: 120 quarts, 204 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 22 pounds (shipping weight)
- Price: $
Coleman Steel-Belted Marine Cooler
The Coleman Steel Belted Cooler has the same classic design that has been around for generations.
This 54-quart model has a painted steel body that comes in six colors and is sturdy enough to support a 250-pounder like me sitting or standing on it.
It’ll store 78 beverage cans and keep them icy for up to 4 days.
The latch and hardware parts are all rust-resistant stainless steel and the leak-resistant channel drain requires no tilting to void the cavity of liquid.
Still very low-priced, it is durable enough for many years of service.
- Painted steel body
- 4-day ice retention at 90 degrees F external temperature
- Lid supports up to 250 pounds of weight
- Rust-resistant stainless steel latch and hardware
- Comfort grip steel handles
- Leak-resistant channel drain requires no tilting
- 6 available colors
- External Dimensions: 25.1″ x 17.5″ x 17.2″
- Capacity: 54 quarts, 78 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 18.8 pounds (shipping weight)
- Price: $
Pelican 50QT Elite Marine Cooler
The Pelican 50QT Elite is a top-quality marine cooler that can take on the biggest of challenges with a remarkable 7-10 day ice retention capability.
It has durable and convenient features including secure press-and-pull latches, a reinforced lockable hasp, no-skid raised feet, a built-in bottle opener and cup holders, and more.
It’s great for tailgating, camping, or a fishing trip and Pelican is so secure in quality that it provides a lifetime guarantee.
- 2-inch polyurethane insulation
- Freezer-grade gasket
- 7-10 day ice retention
- Press and pull latches
- Molded handles and tie-down slots
- Reinforced lockable hasp
- Built-in bottle opener and 4 self-draining cup holders
- Stainless steel hardware
- Raised non-slip, non-marking feet
- Available in 10 colors and combinations
- External Dimensions: 30″ x 20.3″ x 20.4″
- Capacity: 50 quarts
- Weight: 26.4 pounds
- Guaranteed for life
- Price: $$$$
Igloo Marine Breeze Roller Cooler
The Igloo Marine Breeze has a 28-quart capacity and is the only roller model reviewed here.
It also sports a handy push-button and locking telescoping handle for easy transport and loading.
Ultratherm insulation will keep up to 41 beverage cans icy all day in this rugged, lightweight roto-molded container.
The white exterior reflects the sun and the high-density polypropylene is UV resistant adding to the longevity of this modestly priced marine cooler.
- Rotomolded polypropylene construction
- Igloo Ultratherm insulation
- Tight-fitting snap-open and shut lid
- Stainless steel fittings
- Soft-side non-marking wheels
- Telescoping handle
- Molded side handles
- Molded cup holders
- UV resistant
- Drip and rust-resistant drain plug
- External Dimensions: 18.5″ x 13.4″ x 16.1″
- Capacity: 28 quarts, 41 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Price: $$
Engel Eng50 High Performance Marine Cooler
Engel’s Eng50 is a top-performance 48-quart marine cooler.
The super-durable construction even has a weight disbursement system making the top strong and stable enough to use for casting.
High-density insulation and an efficient air-tight gasket seal allow for up to 10 days of ice retention.
Security lock holes and the compression latches make it impenetrable to bears and it has an easy-draining tapered bottom.
Engel shows confidence in the quality and durability by offering a 10-year warranty.
- Rotomolded construction
- High-density polypropylene insulation
- Up to 10-day ice retention
- Air-tight silicone gasket seal
- Stainless steel compression latch system
- Security lock holes
- Dry ice compatible
- Easy draining tapered bottom
- Non-marking replaceable rubber feet
- Weight disbursement system, non-slip top, good for casting
- UV-resistant material
- 7 colors and combinations are available
- 10-year warranty
- External Dimensions: 24.25″ x 17.5″ x 18.25″
- Capacity: 48 quarts
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Price: $$$
The Orca 75 is another extremely durable high-quality cooler especially suitable for camping and marine use.
Integrated insulation, a good sealing gasket, and rugged rubber latches allow up to 10-day ice retention to keep up to 90 cans of beer cold and/or your essential food safe from spoilage.
The flex-grip handles extend for solo or tandem portage and security lock holes and a rugged rubber latch system eliminates bear pilfering.
Ask about the lifetime service warranty that the manufacturer advertises.
- Rotomolded construction
- High-density polypropylene insulation
- Integrated insulation for up to 10-day ice retention
- Lid gasket for a tight seal
- Flex-grip handles
- Heavy-duty rubber latches
- Security lock holes
- Dry ice compatible
- Easy flow drainage spout
- External Dimensions: 35″ x 19″ x 19″
- Capacity: 75 quarts, up to 90 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Price: $$$$
Camco Currituck Heavy Duty Marine Cooler
The Camco Currituck is a heavy-duty rotomolded model with thick walls, a fully sealing gasket, and full-length integrated hinges for superior insulation.
Easy-use features include ramped drainage, 90-degree locking handles for knuckle crunching avoidance, and sturdy rubber tension latches.
It also has reversible feet, a storage basket for separating items, room for 48 12-ounce beverage cans, and a generous 5-year warranty.
- Rotomolded construction
- Thick, seamless walls for superior ice retention
- Fully sealing gasket for a tight seal
- Full length integrated hinges
- Durable rubber tension latches
- 90-degree locking handles
- Ramped drainage with 1.6” plug and chain
- Reversible feet
- Includes a powder-coated steel basket
- External Dimensions: 18.25″ x 27.5″ x 16″
- Capacity: 58 quarts, 60 pounds of ice, up to 48 12-ounce cans
- Weight: 26.5 pounds
- 5-year warranty
- Price: $$$
Marine Cooler Buying Guide
Types
Two basic types are available, soft-sided and hardshell.
Soft-sided models are usually smaller, more portable, easy to use, and available in various designs that will keep the contents cold for a relatively short period of time.
The hardshell models, like those reviewed here, are made of rotomolded materials or steel. They have more durability and are generally capable of keeping contents cold for longer periods of time.
Ice Retention
This is a key feature to consider when deciding which cooler can best preserve your food, drinks, and other perishables for a suitable time frame for your intended use.
Typical models designed for marine use can retain ice for up to 3 days. Some of the best can take that time up to 10 days. Top coolers have heavy-duty construction with insulation of 2-3 inches in the walls and lid. These materials are often specially designed and have names like “Permafrost” or “Ultratherm.” Outside temperature also impacts the ice retention time and a white color best reflects the sun’s heat. An effective gasket seal is important as well as quality latches and drain valves.
Durability
A cooler used on the water or land needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the bumps and scrapes of usage, especially with a heavy load of ice and perishables inside or when serving as seating or a platform.
Heavy-duty overall construction is required including not only the shell material but also the hinges and latches. Rotomolded plastics are standard for the shell but stainless steel is still in use and can be durable. Hinges, latches, and other components should be corrosion-resistant stainless steel and effectively designed for sturdiness.
Size and Capacity
Coolers come in a range of sizes and are usually rectangular. Keep in mind the space available for transport and onboard to make sure it will fit. Your calculations should account for any fixed handles that protrude.
The capacity for models reviewed here is usually available in quarts. (A liter is .946 of a quart.) Many manufacturers will conveniently convert the quarts figure to the weight of ice or cans of 12-ounce beverages.
Generally, ice retention in larger models is longer than in smaller ones.
Portability
Marine coolers with significant ice retention capabilities have rugged construction and when loaded with ice, beer, and other perishables are heavy. Look for designs that have effective handles or even wheels to facilitate easy transport.
Other Factors to Consider
UV-resistant materials can inhibit sun damage and lengthen the life of the cooler.
Drainage – One or two leak-proof valves for drainage aid in cleaning.
Handles – Several options are available. Inflexible plastic handles are useful for heavy coolers. Recessed handles save space. Flexible rope handles are an option some prefer.
Latches and hinges are points of weakness and can be a source of leakage. Stainless steel hinges and latches are generally sturdier than plastic ones.
Slip-resistant feet help secure the cooler in place on an unsteady surface.
Measuring Area – A ruler on top is an excellent accessory for measuring your latest catch.
Price – Marine coolers with designs capable of extended ice retention are often on the expensive side and the larger they are, the more expensive. That said there are reputable brands like Igloo and Coleman whose models are often cheaper than the other great brands whose coolers are reviewed here.
Warranty – Many of the top models offer extended and even lifetime warranties. If a warranty is not listed in the details at your site of purchase, check with the seller. Chances are there is a warranty.
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