Who uses thier on board cooler as such?

[jtracc]

Hey guys I have a smaller ranger z118 and while there isn't really any shortage of storage I thought it would be convenient to use the cooler in front of the helm as a "day box." I've been using the cooler as such, and never fill it up. Thought I'd pick up a nice small portable cooler like a yeti hopper and keep on the floor when solo and in a box when I have a parter. I don't have cooler on the step which would have been great.

thoughts?

[jc2bg]

Yes. I think you are on the right track.

I’ll edit to elaborate: I can use a day box all year long, but up here a cooler isn’t needed for at least half our fishing season. When a cooler is needed, I need one with better insulation than the on-board cooler has.

[joebone1]

i do. you can put 10lbs of ice in it with your drinks and lunch. i've learned that putting cold drinks in it make the ice last longer.

[greendragon]

I also use the cooler as a day box for terminal tackle ect.

[sabby]

I use my cooler loaded with ice, if it's just me fishing I'll just toss my soft cooler in the cooler.

[strids97]

I don't have an onboard cooler, but my R70 has a front livewell that all the plumbing was disconnected, so I use that as my cooler. Works just as well.

[SoonerFan]

My cooler is a cooler...got to have water and V-8.

[LikeToFish]

I use my cooler all the time as a cooler. I toss a coupe of ice packs in the cooler with our drinks and food and we are good for the day. Never really thought about using it for storage. We use the bait well for storage.

[wmitch2]

It's YOUR Boat, do as you wish !! LOL

[db220]

When I’m alone I usually carry a soft sided cooler which works better. Sometimes I throw an ice pack in the cooler with things that won’t spoil, but it isn’t insulated all that well.
Of course I keep the lines and bumpers in the live wells...

[Lape0019]

I can see the advantages for sure. I’ve never owned a boat with a cooler in it and always hasn’t a soft bag style cooler with me. I’m honestly looking forward to having the cooler in the new boat (Z119c) for those longer days and tournament days.

[MSranger]

I use my cooler on every trip. Z520C

[fishon396]

I use a Coleman stacker and keep it under the console. The lid also has a raised edge so I can put my phone, keys and other items and they don’t slide off.

[cwilt]

my huge port box is always used as a cooler. I am in florida, so i need lots of ice. I dont need another storage box, i will just go broke tryin to fill it.

[jtracc]

It's YOUR Boat, do as you wish !! LOL

Yes it is my boat... thank you

[jtracc]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm kinda stuck on this...
silly I know.

[SoonerFan]

For you guys who say your cooler isn't insulated; here's a tip...

My wife subscribed to that Blue Apron meals in a box that you cook yourself deal. We did it for a month or so and canceled. However, I did salvage one of the liners to the shipping box. It's sort of a bag made from foil covered bubble wrap for lack of a better description. Punched a small hole in the bottom for water to drain out and put it down into the cooler with the ice and drinks etc in it...fold down the top and it will keep most of the ice frozen most of the day. Much better than the uninsulated cooler alone.

[bass806]

I use my built in cooler on my Ranger 491VS on every trip....for a cooler.
But it's a bg boat and I'm not hurting for room, luckily. I think it would make a great day box for you. Go for it

[Mr.Wonderful]

Waiting to bring my boat home but I intend to keep terminal tackle, etc in the cooler as a day box.

[Z518 Comanche]

I use mine as a cooler. I have plenty of other storage.