A Tuna Storage Solution

Mark Mc · 12-05-2002, 01:52 PM

Hey folks, with all the talk about tuna chilling & storage, don't forget a good old-fashioned solution with a modern twist: mega ice chests.
Standard equipment on many commercial boats are the various containers from Bonar Plastics (yeah, Bonar. Let the puns begin).
This one is the smallest, rated at 500 lb capacity or 67 gallons. Dimensions are 44" long X 24" wide X 28" high. It has 1 1/2 inches foam insulation, and a 2 inch screw-in drain plug. Englunds has them for $206. They may be able to offer us a discount if we order enough at one time. Any interest?

Next size up is the 1000 lb job, m/n IB 1745, which goes to 2 inch foam. More specs at:

Bonar Plastics web site

WP · 12-05-2002, 02:23 PM

this looks like it may be the answer! I will look at them the next time I am in New Port!
WP

Threemuch · 12-06-2002, 06:57 AM

Seattle Marine has em for $170.80

fish assassin · 12-06-2002, 07:11 AM

How about this? I contacted Bonar Plastics when they
were out in Tualatin several years ago and ordered up
a couple of the insulated 1/2 totes (24x48 inches).
They sold me "seconds" for less than 1/2 price! On one
tote the handle on the side was slightly screwed up and
the other tote had a *color* problem. They both work
great and hold a lot more fish than a 150qt cooler!

Just for what it's worth ... YMMV.

-assAssin-

Uglygreen · 12-06-2002, 07:13 AM

Assassin & others..

Any more info? I work in Tualatin and would check out the "seconds" and report back if anyone knows where or a pjhone # for this company?

UG

OceanBlue · 12-06-2002, 07:52 AM

Bonar Plastics
6111 S. 6th Way
Ridgefield WA 98642
Toll-free: (800) 972-5252
Fax: (360) 887-2230

web page

[ 12-06-2002, 08:54 AM: Message edited by: Pilar's Mate ]

Miss B Haven · 12-06-2002, 07:57 AM

Assassin - do these things hold up as good/better than a cooler? You would think so but they're cheaper than I remember paying for large coolers so was just wondering what the trade off is. Maybe it's just that color.
Matches UG's boat pretty good though :grin:

I'd go for at least one - especially at 50 %. Not right now though (xmas broke). :depressed:

fish assassin · 12-06-2002, 08:09 AM

Right, Bonar Plastics has moved to Washington ... bummer
for us!! When I bought my 1/2 totes Bonar was still in
Tualatin ... so that gives you a pretty good idea of how
long ago it was! I paid $65 (?) each for them. They hold
up *much* better than coolers! *MUCH* tougher. When
I got mine you could either get them with the built in
pallet slots or not. I got mine without the pallet slots
on the bottom and if I need to move them I just set 'em
on a pallet before loading them. You can save a little
more money by buying them the way I did ... no pallet legs.

If you guys are truley interested in getting some of these,
I would call Bonar and ask about the seconds and see if
maybe they could ship 'em to you. It would probably
be a whole lot cheaper than paying full price at a marine
supply store! (IMHO)
-assAssin-

Threemuch · 12-06-2002, 08:14 AM

Also, they have a whole line of uninsulated boxes, that are cheaper, and some are smaller for you space limited guys.

These are commercial fish totes, an order of magnitude tougher than any cooler. I am thinking I need to get me one in short order.
KB

fish assassin · 12-06-2002, 09:38 AM

Hey Kurt,

You would probably want to be aware that ice does not keep
in those un-insulated totes very well. If you are going
to spend the money, I'd *highly* recommend that you spend
the little bit extra and go insulated!

-assAssin-

pkg40 · 12-06-2002, 12:22 PM

I talked to these guys this summer. They will sell the tote for 199.00. They didn't have any 2nds when I asked and haven't called to let me know they have any (could have forgotten). Were talking a very minimal discount for 2nds. I like the idea of putting together a wholesale sized order and will check into it. If I do get a quote, we can look at taking some orders.

pkg40 · 12-06-2002, 12:37 PM

P.S. - When you are quoting prices make sure to include the lid so it is a valid comparison point.

Popeye · 12-08-2002, 08:18 AM

I've been using these totes for years, they work very well. I added stainless steel hinges to the top of mine.....works better than having to take the top off each time and find a place to set it.

Booja 1 · 12-08-2002, 06:07 PM

Heya Popeye....about how many 20 lb albacore would fit in that size tote you have in your pic..

stainless steel hinges...great idea....thx for the suggestion............Les

WP · 12-09-2002, 03:24 AM

PKG40,
Put me in for one of these if anyone puts in an order, for the insultate version. They look great! I too will use a hinge to attach the lid...such a pain to do the cover scramble. This has been a great topic!
WP

[ 12-09-2002, 04:25 AM: Message edited by: WP ]

Popeye · 12-09-2002, 05:43 AM

Les,
I've had about 30 in them....I have two, and used the second one to store ice in. I've got the new custom job now, but they're so handy ie: dry storage, beer chest, ice storage, etc., I'll probably hang onto them. At the price, compared to Igloo, they're a great deal! I also put stainless handles on the ends to use for tie downs.

Bruce

Booja 1 · 12-10-2002, 07:50 PM

Hey thx alot Popeye for the comeback....30 would be a nice catch anyday.................

WP · 12-20-2002, 06:22 PM

Has anyone considered putting in an order or started one? If not, I will try to get them through Englund's in New Port. Seems that it would be cheaper to go direct, if we can.
WP
:smile:

pkg40 · 12-20-2002, 11:43 PM

I did call Bonar and got quoted 200ea for quantity 10, 220 ea for less than 10. Apparently the price has gone up since I last checked. If Englund is really selling them for 208 each, that looks like a pretty good deal.

Peter

Mr. Fisherman · 12-21-2002, 12:17 AM

Hey! All the sudden I need one. Where is the deal?
I better buy soon.....
Email me if ya like...

Ray

Mr. Fisherman · 01-07-2003, 03:01 AM

So when are we banding together to buy these? Or are we on our own?
I'll have funds in February....
Gotta get one...

Are they stout enough to sit on?

Ray on Sea Lion

Popeye · 01-07-2003, 12:14 PM

WP,
Since you live close by, I would sell or trade one of mine, since I have the new fish box, I really don't need two. I have one that's almost brand new, bought it about two weeks before I decided to build the new box. If you're interested, or anyone else, send me an e-mail.

WP · 01-07-2003, 08:32 PM

Popeye,
You've got mail!

WP

[ 01-07-2003, 09:32 PM: Message edited by: WP ]

Stabiman · 01-07-2003, 09:26 PM

Hey... wait just a minute everyone. I live in Seattle... and I get a discount at SeaMar on many items. If these things are really $170 over there, I'll go and grab a few and bring them down this weekend. Who wants the first 2 or 3? Let me know and then just come and see me at the boat show on Sat. or Sun. at the Stabi-Craft/Sea Sport display.

I will double check prices with them tomorrow and see if my discount applies on the totes. For those who don't get them or need them this time around... I'll be back down to Portland in a few weeks and bring another load of totes with me.

Dan

WP · 01-07-2003, 11:49 PM

I sort of assumed I was on my own :depressed: I hope I was wrong though! Is anyone putting in an order?
WP

Fishplay · 01-08-2003, 04:32 AM

These things may be big and tuff, but there also heavy, 65 to 70 pounds empty. Wow!
Too heavy and too rich for me at $200.00. Might be interested at half that.
Besides I don't plan on keeping more per trip than I can fit in three 150qt Igloos.
Oh well, I if don't get a different or another boat the tuna will have to be within 15-20 miles for me to worry about it anyway!

Stabiman · 01-08-2003, 12:05 PM

Okay, I just spoke w/Mark over at SeaMar about the totes. The 1801 is shorter (doesn't have the pallet base) and costs $171.40 (that includes the lid). No discount on this item... that is the price for everybody.

I can get 2... probably 3 in my truck this trip (sorry... gotta leave some room for the Dog back there). So, do we have any takers here for totes delivered to Portland this weekend?

The only drawback is that as a WA resident... they will ding me for sales tax (8.8%). To avoid that, you could call and pay for it over the phone (ask for Mark) and then just tell them Dan will pick-up on Friday. (800) 426-2783

Cheers

Mr. Fisherman · 07-21-2003, 03:26 AM

Dan, I am ready to buy. Are you still interested in toting it down this way?
Let me know. I would like it by the end of July.
Thanks

BUGLEMAN · 07-21-2003, 08:15 AM

A couple of these totes would be great for the Tiger.

Grain of Salt · 07-21-2003, 09:53 AM

still got a big one for sale in the classifieds...see tuna tote

Robalo Bill · 07-21-2003, 10:38 AM

I'm in for one of these in the 1801, if anyone else is. Where is the best place to purchase? Englunds s out of them, they want $249.00....a posting quoted $171.40...were are these from? I can pickup an order from the Washington factory in Richfield.

Bill