I am looking for a cooler for my nrs e 160. I am considering a used canyon cooler 125. The dimensions are 35x20x20. Most other coolers of similar size are around 40". The width of the boat is 45". The only reason I would go with this model is that it is pretty darn cheap. Has anyone had great experiences with this size cooler, and what would I do with the little extra space on the sides? I feel like it is a great place to have your foot slide into.
I'm in e process of rigging an e150 which has the same listed width. If you look at the specs the e160 is supposed to be 7'9 and the 150 7'2. Both have 21 inch tubes sooooooo width of compartment is off somewhere. I measured my boat and its 45 inches. Just saying either my math sucks or something isn't right
It's a tough tradeoff between cost and size. There are some standard sizes of good quality lower cost coolers (is that an oxymoron?) that would work in the E160. The question you need to ask is if you want to maximize your space and get something that takes up the whole bay.
I would not be as concerned about entrapment - but that's just me. The cooler sits in it's own bay and if you were really concerned about that you could pad it out with some closed cell foam.
RTIC is rolling out a 145q cooler this summer that could fit the bill as well. Just not sure if it will arrive in time for you to take advantage of it.
I have a canyon cooler, but it is the 40" variety. I got it new for a better price than the competition, and it works as good as the competition in my opinion. Hinge is solid. Latches are a little chincy, but there are 4 of them. Drain plug works fine.
As for the extra space, I'd find a water container or rocket box the size of the open space to go next to it.
One worry that I just thought of and would be curious about how other buzzards feel is the distribution of weight. Coolers being very heavy, if it doesn't fit into the space snuggly and can shift from side to side, or if it is snuggly placed but off center and the opposing item is light weight (empty water jug), does this increase the risk of flip?
One worry that I just thought of and would be curious about how other buzzards feel is the distribution of weight. Coolers being very heavy, if it doesn't fit into the space snuggly and can shift from side to side, or if it is snuggly placed but off center and the opposing item is light weight (empty water jug), does this increase the risk of flip?
Good point. I wouldn't say it would increase the risk of a flip unless you have a huge amount of space that allows the cooler to actually completely change it center of gravity from side-to-side.
That being said, this is another excellent reason to ensure that it is braced properly and doesn't shift.
Another risk could also be that a shift of the cooler could allow it to work it's way out of it's strapping - not causing a flip, but initiating a chase of said cooler if and when you do have a flip
I run a cooler with a rocket box next to it under my seat and do the same kind of thing with a dry box and a water jug next to it up front. I oppose the big and small items in each bay to try to keep the weight even on each side of the boat, although I'm not sure that's necessary. When the water jug gets empty I fill it with river water to keep things even.
First question you should be asking would be if that is enough cooler space for length and group size of trips you will be doing. If so, go for it, you will find ways to fill up the space. Second part of this is to measure your actual boat. Rarely do they match up exactly with listed specs. I'm guessing you will find your E160 is 48"+.
If that is the case I would look around at what else is available. Personally I feel the reason for a bigger boat is to carry more crap so I would try to find the largest cooler that will fit well. I would do this by finding one with roughly the same length at the base as the boat width. I'm okay with my cooler hitting tube on either side, some aren't. If you needed the cooler space, I think you could probably fit something like a 222 long in that boat.
I have a Black Rock 150 and love it. It is 40" long so it should fit fine. You can never have too much cooler space in my opinion.
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