By: Olivia Hudak on February 16th, 2023

The Best Coolers for Boating (Top 6 Brands)

One thing I make sure to never leave behind when I set out for a day on the boat is a cooler. When spending long periods in the sun, you have to have a cooler full of cold drinks to keep you from getting dehydrated. 

Coolers are also necessary if you plan to picnic while out on the boat. A sun-warmed ham sandwich is not good for anyone and that’s exactly why it’s important to have a cooler that will hold up against even the hottest days. Time on the lake is a lot of fun, but only if you’re prepared.

Coolers make boating for long periods possible not to mention enjoyable. Staying hydrated is key and the longer the drinks can stay cold, the better. 

The boat is my favorite spot to picnic so I’m always sure to be prepared for the day. If this sounds like something you’re up for, check out this list of the best coolers for boating.  

1. Yeti

Number one on the list is the well-known Yeti cooler. Yeti coolers have made quite the mark on adventure-seeking people all over the world. It’s likely if you’ve ever looked into purchasing a cooler of your own, you’ve heard of Yeti. 

Yeti has a large selection of coolers from large hard-sided coolers to soft backpack coolers to insulated cups. They even have dog bowls for your four-legged best friends. Whatever kind of cooler you’re looking for, Yeti has it.

Barletta owners have the advantage of using all Yeti products on board because every Barletta is Yeti-Ready. This means that every cup holder you find in the boat will fit a Yeti cup perfectly. 

Barletta also has one series that features in-floor cooler storage that was specifically built to fit the Yeti Hopper Flip 18. This feature is unique to the Lusso series. With this special compartment on the port side stern of the boat, you can easily fit this Yeti cooler inside.

Yeti coolers are a great option for anyone spending lots of time on their boat. The only downside found with the Yeti brand is the prices. Because these coolers are very well made and meant to withstand harsh conditions, they are quite pricey. Keep this in mind when you’re picking out your cooler for the summer.

2. RTIC

Next up on our list of popular boat coolers are RTIC coolers. RTIC coolers have gained popularity in recent years and rightfully so. These coolers come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors.

You can find a wide variety of hard-sided coolers, soft-sided coolers, tumblers, and more. Whatever you need to keep food and drinks cool while out on the water, RTIC has you covered. You can also choose from a variety of different color choices which makes them unique to you. 

These coolers are great for boating and whatever other outdoor adventures you have planned this summer. Since you can find a cooler in several different sizes, likely one will fit perfectly wherever you plan to store it on your boat. You might also be able to match the cooler to your boat, depending on the color. 

RTIC coolers are known for their quality, durability, and affordability. These coolers are a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality cooler without spending a fortune. They will do the trick of keeping your food and drinks cold for the long hours spent on the lake. 

3. Igloo

We’ve found our way to one of the most classic coolers. Igloo has been around for 75 years and there’s a reason for that. These coolers are iconic and can be found in most households from years past. 

Igloo coolers have made a name for themselves in the outdoor space of many different countries all around the world. These coolers are built with high-class technology and a retro design. If you like this idea, an Igloo cooler might be a must-have on your boat this summer. 

These coolers come in many different forms. You can find large hard-sided coolers with wheels and large handles. You can also find soft-sided backpacks and handheld bags for smaller adventures.

We can’t talk about the iconic Igloo cooler without also nodding to the Igloo jug. If you’ve ever attended a sporting event from little league to major league, you’ve seen this jug on the sidelines. It also makes for a great mixed-drink vessel if you’re into that sort of thing.

Whatever you need for your day out on the water, Igloo likely has a solution. The fun thing about Igloo coolers is that there are more designs and colors than many other brands you’ll find. If you want your cooler to be the centerpiece of your boat, Igloo might be the brand to go with.

4. Coleman

Another classic cooler brand is the Coleman brand. Coleman is a company built around camping, the outdoors, and adventures. Boating falls perfectly into this list.

These coolers have a unique look to them that you won’t find with other brands. And, just like the other brands listed above, Coleman coolers also come in many different sizes.

You will find hard-sided coolers and soft-sided coolers in different colors and designs. A Coleman cooler would be a great addition to your boat for the summer. Coleman coolers have a simple, yet clean design to them. Check them out for yourself as they might just be the perfect option for you.

5. Pelican

Now, if you’re looking for a super heavy-duty cooler, Pelican has you covered. These coolers are meant for the most intense adventures. If this sounds like your day on the lake, Pelican coolers are a top option for you.

Pelican offers an array of options for coolers to fit your style. There are large hard-sided coolers and soft-sided coolers as well. The hard-sided coolers come in different sizes and designs. Some have wheels and some don’t. 

The soft coolers are great for on-the-move people who need to pack snacks and drinks. For instance, if you’re an avid boater, these coolers also work perfectly for moving on and off the boat.

If you need a cooler that is durable and built to last, a Pelican cooler might be the perfect option for you. These coolers are a bit pricey but that reflects their durability against whatever you throw at them.

6. Icemule

The final cooler brand to make our list is Icemule. These coolers are unique and serve one particular niche. All of these coolers are soft-sided backpack coolers. These are perfect for on-the-go people.

Though these coolers are only available in backpacks, there are several different colors and designs you can choose from. You can find these cooler backpacks in a range of sizes as well.

The great thing about the backpack cooler on the boat is how easy it is to transport. When you get off the boat, it’s much easier to move than a large hard-sided cooler. It’s very easy to move on and off of the boat at the beginning of the day and the end of the day. 

Icemule coolers are the perfect addition for quick trips around the lake. You can throw a couple of snacks and drinks in there and be set for a few hours. The designs offered are fun and bright which is different from most coolers you’ll find. 

Which Cooler is Right for You?

Coolers are a necessity for long sunny days spent on the boat. They keep your food and drinks cool which is a must on hot days. Staying hydrated should be a top priority. 

Today you can find so many different choices for coolers. It’s hard to know which are the good ones. Lucky for you, this list offers an array of options at all price points and they’re all reliable brands. Whichever kind of cooler you decide to go with, you won’t be disappointed. 

There is a cooler option for every boating adventure so why pick one? Pick out a few for different occasions. For instance, we’ve got our big hard-sided cooler for days when the boat is packed full of people.

We’ve also got our small soft-sided cooler with a shoulder strap for days when it’s just a few of us cruising at sunset. Having a few options is nice because you don’t always have to be lugging around the heaviest cooler out there.