Cooler help

brshooter · 08-25-2001, 10:11 PM

I have one of those big 120 qt coolers that I would like to mount on the swim deck of my North River. I just don't trust bungee cords or tiedowns. It doesn't feel secure if I were to encounter much chop. I am looking for someone who can make me up a base that I can bolt to the swim deck to help secure the cooler. I thought it could be made out of 3x5 aluminum angle or something like that. Any recommendations out there for someone on the south west side of town who could or would do a small job like this? Is there an easier way that I am overlooking?

Pirate · 08-25-2001, 11:23 PM

br
I've seen a cooler attachment similar to what you describe. It uses removable pins to hold the cooler on the platform and I could swear it was on a new NorthRiver at the boatshow last year....

Mr. Fisherman · 08-26-2001, 07:09 AM

Ask not want not...

Cabella's

Cabela's Boat Cooler Bracket

Get your cooler out of your way yet easily accessible with our exclusive cooler brackets. These clamp-on brackets fit most boat transoms up to 3-�" thick on either the port or starboard side, with no holes to drill. Lets you mount a cooler off the floor, giving you more space to fish or cruise. But when you need to grab a cold drink or a sandwich the cooler is within easy reach. For boats without livewells these mounts make it easy to use a cooler for your catch as well. Transom-mounted design means your cooler will have a smoother ride. There's even tie-down gimbals on each side of the bracket to let you strap the cooler in place. Durable aluminum bracket with powder-coated finish in your choice of Tan or White. Adjusts to fit most coolers from 48 qt. to 72 qt.
Available colors are listed in the select buttons below.
CABELA'S BOAT COOLER BRACKET
ITEM: OB-01-3950
COLOR: WHITE, TAN
PRICE: $69.99
SALE: $49.99

Sounds a little small for your cooler but it should be easy to modify.

Hope this helps,

Mr. F.

[ 08-26-2001: Message edited by: Mr. Fisherman ]

Fish Hunter · 08-26-2001, 09:57 AM

I planned out some aluminum angle with removable pins. I got the idea from the way North River does it. Which was about 300$ too much money. I have not installed it yet. Been real busy fishing. The rafting staps I am using temporarily are working pretty well. Shoot me an email, we can talk on the phone some more about it if you want to do it yourself. Were you in the same hogline as me last Sat afternoon? Your boat is blue/purple with a yamaha kicker?

boater · 08-26-2001, 10:32 AM

i have no problem using bungee cords, but had a problem not being able to open the cooler when it was stapped down to the back of the boat, i made a standoff that bolts to the boat and works great and now the cooler is strapped all the way around as well as being strapped just down using the handles, if your interested i can send you some drawings of how i made it. just my 2 useless cents worth.

fishchaser · 08-26-2001, 10:42 AM

If you don't mind drilling into the swim platform, STZII has his bolted to the swim platform. He drilled three holes trough the bottom of the cooler into the plattform and than bolted it down with pieces of plastic on the inside of the cooler so he could keep water in it if needed. Than drilled a hole the size of a sink drain on the bottom side and put a sink plug in it so he could drain it when needed.
It you don't want to put holes in the cooler than I would go with the cabella's idea and find a mounting bracket.

brshooter · 08-26-2001, 10:02 PM

Thanks for the ideas's guys. I knew I wouldn't have to re-invent the wheel.

Rippenlips · 08-26-2001, 11:08 PM

I used two big semi-truck rubber hood latches. Two seconds to remove cooler from the boat and it has never come loose. Cost about $20 bucks from NAPA and works perfect. When the cooler is removed it gives the kids something to grab on to when climbing in the boat.
Jon [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Phil Layer · 08-27-2001, 12:48 PM

On my way back from Warrenton on Sunday, I saw a boat with an aluminum cage on the back of his fiberglass that was perfect for holding his cooler. I need one of those for my boat which doesn't have a swim platform. Anybody know where to get one of those?

Mr. Fisherman · 08-27-2001, 01:14 PM

Allnight45,

Click on the cabella's link above. it is linked right to the cooler bracket. Sounds like it would meet your needs. Check it out,

Mr. F.

Phil Layer · 08-27-2001, 02:08 PM

I don't think that one will work for me. I need one that bolts on the outside of the boat. I've got an inboard.