Without a doubt, the best type of cooler for a casting platform is a hard sided rotomolded cooler. These are tough durable coolers made for harsh conditions. Rotomolded coolers have large wide flat lids which make a great base for standing.
Advantages of a marine rotomolded cooler vs. a regular cooler casting platform
There are a few key reasons you would need a marine cooler. The most obvious is that regular coolers are not waterproof and will not keep your food and drinks cold in wet environments. Rotomolded marine coolers are also designed to be much more durable and withstand rougher conditions. They have thicker insulation and are often equipped with strong latches and handles to make them easier to transport.
If you’re planning on standing on a cooler, a regular plastic cooler or soft-sided cooler will not hold up. The lids and sides are too flimsy to support much weight and the bottoms are slick. A rotomolded cooler is often fitted with non skid pads that grip the boat deck and prevent slippage.
Yeti coolers as a casting platform vs. everything else
We have to cover yeti coolers because they are the measuring stick when it comes to rotomolded coolers. However, there are tons of cooler brands out now that are just as good if not better, and much cheaper than the premium Yetis. Some other popular choices are RTIC, Orca, Engel and Pelican. Pick the best cooler in your price range with the most features, it may not have a huge following or cool stickers, but it will get the job done.
Things to look for in the best rotomolded marine cooler for a casting platform
Ice Retention
The most important feature of any marine cooler is its ability to retain ice. Look for a cooler that can keep ice frozen for at least five days. Most people don’t need to keep ice that long but if you find a cooler that can, even better.
Size
When looking for a marine cooler, size is an important consideration. You want to find one that is big enough to store all of your food and drinks but not too big that it takes up too much space on your boat. For kayak and micro skiff fishermen, a small Yeti cooler like the 35 quart version or RTIC 45 quart would suffice given the limited amount of deck space.
Durability and Construction
Rotomolded coolers are durable, waterproof and UV-resistant. These are all important factors when it comes to a cooler casting platform. Flush mounted hardware and handles are also something to consider. Flush mounted items will not snag as easily and won’t take up unnecessary space.
Non-slip surface
You’ll want a non-slip surface. This will help keep your cooler in place while you’re casting, and it will also help to keep you from slipping off the cooler. Most coolers like the Yeti feature non skid tops and non slip pads on the bottom. Some anglers also add sea dek to the lids for extra traction and comfort.
Tie down options for casting platform coolers
You want a casting platform to be as secure as possible. While the non slip pads are great, they are no match for a well tied down cooler for stability. Look for a cooler that has holes or opening for tie down straps or braces. The last thing you want is to fall off or tip over a cooler you’re standing on, so play it safe and secure your platform. You may also opt for something like a cooler clamp too.
How to install a rotomolded yeti cooler casting platform
Conclusion
We’ve established the best type of cooler for a casting platform is a hard sided rotomolded cooler. But our hope is we gave you something else to think about when choosing your casting platform cooler.
What’s your choice for a cooler casting platform? Is there a brand you like or other casting platform options you’ve tried? Tell us about it in the comments. Thanks!