Want to install a drop in cooler in floor

[griggsmars]

I have a 30' Pontoon boat and would like to install a flush mounted cooler / storage compartment with a hatch in the floor between the pontoons. We could put six packs of beer.. aahh soda in it. Even though it's a pretty big boat, space always seems tight, so if I can get rid of a cooler on deck, it will save me some room. I was thinking around 2' x 3' by about 16" deep. I'm not even sure on the correct terminology on this, but does anyone know where I can purchase a pre-molded compartment / tub like this? The boat rarely gets above wake speed, so I'm not worried about performance. Thanks, Mike

 

[steelespike]

Re: Want to install a drop in cooler in floor

If you do get above no wake speed as you probably realize water and waves beneath can be pretty powerful.And I imagine with a load of people it would be close to the water.Especially near the stern where most of water action occurs.
It would seem a shallower box to store other items would be easier and perhaps replace a seat or seats with a cooler in it instead of storage.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Want to install a drop in cooler in floor

I see two possible problems. It will be subject to a LOT of splashed water when underway, and possible interference with your trailer depending on type.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Want to install a drop in cooler in floor

Since it is also disturbing water flow between the tubes, it will also disturb water flow into the prop so ventilation may be an issue. At even 10 - 15 MPH this thing would get ripped to shreds. This is a bad idea all around. Build one that hangs off the outside of the rail. Make it removable so you can pull it in when moored.

 

[frfly172]

Re: Want to install a drop in cooler in floor

The new benningtons put a compartment in the middle tube on the tri toons to stow whatever.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Want to install a drop in cooler in floor

The compartment wouldn't be an option unless you want to tear the whole boat down, there is a special crossember assembly that lets us do that, we have just in floor strage or you can get that with a center tube also.

I could see making it work with just a cooler though but you would need some kind of a wave deflector which could be as simple a s peice of aluminum at an angle to keep the waves from hitting it straight on and you woul need to put it towards the fronty of the boat.

Maybe have someone run the boat and very carefully lay on the floor and peek under the deck to see where the splash is the least amount and seeif it will work in that area and as Jeepman said, you wouldn't be able to use a scissor trailer anymore.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Want to install a drop in cooler in floor

Flip-flop seats usually have enough room for a cooler as do certain consoles. Does your console have enough room to cut a door into and shove a cooler in there?