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auguste · 02-13-2007, 02:06 PM

Getting two somewhat large below deck coolers made of aluminum

I want to add 1 inch of high grade insulation to the outside of the coolers and then cover it in some sort of epoxy to protect the insulation

Suggestions as to:

- type of insulation to use ?

- type of glue to glue the insulation to the aluminum cooler box ?

- type of epoxy to brush over the insulation ?

THANKS for suggestions

yottyboy · 02-13-2007, 02:30 PM

You asked, so here's my $.02:
Aluminum is a poor material for a cooler, it transfers heat extremely rapidly. I strongly urge using a different material altogether, such as glass/epoxy, which will be far better at keeping in the cool. Secondly, one inch insulation is as good as nothing. You'll need at least four inches. You can use the pour-in-place type or use the 1 1/2 inch rigid blue foam sold at home centers. If you use pour foam, drape the hole with plastic sheeting in case you ever have to remove the insulation. You do not want to have to dig it out of the hull. Put a u-bend in the drain lines to keep the cold from going down the drain.
If you insist on AL then minimize the heat loss with as much insulation foam as you can possibly get around the cooler. I have no idea what the installation issues are, but err on the side of more insulation.
I'd really reconsider the aluminum thing. Really. A lot. Good for frying pans and beer cans, but not in a cooler.

catfoiler · 02-13-2007, 02:59 PM

Do NOT use Al if you really want metal use stainless steel as it doesn't conduct as well. I agree that 1" is very little but I looked at you are in Canada so that is very different than Miami. You can get excellent insulation at 1" with vacuum panels but you must be very careful and have deep pockets. 1 inch vacuum panels is better than 6" of foam.

auguste · 02-14-2007, 05:48 PM

Thanks guys

Looking for another option.

Bullshipper · 02-14-2007, 06:06 PM

The insulation is the key gus, but I believe it's thickness has to be on the ice side to be more effective than it can be on the ambient side.

I disagree about not using aluminum as the outer shell, as it is something that high quality coolers have been made of for years.

Bullshipper · 02-14-2007, 06:10 PM

Insulation only goes so far, as it just preserves ice, but does not bring the weight of the fish down in temperature. I have been thinking of carrying a small bottle of CO2 or Nitrogen gas to achieve this faster, on demand, with no melting in the meantime.

Hard frozen fillets do not require ice to stay hard for a long time, even in cheap igloos.