Igloo Ice Cube

[Dan B]

I read about several people using an Igloo Ice Cube cooler on the aft galley seat. Thought I would give it a try to eliminate some of the "crew" discontent from having to constantly get up so someone can get a drink out of the cooler under the aft dinette seat.

The new cooler worked very well until it decided to jump off the aft galley seat and onto the floor after a little gust from the port side. I was afraid of that but thought its' weight would hold it steady. Guess again. I removed the cushion from under it but that was obviously not enough.

How might I keep it in position? Before I start experimenting I thought I would ask since several people use them. It needs to stay put while underway and not be temporarily stored somewhere else. Do I have to do some drilling and install an eyelet and some bungee cord or is there a better way? Maybe some rubber/non skid stuff on the bottom and industrial strength velcro on the sides?

[ALX357]

1) fold down the handle forward behind the support post ,
2) and i installed a stainless steel handle on the fiberglass surface to the aft side of the seat platform, mainly to attach a strap to the cooler's other handle, but the mounted handle does not prevent the seat cushion from being used ( it is right near the edge ) and it provides a hand-hold to help pull yourself out of the aft berth when you need something to grab hold of.
Using these two attachment points, - plus some rubber stick-on pads on the access cover surface, (placed so they are in the access hole and not in the way if you reverse the board for using it with the cushion, or need the surface smooth) - the cooler should stay put.

[Moe]

I've warned about this before here.

I already had some Igloo brand tie-downs with hooks, so I put 4 small eye straps on the aft galley seat, two forward and two aft, with a strap running up and over the cooler handles. I also use a velcro fastener around the forward handle to the galley compression post.

Footman's loops would be a little lower profile and allow nylon straps without hooks to run through them.

IMHO, the lid also needs at least one, maybe two latches to hold it closed and contain the contents in the event of a complete knockdown. You can buy these from Igloo.

[richandlori]

Eyelets, my friend, eyelets.

Also get rid of the bungi cords and use line. I almost lost an eye from a blown bungi and you won't find one on my boat.

Rich

[Greg]

We removed the cushion and installed a rubber non-slip pad before placing the cooler. It helps to keep it in place.
Greg

[Greg]

We removed the cushion and installed a rubber non-slip pad before placing the cooler. It helps to keep it in place.
Greg

[Dan B]

FYI - I went with web strapping up and through each cooler handle. 2 aft, and 2 forward.

Tried West Marine - would have cost me $40-50 for footmans loops, webbing, snap buckles, etc. No way, the cooler only cost me $25. I went elsewhere and got everything I need for less than $20! Including 2-day shipping.

It pays to shop around.

[Kenoten]

I got the cooler...and do pretty will just strapping it to the pole and putting some non-skid underneath it.

I love the size of the cooler...but mine doesn't keep the ice like my other 5-day. It was a hot summer here tho....many days over 90

[ronacarme]

I have an old small drinks cooler that sits on the floor snuggly against the vberth and between the port settee and forward dinette seat. Stays put by itself despite waves, heeling, trailering. Also helps support for port vberth extension cushion at night.
Unfortunately, I suspect it is no longer made ( maybe 1980's vintage), but if it ever dies I would look hard for one similarly sized to fit that location.

[Jedaro]

We have had our igloo Kool Mate 56 on the galley seat for 2 years and have found it far more functional than the MacGregor cooler under the stern seat. We got rid of it after the first sailing trip as it was heavy, awkward to use when we were preparing food and needed an item). We replaced it and used this space for our dry food storage area. We then used 3 soft and hard sided small coolers under the bow seat as well as the area near the galley where we also store our water. We still use one or two small ones in the bow seat when we begin our trips and have lots of fresh vegetables but by far the easiest and most convenient coolers have been the Igloo 56 and a tall narrow Kooltron three way we wedge between the stairs and the battery area. Both are resting on the rubber pads that have been mentioned in previous responses on this thread and both are top opening. This makes accessibility extremely easy when cooking. As well when we are not sailing we can use the 56 or the Kooltron for cold items when on driving trips or hey the 56 is a great patio beer cooler when we have friends over. We have had Jedaro heel over to 40 degrees both ways and the cooler has not shifted much.

Description: (The bracketed items are my additions to the igloo product description). See www.igloocoolers.com for more information
Plugs into 12V utility outlet in your boat. (Or I connect ours to the 120volt power supply when available)/ Deluxe cooling to 44F below outside temperature or warming to 155F. (Its hull on the meat and ice if you dont wear your bifocals and connect incorrectly). The shelf works in either orientation. Multiple shelf guides allow maximum flexibility. Lid gasket assures an airtight seal. (I also use Velcro tabs in both electric coolers in case we forget to fully close lid). Swing-up handles make carrying and lifting a breeze. (Yeah! Try getting a fully loaded one down the steps to the cabin). ((These handles are connected to my non stretch windsurfer car strap which is also wrapped around the galley stanchon for extra stability and cinched as tight as possible. This strap is also used to help anchor the mast when it is in the higher stepped position when motoring through canals and under bridges and power lines. (see mod page)). Thick Ultratherm insulation for extra efficiency. (We begin our trips by cooling the igloo down using power then placing plastic 4 litre orange juice containers with ice. When we begin our trip, if motoring we use the 12 volt power source to continue to cool food, then use igloo as an icebox while sailing and anchoring. I have still had some original ice left after 5 days. When the ice melts it is extra drinking or wash water if needed.) Contains 8-ft. power cord. Easy-access design allows consumer-friendly loading and unloading either in upright refrigerator orientation (with optional power supply) or as an ice chest (we use it only as an ice chest to keep cold air (or any liquid from spills) from flowing out. Removable food tray for extra dry storage. Holds 2-liter bottle upright.
Specifications
Size: 22.94"L x 19.44"W x 23.5"H
Capacity: 56 Qt. (53L)

Good Sailing
Mike and Diane Purdy
Jedaro