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Anyone have a good solution for tying down a 128 qt Igloo cooler? I use mine for a transom bench seat w/ the family, and move it to the bow area for a fish box when fishing. I would like to have a clean simple system for securing it to the deck in both locations.
Low profile attachment points in the deck are important so we are not always stepping on them when not in use. Also would like quick removal as I need to get behind it to access the primer bulbs on the transom.
West Marine has a nice stainless kit that uses a toggle, but I have not seen it in person. Any experience w/ that one or other ideas?
before you bolt anything to your deck, get either a cooler mat or some tool box liner. I was going to put tie downs on my leaning post, but the mat works so well that it is not necessary.
the little bases are about the size of 2 or 3 stacked quarters. this is for our cooler in the bow, and we have 2 sets of the little bases. one for the normal cooler set up in front of the console, and one set for mounting a longer cooler in a 'coffin box' style, when we want that configuration.
I did get a non-skid carpet pad (looked the same as the cooler mat, and much less $$. Haven't used it yet, but planned on using it w/ a tie-down. You might be right - just makes me a little nervous not to have things lashed down as we often run in steep short chop 2-4'.
I did get a non-skid carpet pad (looked the same as the cooler mat, and much less $$. Haven't used it yet, but planned on using it w/ a tie-down. You might be right - just makes me a little nervous not to have things lashed down as we often run in steep short chop 2-4'.
Good idea on using both systems....the only time autobaun sees a 2-4 ft chop is when he runs his boat up on the bank of the lake.
I use a pair of $3 orange/rubberized fishing gloves. Toss them down on the deck and then put the cooler on top. It has the same effect as the shelf liner, but the advantage of always knowing where a backup set of gloves are
the little bases are about the size of 2 or 3 stacked quarters. this is for our cooler in the bow, and we have 2 sets of the little bases. one for the normal cooler set up in front of the console, and one set for mounting a longer cooler in a 'coffin box' style, when we want that configuration.
BINGO!
This is what my dealer installed on the front deck of my 27 Contender and is used to secure a 320 quart SSI Monster Cooler in a "coffin box" configuration. Overall worked well - just keep an eye on the turnbuckles and keep them tight.
Steve
Thanks, Drew. That's the one shown in the West catalogue as well, but the pic was hard to see any detail. So it works well for you? The threads in the base don't get clogged w/ sand or salt when not used? How did you attach the base - thru bolt or just screw in w/ adhesive like 5200? Pretty quick to connect/disconnect? Last question - do you like the stainless toggle, or do you think using the T-bolt with a nylon webbing tie-down would be easier?
You've got a great ride there, and I like how you have tricked it out. I also enjoy seeing all the detail in your website. I am hoping one day to upgrade my instruments to the Lowrance net - that looks pretty nice, and your website has the best install pics I have seen to date. Good luck w/ your tourny's.
I need to refresh before posting my replies - thanks for all the feedback. Great input, and I like the rubber gloves idea.
Good luck selling your engines, Steve. That is going to be a great deal for someone out there. I would love to repower w/ 200 e-tecs when the time comes.
no issues with sand and clogging--its not hollow underneath, its a solid piece of SS, as i remember from installation. a blast from the hose would dislodge anything in the threads. ours is screwed into the deck, with plenty of 5200 (our deck is very dense). no issues with the hardware backing out. we're using the turnbuckle style and actually broke a cooler handle by tightening too tight (hardware in the floor is rock solid). the turnbuckles do come loose sometimes. i have tried tightening them with a wrench, and even a little thread tape, but sometimes they will loosen. the t bar thing might be faster to remove/install but i just dont have experience with it.
Got Salt, did you have the other type of 4 mounting blocks on there when you bought the boat? If so, what did you do about the screw holes? I have thought about using the kennedy tie downs but worried about the cooler shifting back and forth but I suppose I could put a thin mat under there to take care of the problem. The mounting blocks prevent any shifting of the cooler and also keeps the coolers bottom off the deck. Finally, the shock cords allow for a little flex in the event you get into heavy weather. I guess there is no perfect solution.
cooler tie-down 
