Marine Coolers & Ice Chests

Coolers for Boats and Marine Ice Chests Resources and Information

PartsVu carries a complete selection of coolers for boats and marine ice chests to keep your food fresh and your drinks cold when out on the water. We offer both hard marine coolers and soft marine coolers in various sizes to fit your exact specifications and needs. Shop products from trusted marine cooler manufacturers, like Seachoice, Igloo Coolers, Coleman, NorChill, Body Glove, Norcold, and others. 

Looking for more boating and marine products? Check out our complete selection of Products and Accessories or Boating Accessories and Boating Safety Equipment. Or shop our broader category of Galley and Boat Kitchen Equipment and Accessories. You can also shop marine coolers and ice chests by category, including:

• Igloo Coolers 
• Soft-Sided Coolers
• Hard-Sided Coolers 
• Cooler Cushions 
• Cooler Replacement Parts 
• Tie Down Kits & Cooler Accessories 

Marine Coolers and Ice Chests FAQs

Why should I use an Igloo hard cooler on my boat? 

A lot goes into building a cooler, and we’re committed every step of the way. From designing in-house at our Katy, Texas HQ to testing ice retention in our lab (also at our HQ) and out-in-the-real-world experiments for things like testing a cooler’s ruggedness under the hot sun on a boat or its ability to be pulled easily to the beach (shoutout to our roller coolers!).

We include handy features where it makes sense — like built-in bottle openers and cup holders or comfort grip handles and tie-down points — and leave out the bells and whistles on our more minimalistic coolers, but we never, ever throw in something you won’t actually use. And we always focus on providing you with long-lasting cold retention, the whole point of a cooler! Our affordable ice chest designs are thoughtful, intuitive, and reliable because we think of YOU and the adventures you’re planning to take our coolers on. Nothing will ever change that.

What is "Ice Retention" and how does Igloo measure it?

“Ice retention” refers to the cooler’s “level of cooling” measured in how many days it can retain ice. This is tested in controlled laboratory conditions by filling a cooler with a fixed amount of ice, closing the lid, and placing it in a 90-degree Fahrenheit oven to simulate a warm outdoor environment. The cooler’s ice retention level is the amount of time (measured in days) that it takes for the ice to reach 39 degrees and begin to melt.

The way you use your cooler and the conditions you’re in often vary, so the actual cooler performance may be different from our lab results.

How do I keep things in my Igloo cooler cold for longer?

Prior to packing your Igloo, chill or freeze beverages or food items ahead of time. If your contents start off cold, the ice will last longer since it just has to keep the contents cold and doesn’t have to cool them down first.

Your Igloo cooler is an insulated container, and as such, it is an efficient insulator for both heat and cold. If your cooler is stored in a warm location, such as a vehicle trunk, garage, shed, etc., it will absorb and retain the heat from its surroundings. If a cooler stored in a hot environment is immediately loaded with ice, food items, or other goods, the ice will first have to combat the heat built up in the insulated walls and will melt faster. Prior to packing, we recommend that you prechill your Igloo cooler overnight by storing it in a cool place– ideally with a bag of ice inside to help diminish the trapped heat. Minimizing the heat retained in the cooler’s insulation and packing it with prechilled contents will support extended ice retention.

Fill your Igloo cooler with large cubes that are frozen solid – avoid crushed or dripping ice. The use of large ice blocks (or large frozen bottles of water) will help prolong ice retention. During use, find a cool, shady resting spot for your cooler, if possible. Keep it out of direct sunlight to extend your ice life. Avoid opening your cooler more than is absolutely necessary and be sure to close the latches when not in use to lock in the cold. As the ice begins to melt, if feasible, leave the water inside your cooler (feasibility varies with the contents of the cooler) - the cold water keeps the ice chilled longer than the air that replaces it when you remove the water.

Dry ice will deliver maximum ice retention – either by itself or when used in combination with regular ice – but care must be taken when using dry ice. ONLY use dry ice with Igloo’s rotomolded cooler lines (Sportsman & Yukon). The rugged construction and extra thick insulation of your rotomolded Igloo cooler support the use of dry ice. Wear protective gloves to avoid freeze-burns and ensure there is adequate ventilation to release the carbon dioxide gas that will be released during the use of dry ice.

How do I clean my Igloo product? Is it dishwasher/washing machine safe?

Light dirt or stains can be cleaned with water and mild detergent. Clean tougher stains with a diluted solution of baking soda and water. Make sure to thoroughly rinse out all cleaning agents and completely dry the cooler before you store or use it. If the cooler has a drain plug, always store it with the drain plug open so that any trapped moisture can escape. To remove tough stains and odors, wipe the inside of the cooler with bleach (be sure to wear gloves), rinse it thoroughly with water, and let it dry with top open in direct sunlight.

DO NOT machine wash or machine dry your cooler bags because it could damage the heat-sealed seams and let in leaks. Washing machines could potentially cause water to become trapped inside the lining, leading to mold or mildew. Cooler bags should be spot-cleaned with mild detergent and water. To prevent discoloration, it’s best to spot test your detergent in a less noticeable place, like inside a pocket, before applying it to the cooler’s entire surface.

Igloo DOES NOT recommend putting coolers or cooler bags in the dishwasher or washing machine. Water may be forced between the body and liner, causing deterioration and potentially diminishing the cooler’s performance.

Is my Igloo product dry ice compatible?

All rotomolded Igloo coolers (Sportsman & Yukon Lines) are dry ice compatible. The rugged rotomolded construction and extra thick insulation of your rotomolded Igloo cooler support the use of dry ice. Dry ice will deliver maximum ice retention – either by itself or when used in combination with regular ice – but care must be taken when using dry ice. Wear protective gloves to avoid freeze-burns and ensure there is adequate ventilation to release the carbon dioxide gas that will be released during the use of dry ice.

What is Igloo’s warranty policy? 

Igloo Products Corp. warrants its products to be free from defects in material or workmanship under normal use and service from the date of original purchase for the period listed on the chart below. This warranty is your exclusive warranty and there are no warranties that extend beyond the description on the face hereof. Igloo shall either repair the product free of charge or provide you with a replacement product if the product proves defective under the terms of this warranty. The warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser and is not transferable. Dealers, service centers, or retail stores do not have the right to change the terms and conditions of the warranty. Igloo is not responsible for incidental or consequential damage resulting from any malfunction. The warranty shall not apply to any product, or component thereof, which is not returned as stated below and/or which has been:

(1) Damaged through abuse, misuse, or neglect,

(2) Damaged in an accident,

(3) Unreasonable use or used for any purpose not expressly stated in the product manual,

(4) Repaired or altered in any way, including electronic changes from its original configuration. 

Any implied warranties including the implied warranty of merchantability are also limited to the durations indicated below. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state province to province, and country to country. Please carefully review the care instructions for the proper use and care of the product.